Updated: December 19, 2024
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Your driver profile and needs determine the best car insurance company for you. Based on our analysis of auto insurers in Baltimore, Progressive is the best option overall, for cheap policies, young adults, teens and seniors. Erie is ideal for customer service and motorists with violations. If you have a new car, we recommend Travelers.
We also analyzed Baltimore’s cheapest car insurance providers to help you save money.
In Bakersfield, GEICO stands out as the best full coverage car insurance provider, offering an excellent balance of affordability and customer satisfaction with a MoneyGeek score of 73 out of 100 and an annual premium of $949.
For military-affiliated drivers in Bakersfield seeking full coverage car insurance, USAA stands out as the best provider with a high MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, offering tailored services and benefits uniquely suited to the military community.
In Bakersfield, GEICO is the top insurer for minimum coverage due to its MoneyGeek score of 78 and affordability at $342 per year, while Progressive, with a score of 67 and annual premium of $448, offers a balance of service and cost as well.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We assessed the leading car insurance companies in Baltimore using our unique evaluation system. Our rankings were determined using information from the Maryland Insurance Administration and Quadrant Information Services.
MoneyGeek’s analysis shows that the best auto insurance providers in Baltimore are:
Progressive scored well for affordability and coverage options. It allows you to get extensive protection for your car without breaking the bank.
With a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100, USAA is another top provider in Baltimore. However, it’s only available for military families.
Erie ranks as the top car insurer in Maryland that is widely available, indicating that location can impact the best insurer.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
Offers affordable policies
Wide range of add-on coverages
Has custom parts and equipment coverage, accident forgiveness and gap insurance
Lackluster claims management
No new car replacement or airbag reinstallation coverage
Progressive is the best overall car insurance provider in Baltimore. With its affordable premiums and comprehensive range of optional coverages, the company stands out among the insurers in the city.
One of Progressive’s unique offerings is custom parts and equipment coverage. This protects after-market accessories added to your car, such as a stereo, navigation system or custom wheels, with a $5,000 limit for repair or replacement. This coverage can be useful for insuring unique or expensive modifications to your vehicle.
Additionally, if you're a loyal Progressive customer with a clean driving record, you might be eligible for automatic accident forgiveness coverage in your policy. This insurance prevents a rate increase following an accident.
You can also add gap insurance to your policy. This pays the difference between the value of your vehicle and the amount of your outstanding car loan.
MoneyGeek reviewed eight insurance providers in Baltimore and determined that Progressive is the best overall. At $915 per year, it offers the cheapest rates in the city, and it also provides several useful add-on benefits.
Although Erie outperforms Progressive when it comes to customer service, the former is also much more expensive at roughly $1,677 per year. Progressive delivers a good customer experience at a substantially more affordable price.
The rates in this category are for a full coverage insurance policy. To be eligible for a MoneyGeek score, a company must meet all of our individual scoring criteria.
| Progressive | 74 | $915 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Erie | 66 | $1,677 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Travelers | 62 | $1,508 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| GEICO | 58 | $1,577 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Allstate | 50 | $1,768 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Nationwide | 47 | $1,935 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| State Farm | 46 | $2,087 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Kemper | 35 | $1,538 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
If you're looking for car insurance companies in Baltimore that offer top-notch customer service, regardless of the price, these are the top choices for you:
Erie surpasses the competition thanks to its remarkable customer service and efficient claims handling. It's among the more expensive options, implying that you'll have to pay a higher premium for superior service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Exceptional customer service
Superb claims handling
Offers personal property and Auto Security coverage
Lacks common add-on coverages
If you prioritize customer service when selecting a car insurance provider in Baltimore, our top choice is Erie. It offers outstanding customer service and effective claims management, ensuring a positive experience for its customers.
It also offers useful riders that can enhance your policy. For example, you can get personal property coverage, a unique add-on that covers the loss or damage of your personal belongings inside your car. It extends to items such as your clothing or luggage and has a maximum limit of $350.
Meanwhile, Erie’s Auto Security is a rare rider that guarantees the replacement of a totaled new car with the newest model year, as long as it has been owned for less than two years. If you’ve owned your car for more than two years, the coverage still ensures you’ll get a replacement model that’s two years newer, offering added reassurance.
When experiencing roadside emergencies or vehicle breakdowns, a car insurance provider with outstanding customer service can significantly reduce your stress levels. Efficient claims handling and prompt responses to policyholder concerns are essential.
Erie is our top choice for car insurance in Baltimore due to its exceptional customer service and claims management scores from J.D. Power. It’s worth noting that Erie does not offer some of the optional coverages commonly found with other providers.
The top car insurance companies in Baltimore based on affordability and service quality for policies that meet Maryland's minimum coverage requirements include:
A minimum coverage policy may not give you sufficient coverage, but it could save you money in the short term. It won't provide coverage for damages to your car, so you might have to pay for these expenses.
