Updated: December 3, 2024
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The top car insurance company in Maryland is Erie, known for its comprehensive coverage. It is also best if you're seeking minimum coverage. Progressive takes the lead for families with teen drivers. Both insurers offer tailored policies to suit different customer profiles.
For budget-conscious consumers, MoneyGeek has evaluated the cheapest car insurance in Maryland, prioritizing cost over service quality.
In Maryland, Erie ranks as the best overall car insurance provider with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 and an annual premium of $1,442, while Travelers serves as the runner-up.
Erie is the top car insurance provider in Maryland for minimum coverage, offering an annual premium of $827, renowned for its excellent customer satisfaction and claims handling.
In Maryland, Erie leads as the top car insurance provider for customer service with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, closely followed by Travelers with a score of 79 out of 100, highlighting Erie's superior satisfaction and claims handling scores.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Maryland based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Maryland.
Erie stands out as the best car insurance company in Maryland, with a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. The scores in Maryland range from 92 to 63, illustrating a notable variation within the baseline scoring framework. It's important to remember that scores may differ based on individual driver profiles, and insurers could have varying scores tailored to specific customer needs.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
MoneyGeek scores highlight the importance of customer satisfaction and affordability while also giving considerable weight to claims experience and offered coverages. These metrics indicate an insurer's overall performance, guiding consumers to make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
| Erie | 92 | $1,442 |
| State Farm | 88 | $1,191 |
| Travelers | 83 | $1,335 |
| Nationwide | 83 | $1,312 |
| Progressive | 80 | $1,366 |
| GEICO | 78 | $1,312 |
| Kemper | 68 | $1,677 |
| Allstate | 63 | $2,189 |
MoneyGeek found that Erie offers the best option for the best full coverage car insurance in Maryland. Based on MoneyGeek's comprehensive evaluations, here are the top contenders:
Erie distinguishes itself by achieving the highest satisfaction and claims handling scores, contributing significantly to its standing at the top of the list for full coverage car insurance in Maryland. In a market with a range of companies offering varied costs and service quality, it's clear that Erie leads with a balance of excellent service experience and comprehensive coverage options.
It's important to note that in Maryland, drivers have a selection of insurers providing varied experiences in terms of cost and service. If you are interested in the most budget-friendly options, MoneyGeek also analyzed companies offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Maryland, helping to ensure that you can find coverage that's right for your financial situation.
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers rare coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Ranks No. 2 for key coverages.
Ranks No. 6 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,442.
Does not offer OEM coverage.
Erie leads the pack with a high MoneyGeek score, thanks to perfect satisfaction and claims handling scores. While Erie offers common coverage like rental car and/or travel reimbursement, it lacks roadside assistance coverage, which is a drawback for such a high-ranking insurer. Despite this, Erie provides valuable common coverages such as accident Forgiveness and deductible modification. Its impressive scores for satisfaction (35 out of 35) and claims handling (20 out of 20) make it an excellent option for car insurance.
Erie also offers diverse rare coverages that are widely applicable, ensuring comprehensive protection. Better car replacement, labeled as widely applicable, allows you to replace your totaled car with a model two years newer, granting peace of mind beyond standard insurance offerings. Additionally, its glass deductible modification waives the comprehensive deductible for windshield repairs, a practical benefit given the frequency of such incidents. Similarly, personal property insurance provides added comfort, covering personal items in your car in the event of damage or theft and ensuring you're insuring your vehicle and what's inside it.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Maryland for drivers seeking top-notch car insurance customer service.
Erie stands out with the highest satisfaction and claims handling scores, suggesting a robust and reliable customer experience. Notably, Erie offers its excellent service at a slightly higher price than Travelers, indicating that customers are investing in superior and more consistent service.
In order to stand out in the Maryland car insurance market, it is essential for an insurance provider to display strong performance in customer satisfaction and claims handling. Good customer service is essential for policyholders who rely on their insurance company's support during stressful situations, such as after an accident. Furthermore, a smooth and efficient claims process can significantly impact customer loyalty and the perceived value of a policy. Thus, insurance providers like Erie, who score highly in these domains, set a benchmark for quality and customer trust in the insurance sector.
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Excels in claims handling.
Offers rare coverages like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Common coverages like gap insurance are also available.
Lacks roadside assistance coverage.
High satisfaction and claims handling scores significantly contribute to Erie's impressive MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100. Erie covers the essentials with rental car/travel reimbursement but lacks roadside assistance. Nonetheless, its high MoneyGeek scores indicate it's an excellent option.
