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Maryland SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Maryland at a Glance

30/60/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

No

A defensive driving course does not remove points here

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

SR-22 filing is required for DUI convictions, driving without insurance, at-fault accidents while uninsured, repeat serious violations, and license suspensions related to driving offenses. Drivers who accumulate 8 or more points within 2 years face suspension, but most point violations do not trigger SR-22 requirements. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) notifies drivers when SR-22 filing becomes mandatory.

Bodily Injury Liability

Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident pays for injuries and damages through their liability coverage.

Property Damage Liability

High-risk drivers who cause another accident while carrying only state minimums face out-of-pocket costs and potential civil judgments that can extend rate penalties for years.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

High-risk drivers cannot waive this coverage and should consider matching it to their liability limits, as another accident—even one you didn't cause—can complicate rate recovery if you're underinsured.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

High-risk drivers should maintain at least the minimum PIP to avoid compliance violations that could extend SR-22 filing periods or add suspension penalties.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate filed by your insurer with the Maryland MVA proving continuous coverage at state minimum liability limits. If your policy lapses for any reason during the SR-22 period, your insurer notifies the MVA within 10 days and your license is suspended immediately, restarting the 3-year clock when you reinstate.

Cost Overview

$216–$256/mo

Typical monthly rate in Maryland, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • SR-22 filing requirement—adds administrative cost but primarily signals high-risk status, often doubling base premiums
  • Carrier type—non-standard insurers specializing in high-risk drivers (like Dairyland, The General, or Bristol West) often offer better rates than standard carriers post-violation
  • Location within Maryland—Baltimore City and Prince George's County have higher base rates due to accident frequency, theft, and uninsured driver density
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do points stay on my Maryland driving record?

Points remain on your Maryland driving record for 2 years from the date of conviction, though the violation itself stays on your record for 3 years. Insurance companies typically surcharge for violations for 3–5 years depending on severity. Accumulating 8 or more points within 2 years triggers license suspension, but you can take a defensive driving course approved by the Maryland MVA to reduce up to 3 points once every 3 years.

At what point total does Maryland suspend your license?

Maryland suspends your license if you accumulate 8 or more points within 2 years, or 12 or more points total. The suspension period depends on point total: 8–11 points results in suspension until you complete a driver improvement program, while 12+ points triggers a minimum 6-month suspension. Specific violations like DUI or driving on a suspended license result in immediate suspension regardless of point total.