Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide

Maryland’s roads, from the congested I-95 corridor to the scenic routes of the Eastern Shore, are as diverse as the state itself. While Maryland law is strict about insurance requirements, nearly 14% of drivers in the state are estimated to be uninsured. In a state that follows a “contributory negligence” rule—where being even 1% at fault can block you from recovering damages from another driver—having your own robust Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy is not just a suggestion; it is a financial necessity.

In Maryland, Uninsured Motorist coverage is mandatory. Every policy issued must include it, and for many drivers, the new “Enhanced” options available in 2026 provide a way to bypass old “offset” rules that used to limit how much you could actually collect.

Ready to move forward? Use www.autoinsuranceplans.com to compare quotes from trusted local auto insurance companies so you can secure a policy with confidence.

Get My Free Quote

What This Service Includes

Maryland is unique because it requires coverage for both your physical injuries and your vehicle’s repairs within the UM framework.

What is typically included

• Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation for you and your passengers if an uninsured driver is at fault.
• Property Damage (UMPD): Unlike many states, Maryland mandates UMPD. This pays to fix or replace your car if it is damaged by an uninsured driver.
• Lost Wages & Pain and Suffering: UMBI provides compensation for the income you lose while recovering and for the physical/emotional trauma of the accident.
• Hit-and-Run Protection: Maryland treats hit-and-run accidents as uninsured motorist claims. UMPD will cover your car repairs in a hit-and-run, usually subject to a state-mandated deductible.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): While separate, Maryland requires $2,500 in PIP (unless waived) which acts as the “first payer” for immediate medical costs before UM kicks in.

What is usually extra or not included

• Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM): This is the “stacking” option. Standard UIM only pays the difference between your limits and the other driver’s. EUIM allows you to add your limits on top of theirs.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: UM/UMPD does not automatically provide a rental car; you generally need a separate “Loss of Use” endorsement.
• Diminished Value: While Maryland allows UM claims for the loss in your car’s resale value after a wreck, this often requires specific documentation and a separate appraisal.

Average Cost Overview

Maryland is one of the more expensive states for auto insurance, with average premiums roughly 15% higher than the national average. However, the mandatory nature of UM coverage means it is a standard part of every “minimum” quote.

What Drives the Range

The “Basic” cost represents the Maryland minimum (30/60/15). Rates in Baltimore are significantly higher (often double) than in Salisbury or Frederick due to higher accident and theft rates. Opting for Enhanced (EUIM) coverage—which became the “default” choice in recent years unless you opt out—will increase your premium by roughly 10% to 15% but provides significantly more protection.

Ready to move forward? Use www.autoinsuranceplans.com to compare quotes from trusted local auto insurance companies so you can secure a policy with confidence.

Get My Free Quote

Key Cost Factors

• Contributory Negligence Rule: Because Maryland is one of the few states where any fault on your part can bar you from a liability claim, UM coverage is often the only way a driver can get paid. This high utilization rate keeps Maryland UM premiums elevated.
• UMPD Deductible: By Maryland law, the deductible for an Uninsured Motorist Property Damage claim is capped at $250. Even if you have a $1,000 deductible for regular Collision, your UM deductible stays low.
• Enhanced vs. Standard: Choosing the “Enhanced” (EUIM) option allows for stacking. This means if you have $50,000 in coverage and the other driver has $30,000, you have $80,000 total. Under the “Standard” option, you would only have $50,000 total.
• Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Maryland allows insurers to use your credit history to help set rates, which can drastically swing the price of your policy regardless of your driving record.
• PIP Waiver: You can lower your premium by waiving PIP for yourself and resident family members, but this removes your immediate $2,500 medical safety net.

Ways to Save Money Without Cutting Corners

• Compare Quotes Often: In 2026, GEICO and Erie Insurance have consistently offered some of the most competitive rates for Maryland drivers. Use autoinsuranceplans.com to see who is winning the price war this month.
• Evaluate UMPD vs. Collision: If you have an older car, you might choose to skip Collision but keep the mandatory UMPD. This ensures you are still protected if an uninsured driver hits you, without the high cost of a full collision policy.
• The “Full PIP” Discount: Surprisingly, keeping PIP can sometimes save you money on the back end by preventing small medical claims from turning into expensive, rate-hiking UM claims.
• Safe Driver & Affinity Discounts: Maryland insurers offer deep discounts for government employees, military, and members of certain professional organizations.

Common Mistakes and Red Flags

• The “Offset” Trap: If you choose “Standard” UIM instead of “Enhanced,” and you carry the same limits as the at-fault driver (e.g., 30/60), you effectively have zero underinsured protection.
• Failing to File a Police Report: For a hit-and-run to be covered under your UM policy in Maryland, a police report is almost always required. Waiting more than 24 hours can lead to a claim denial.
• Contributing to the Accident: If a Maryland insurer can prove you were even slightly at fault (e.g., you were going 5 mph over the limit), they may try to deny your UM claim based on the state’s contributory negligence laws.
• Thinking UMPD is Optional: It is mandatory in Maryland. If an agent tells you they can “remove it” to save money, they are likely mistaken or referring to Collision coverage instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Uninsured Motorist coverage mandatory in Maryland?

Yes. You must carry at least 30/60/15 in both liability and UM coverage.

What is “Enhanced” (EUIM) coverage?

It is a newer Maryland law that allows you to “stack” your policy limits on top of the at-fault driver’s limits, rather than just covering the difference.

Does Maryland allow stacking across different vehicles?

Yes, but only if you elect the Enhanced (EUIM) coverage. Standard policies typically prohibit horizontal stacking.

What is the deductible for UM property damage in Maryland?

The maximum deductible allowed by state law for a UM property damage claim is $250.

Will my rates go up if I file a UM claim?

Maryland law prohibits insurers from raising your rates for a single “not-at-fault” claim. However, if you have three or more not-at-fault claims in three years, they can legally rerate your policy.

Does UM cover me if I am hit while walking?

Yes. Your Maryland UM coverage generally follows you, protecting you if you are a pedestrian or cyclist struck by an uninsured vehicle.

Ready to get car insurance? Ready to switch car insurance? Use autoinsuranceplans.com to compare quotes from trusted insurance companies with confidence.

Get My Free Quote