Erie offers rare coverages such as better car replacement, glass deductible modification and personal property insurance, which could greatly benefit drivers. Better car replacement ensures that if your totaled car is less than two years old, Erie will replace it without a depreciation deduction. Glass deductible modification often has no deductible for repairs, which is a relief during unexpected incidents. Personal property insurance covers belongings in your vehicle, offering a sense of security against losses. Additionally, Erie's stellar satisfaction score of 45 (out of 45) and claims handling score of 30 (out of 30) echo its commitment to customer service and efficient claims resolution, making it a top choice for insurance coverage.
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Maryland for those seeking top-notch minimum coverage car insurance. Here are the two leading providers:
Erie stands out as the top car insurance company in Maryland, primarily due to outstanding customer satisfaction and claims handling. This provider garners a MoneyGeek score close to perfection, which is indicative of a well-rounded service that excels in key consumer areas. Erie's annual cost is $827 for the minimum insurance required by law in Maryland.
While many insurers offer competitively priced minimum coverage car insurance in Maryland, it is essential to understand the potential pitfalls. Opting for minimum coverage may lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident, as it might not cover all the costs associated with an incident. Thus, while cost savings can be enticing, they come with the risk of insufficient protection.
Offers rare discounts like better car replacement and glass deductible modification.
Ranks No. 1 for customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling, ensuring high satisfaction during claims.
Ranks No. 6 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $827 for minimum coverage.
Erie tops the charts with its exceptional satisfaction (25 out of 25) and claims handling (20 out of 20) scores, contributing significantly to its high MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100. With an average annual premium of just $827, coverage cost is affordable for the average policyholder.
Erie customers can enjoy common discounts for features like airbag installation and anti-theft systems, as well as reasonably rare discounts for anti-lock brakes and legacy. In addition, the company also provides bundling and multiple car discounts. VIN etching and daytime running lights are rare discounts that consumers can get from Erie. This selection emphasizes Erie's dedication to providing a breadth of discounts to its customers. The VIN etching discount is particularly useful for theft prevention, marking the vehicle's identification number in the window to deter thieves. Daytime running lights discount rewards drivers with factory-installed lights designed for improved visibility and safety.
Affordability is another strong suit for Erie, with a score of 34 (out of 40), underlining its competitive pricing in the marketplace. Customers also enjoy robust coverage options (7.5 out of 10) and solid stability (4.3 out of 5), reinforcing Erie's standing as a top choice for consumers prioritizing value and peace of mind.
Driver age significantly affects car insurance rates in Maryland, with variables such as cost, coverage and discounts tailored to different age groups. MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers the best car insurance for teens, with a score of 91 out of 100 and an annual premium of $1581. For young adults, State Farm leads with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 and an annual premium of $1,475. Meanwhile, Erie provides the top coverage for seniors, achieving a MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 and offering an annual premium of $1471. These companies have been identified as the respective winners for offering value that meets the specific needs of each age category.
Best for Teens: Progressive
Best for Seniors: Erie
Best for Young Adults: State Farm
MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the best option in Maryland for car insurance for teens, offering both competitive rates and strong customer satisfaction.
Progressive stands out for its high MoneyGeek score and excellent balance of customer satisfaction, affordability and claims handling. For those seeking cheap car insurance for a teen in Maryland, Progressive offers an annual premium of $1,581 for a teen policy. Note that adding a teen to a family policy is more affordable than getting their own policy.
Car insurance for teens in Maryland and other states is typically more expensive due to the higher risk associated with insuring inexperienced drivers. Teens are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, which increases the risk for insurers and consequently raises the premiums to mitigate that risk.
Offers distant student and good student discounts.
Ranks No. 2 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,581.
Offers rare coverage: custom parts coverage.
Ranks No. 4 for customer satisfaction,
Ranks No. 3 for claims handling.
Missing driver's education discount.
Progressive leads the pack with a robust MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 thanks to extraordinary satisfaction (33 out of 35) and full marks in coverage (10 out of 10), assuring customers of comprehensive protection and high contentment. Notably, Progressive caters to young drivers with both good student and distant student discounts — a bonus for families with teens.
Young drivers can benefit from Progressive’s good student discount, rewarding academic excellence with lower premiums. The distant student discount is perfect for those studying away from home, lessening the financial burden on their families. Furthermore, Progressive’s custom parts coverage can protect investments in enhancements to your vehicle, making it invaluable for those who personalize their cars. These carefully designed coverages and discounts exemplify Progressive’s commitment to meeting diverse customer needs.
MoneyGeek found that Erie, with its top-ranking MoneyGeek score, is the best option in Maryland for seniors seeking car insurance. Senior drivers looking for a reliable provider should consider the following two insurers:
Erie stands out mainly due to its excellent satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are significant contributors to its overall performance. The annual cost for a senior's policy from Erie is $1,471. Although the rate is higher than those in their midlife, it exemplifies value for money, especially for those seeking quality coverage and service. For seniors in Maryland aiming to balance cost with service, finding cheap car insurance for a senior is still possible.