Maryland state law requires drivers to have at least the minimum required coverage, regardless of the city they reside in.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $579 per year
Discounts for online sign-ups, automatic payment and bundling
Top-notch customer service
Below-average claims management
No airbag or anti-theft system discounts
Progressive emerges as the best affordable car insurance provider in Baltimore. It offers the lowest rates in the city at $579 per year for minimum coverage while maintaining an excellent reputation for customer service. With Progressive, you can get low prices without having to compromise service quality.
This provider offers various discount opportunities that you can use to further lower your insurance costs. Like most insurers, it offers savings for automatic payments and motorists insuring multiple cars or bundling various Progressive products.
In addition, Progressive lets you get a discount if you’ve originated your quote online or signed up for an online offer. Being continuously insured will also result in savings, as will being a homeowner or paying in full.
Cheap rates and quality customer service are two essential components of a good minimum coverage insurance policy. Many insurance providers fail to deliver both.
Progressive offers a balance of affordable rates and excellent service. Although other companies have better claims management and customer service, Progressive provides the best balance of service and cost.
These are the best car insurance providers for young adults in Baltimore:
Progressive stands out for its low rates and comprehensive coverage options. This makes it an excellent choice for young adults who typically pay higher premiums than older drivers and need more extensive protection.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
Offers the cheapest premiums in the city at $1,093 per year
Top-notch customer service
Has good and distant student discounts
Subpar claims management
Progressive is MoneyGeek’s pick as the top car insurance provider for young adults in Baltimore. You can get the cheapest rates in the city from this provider as well as a wide range of add-on coverages. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to save on your premiums and have added protections on your policy.
This insurer offers discount opportunities that you can use to bring down your insurance costs. You can get savings if you’re a student that’s 100 miles away from home and doesn’t have a car at school. You can also get a discount if you have an average of “B” or higher.
Beyond those discounts, Progressive offers several useful add-ons that you can include in your policy. One of its unique riders is its custom parts coverage, which covers the after-market accessories added to your car, such as a stereo, navigation system or custom wheels, for up to $5,000.
As a young adult searching for car insurance, it’s a good idea to prioritize affordable rates, relevant coverage options, discounts geared towards younger drivers and a positive customer service experience.
Progressive is our top choice in this category due to its extremely competitive rates and comprehensive coverage choices. Its customer service is highly rated, making it an all-around great choice for young drivers.
Based on our analysis, these are the best car insurance providers for teens on a family policy:
Progressive offers cost-effective rates and an extensive range of additional coverage options. These are beneficial since young drivers tend to have higher premiums and are more prone to accidents.
Opting for a family plan to insure your teenager is generally more cost-effective than purchasing an individual policy. In Baltimore, this can save you around $3,333 annually.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
Offers the lowest premiums at $2,346 per year
Discounts for good and distant students
With a wide selection of add-on coverages
Lackluster claims management
Progressive is the best car insurance company for Baltimore teens. It offers the most affordable premiums in the city and has several useful coverages, making it a great choice for parents looking for savings or added protections for their teens.
This insurer offers discounts that can reduce your premiums even more. It gives discounts to students who have a “B” or higher average. If your teen is studying 100 miles away from home and does not have a car at school, you can also get a discount.
Moreover, Progressive has several riders that you can add to your policy. Its gap insurance helps pay off your auto loan if your car is totaled or stolen and the payout from your standard insurance coverage doesn't cover the remaining amount owed on the loan.
When searching for car insurance for teen drivers, it's important to prioritize companies that offer affordable rates, quality customer service and discounts and coverage tailored to young drivers.
In Baltimore, Progressive is a standout option for car insurance with its affordable rates and useful coverage options. It delivers a well-rounded policy, providing better value for your money compared to its pricier competitors. The runner-up, State Farm, is better for service.
MoneyGeek’s analysis found that the best car insurance providers for seniors in Baltimore are:
Progressive is the top pick for car insurance for senior drivers in Baltimore due to its affordability and coverage options.
Car insurance rates for drivers in their 60s are typically similar to the rates of motorists in their 30s through 50s, but insurance costs tend to rise as seniors enter their seventies. It’s wise to shop around and compare offers to find affordable rates.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
The cheapest premiums in the city at $976 per year
Excellent coverage options
Custom parts, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverage is available
Below-average claims management
Based on our research, Progressive offers the best car insurance for seniors in Baltimore. This provider offers low rates and various add-on coverages, making it stand out from its competitors.
The insurer lets you get roadside assistance coverage. This add-on helps pay for the cost of certain repairs or towing services when your vehicle breaks down due to issues such as mechanical or electrical problems, dead battery, flat tire, lock-out or running out of gas.
Rental car reimbursement coverage is another optional coverage from Progressive. It covers the cost of a rental car while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
Progressive does not offer senior-specific discounts, which some other insurers offer. Given its affordable rates, this isn’t too much of a problem.
