Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance in Maryland
Reader’s Question:
What is the minimum car insurance coverage that is required in Maryland?
Ben
Baltimore, MD
The state of Maryland requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $20,000 per injured person up to a total of $40,000 per accident, and a minimum limit of $15,000 for Property Damage Liability coverage. Usually this basic coverage is referred to as 20/40/15 coverage.
To help you protect against damages caused to you and to your passengers by an uninsured motorist, the state of Maryland requires a minimum UnInsured/UnderInsured Motorist coverage of $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident for any bodily injury caused by the uninsured motorist.
Lapse in Maryland Auto Insurance – What to Do?
Reader’s Question:
I own a motorcycle in Baltimore Maryland and every year I cancel my insurance when Im not riding the vehicle.Since this was considered a recreational car so you can cancel insurance coverage. I have had the same insurance company since 2001 when I bought the motorcycle, my car is also insured through them. I never had a lien holder on the motorcycle and never turned in the tags. I was told that there was a lapse in car insurance three months ago. I have never been notified of a lapse before. The fees in Maryland are extremely high and I think I have to show coverage from the date of lapse. What do I need to do?
Arthur
Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) states that when you renew or register a vehicle’s registration you sign an insurance certification form. Your signature on this certification form acknowledges that the minimum car liability insurance will be maintained throughout the registration period.
The Maryland car insurance law requires that all motor vehicles registered in Maryland be insured and carry coverage of 20/40/15. This will also include motorcycles which is considered a motor vehicle and not a seasonal recreational vehicle.
If you had turned in the registration card and license plates when you canceled your insurance and stored the motorcycle and then re-registered and got new insurance on motorcycle when you were ready to use it again, then you would not have been found to have a lapse in insurance.
Avoid Driving Without Car Insurance in Maryland
Reader’s Question:
What will be the penalties if I drive without insurance in Maryland?
Jimmy
Baltimore, MD
The state of Maryland law requires 20/40/15 as the minimum insurance coverage on a motor vehicle. These means $20,000 per injured person up to a total of $40,000 for all injured persons per accident for bodily injury liability insurance and property damage insurance of $15,000 per accident.
If you terminate, cancel or let your car insurance lapse in Maryland, turn in your license plates and registration card immediately to any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You will also have to do this if you transfer or sell the ownership of your car.
Also it is listed as a five point violation if you were cited driving without insurance, a violation of MD transportation code Title 17.
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