It's worth noting that in Maryland and other states, car insurance for seniors is not always more expensive than for middle-aged adults. MoneyGeek's analysis uses the rates for individuals in their 60s, although it is natural for premiums to increase slightly for seniors in their 70s and 80s.
Offers rental car and travel reimbursement coverage.
Ranks No. 1 for customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 5 for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,471.
Erie Insurance ranks exceptionally high with perfect satisfaction (35 out of 35) and solid affordability (26 out of 30). Erie offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement but not roadside assistance. Despite this, its high scores in other categories assure a robust service offering. The company's average annual premium is $1,471.
Erie's rental car and/or travel reimbursement ensures that customers are not stranded after an accident and can continue their travels without hassle, an especially useful feature for seniors who require extra assistance. Its coverage score of 8 (out of 10) reflects a commitment to providing practical and diverse options. Erie offers a rare senior driver discount to help lower premiums, acknowledging the experience that comes with age. Erie’s inclusivity of such a reasonably rare discount further demonstrates its dedication to catering to a wide range of customers, making it a top choice for insurance needs.
MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the best option in Maryland for car insurance geared toward young adults.
State Farm is notable for its combination of strong customer satisfaction and affordability. MoneyGeek's data for drivers in their 20s indicated that factors such as satisfaction, affordability and claims handling play significant roles in its scoring, with State Farm excelling in these areas. For a young adult seeking car insurance in Maryland, the annual cost of a policy with State Farm is $1,475. When looking for cheap car insurance for a young adult in Maryland, it's important to note that premiums tend to be higher compared to older age groups.
Like in other states, young adults in Maryland generally face higher car insurance rates due to their lack of driving experience and the higher statistical likelihood of filing a claim. Insurers mitigate the associated risks by setting premiums higher for this demographic.
Ranks No. 2 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 2 for cost, with an average premium of $1,475 for full coverage.
Offers good student, distant student and driver's education discounts.
Ranks No. 4 for claims handling.
State Farm's leading MoneyGeek score is bolstered by outstanding satisfaction and strong claims handling, solidifying its position as a top choice for insurance needs. Catering to young drivers, State Farm offers all the sought-after discounts such as good student, distant student and driver's education. These discounts are particularly beneficial for students looking to economize. The company maintains the two most common car insurance coverages — roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement — noting completeness in essential services.
State Farm stands out with its roadside assistance, which includes up to one hour of mechanical labor at the breakdown site, towing to the nearest repair location, and more, ensuring prompt help when needed. Rental car and/or travel reimbursement is another highlight, covering rental expenses while your car is being repaired and alleviating the inconvenience of vehicle downtimes. These practical benefits underscore State Farm's comprehensive coverage options, seamlessly blending utility with reliability for an overall MoneyGeek score of 86 (out of 100), satisfaction (34 out of 35) and claims (11 out of 20).
MoneyGeek found that Erie is the best option in Maryland for drivers with driving offenses, securing the highest MoneyGeek score among all considered car insurance companies.
Erie stands out primarily due to its exceptional satisfaction and coverage scores, which indicate strong customer satisfaction and a range of insurance options. Its high claims handling score contributes to its top placement, reflecting an efficient and user-friendly claims process. The data incorporated by MoneyGeek includes information from drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. Erie offers the best annual rate for a driver with offenses in Maryland at $1,803. However, to get cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in Maryland, you will likely pay more than drivers without offenses who are also older and typically seen as less risky.
It is often more expensive to acquire car insurance in Maryland and elsewhere following a driving offense such as a ticket, at-fault accident or DUI. Insurance companies regard such drivers as high-risk and are statistically more likely to file a claim, leading to higher premiums to offset this risk.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 1 for customer satisfaction.
Offers rental car/travel reimbursement and accident forgiveness.
Ranks No. 5 for cost, with an average premium of $1,803.
Erie stands out with top satisfaction and high affordability, contributing significantly to its stellar MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. This company is equipped with essential coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement, accident forgiveness and better car replacement, making it an ideal choice for drivers with a poor record. With an average annual premium of $1,803 and an affordability score of 26, Erie presents a budget-friendly option for those with driving offenses.
Erie's coverage options can greatly benefit drivers with a history of accidents. With better car replacement coverage, known as auto security, you may be eligible for a model two years newer if your new car is totaled. Accident forgiveness is particularly advantageous, as drivers won't see a premium increase following their first at-fault accident after three years without claims. Moreover, the rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage provides assurance during car repairs. Erie's commitment to customer service is reflected in its perfect score of 35 (out of 35) for the satisfaction category. These offerings, coupled with strong claims handling and overall stability, help position Erie as an insurance provider that adds value for drivers needing robust protection and peace of mind.