Older drivers are generally safe on the road, but they are at a higher risk of sustaining injuries in accidents. We suggest seniors look for auto insurance policies that provide personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage. They can also benefit from discounts specifically designed for older adults to reduce their rates.
We choose Progressive as the best option for older drivers in the city since it offers affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage options.
The following are Baltimore’s best auto insurance providers for drivers with a bad record:
Erie is our top pick for car insurance if you have a driving violation due to its combination of cheap rates and excellent customer service.
The severity of your driving violation can have a significant impact on your insurance rates. In Baltimore, rates can increase by $373 annually for those with a speeding ticket vs. $859 annually for those with a DUI.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
One of the cheapest options in the city at $1,911 per year
Offers personal property coverage
Superb customer service
Missing common riders
If you have a driving violation, MoneyGeek recommends Erie as the top car insurance provider in Baltimore due to its affordable premiums of $1,911 per year and excellent customer service.
While it lacks add-on coverages typically found from other providers, Erie has a number of unique riders that you can add to your policy. It offers personal property coverage as an optional coverage. This pays for the loss or damage of personal belongings like clothing or luggage inside your car, with a maximum limit of $350.
Erie offers ways for policyholders to save money, like automatic payments and pay in full discounts. These are opportunities that anyone should be able to take advantage of, regardless of their driving history, and allows those with poor records to save money.
If you have a poor driving record, it's recommended that you search for an auto insurance provider that offers affordable rates and multiple discounts. These factors can help you reduce your car insurance costs, which are expected to be higher compared to someone with a clean record.
According to our research, Erie is the top choice for drivers in Baltimore who have driving offenses because of its affordable rates and exceptional customer service.
The best car insurance provider for new cars in Baltimore comes from:
Travelers offers affordable premiums and a wide range of add-on coverage options.
Our scoring was based on quotes and service quality for drivers with a 2022-model car. We limited our options to providers offering new or better car replacement coverage. This pays for the cost of a brand-new car of the same make and model if yours is totaled in a covered accident.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Has the cheapest premiums at roughly $1,423 per year
Offers new car replacement coverage
Has various add-on coverage options
Mediocre customer service
Lacks original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Travelers is the top auto insurance provider for new car owners in Baltimore. It offers the most affordable premiums in the city and a comprehensive range of add-on coverages to safeguard your investment.
Travelers offers Premier New Car Replacement® coverage, which sets it apart from other providers. This coverage guarantees a new car of the same make and model if your car is declared a total loss within its first five years, allowing you to keep enjoying the benefits of driving a new car even after an accident.
Additionally, Travelers provides gap insurance as an add-on coverage for those who finance or lease their vehicle, offering protection in case of a total loss. This coverage pays the difference between the actual value of your vehicle and any remaining balance on your loan or lease.
When shopping for car insurance for a new vehicle, it's important to look for companies that offer new or better car replacement coverage. These can save you money if your new car is involved in a covered accident.
Travelers is the best option in Baltimore since it offers both affordable rates and comprehensive coverage options, including new car replacement. While Allstate has slightly better customer service, Travelers performs better overall in all other areas.
When searching for the best auto insurance provider in Baltimore, it's important to evaluate factors such as cost, customer satisfaction, claims processing and financial stability. While our rankings can provide a helpful starting point, conducting your own research can also be beneficial.
To get started, consider the following steps.
We researched the best car insurance providers in Baltimore, taking into account factors such as cost, customer satisfaction, claims processing and financial stability. You can supplement this research by analyzing J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios.
Consider visiting the Maryland Insurance Administration website since that information is gathered on the state level.
For a general idea of your car insurance expenses, it's recommended to gather quotes from a minimum of three auto insurance providers. It's important to note that the average premiums listed by MoneyGeek are based on a typical driver. Your final insurance costs may vary depending on factors like your age, location and driving record.
It's crucial to confirm that an auto insurance provider offers the coverage options and discounts you need in your location. Some companies may advertise certain discounts or coverage options on their website, but they may only be available in select regions. To verify that you're getting the best deal, contact the company directly.
It’s recommended to check the financial strength ratings of auto insurance providers to find a suitable one for you. These ratings indicate the insurer's ability to pay claims in different economic conditions. Generally, larger insurance companies are considered more financially stable, while smaller regional ones may have difficulties meeting claims.
The best car insurance in Baltimore will depend on your needs. We answered some frequently asked questions about car insurance to help you find the best option for your situation.
With a MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100, Progressive is the best car insurance provider in Baltimore. With its affordable annual premiums of approximately $915 and extensive coverage options, this auto insurance provider is a great choice for most drivers. It's also suitable for those looking for budget-friendly policies, young adults, teenagers and seniors.
Progressive stands out as the best cheap car insurance company in Baltimore, offering minimum coverage policies at approximately $579 per year. It has received a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 due to its affordability and add-on coverage. Progressive stands out as the overall best in our research, and it’s also our preferred insurer for young adults, teenagers and seniors.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