MoneyGeek found that Travelers is the best option in Maryland for drivers with a new car seeking car insurance.
Travelers distinguishes itself not just by its outstanding MoneyGeek score but also because MoneyGeek filtered out insurers lacking coverage options critical for new vehicles, such as new car replacement and better car replacement. The highest contributors to the MoneyGeek score are customer satisfaction, affordability, claims handling, available coverages and financial stability.
For drivers in Maryland, particularly those with a new vehicle, an annual premium of $1,335 from Travelers could mean substantial savings in the unfortunate event of an accident. Though premiums might be higher, insurers offering new or better car replacement can offer peace of mind to customers. These coverages can cover the cost of a brand-new vehicle rather than the depreciated value — a crucial consideration when your car is newer.
Ranks No. 2 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Leads in affordability, ranking No. 1; with a $1,335 annual premium for full coverage.
Offers new car replacement, enhancing value for new car owners.
Does not offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage.
Travelers excels with top marks in affordability and claims handling, significantly contributing to its impressive MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. Travelers provides exceptional value for drivers with new vehicles by offering optional new car replacement coverage. With a competitive average annual premium of $1,335, Travelers stands out as a cost-effective choice for many drivers.
Travelers' Premier New Car Replacement® coverage grants drivers the ability to replace their totaled new car with a brand new model. This coverage is particularly beneficial as it counters the swift depreciation new cars face once driven off the lot. Additionally, customers have access to common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, ensuring they are supported in the event of an incident. With coverages like accident forgiveness and gap insurance, Travelers arms drivers with a comprehensive shield against many of the financial risks associated with accidents and car ownership.
MoneyGeek found that USAA is the best option in Maryland for car insurance tailored to military members, with a compelling blend of affordability and comprehensive coverage. However, let's recognize the commendable performance of the following providers as well:
USAA stands out from the competition with its high MoneyGeek score, which appreciates service quality and value for money. It achieves a score of 88 out of 100, with the balance of a high satisfaction score and the most affordable annual premium of $875. Note that USAA's services are exclusive to current and former military members and their families. If your priority is finding the cheapest car insurance in Maryland for military drivers, USAA offers an attractive combination of price and quality service that caters to your specific needs.
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling, ranking No. 1.
Leads in affordability, ranking No. 1; average annual premium is $875 for full coverage.
Offers common coverages like roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement
Ranks No. 2 for key coverages.
USAA leads with exceptional satisfaction (35 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30) scores, elevating its overall MoneyGeek Score to 88 out of 100. Catering exclusively to military families, both active-duty and retired, USAA maintains an average annual premium of $875.
USAA provides various valuable car insurance coverages, including accident forgiveness, which rewards five accident-free years by not raising your rates after one at-fault accident — a benefit for safe drivers. Additionally, its rental car and/or travel reimbursement covers the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered claim, ensuring mobility isn't compromised. Moreover, roadside assistance offers peace of mind with services like towing and jump-starting your vehicle, addressing emergency needs on the go. These coverages support customers' crucial needs, enhancing the USAA insurance experience.
In Maryland, the finest car insurance providers blend affordability, financial stability and a history of exceptional service. MoneyGeek has thoroughly assessed these factors to help you make an informed decision. However, if you prefer to conduct your own research, we recommend following these four steps:
Exceptional customer service is vital for a car insurer in Maryland, ensuring prompt and fair handling of claims. Consumers should assess insurers using independent data from resources like JD Power and the NAIC. Erie stands out in Maryland with a MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100, boasting the highest customer satisfaction (45/45) and claims (30/30).
Comparing car insurance quotes in Maryland can lead to significant savings without compromising on service quality. You should conduct your own research to determine the most cost-effective options based on your unique profile. MoneyGeek's findings reveal Erie as the top choice for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $827.
The coverage options provided by car insurers are crucial to meet driver needs. Consumers need to research and identify insurers offering the necessary coverages. According to MoneyGeek's analysis, Travelers, Nationwide, Progressive and Allstate offer comprehensive options, each scoring a perfect 10, indicating the availability of key coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance, and OEM coverage.
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating is essential to minimize the risk of claim payment issues. Research is key in identifying financially robust companies. MoneyGeek's analysis awards perfect stability scores of 5 to Travelers, State Farm and GEICO, each reflecting an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best and ensuring superior reliability in fulfilling claims.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Erie is the best for cheap car insurance in Maryland, with an annual premium for a minimum coverage policy at $827 and a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100. While minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they offer less protection than full coverage policies. You can still find affordable full coverage options by comparing quotes from various insurers.
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.
