In Maryland, all motorcyclists must carry insurance, and the state’s minimum coverage requirements are more detailed than those of many other states.
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To register and operate a motorcycle in The Old Line State, you must provide proof of coverage, including liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
Maryland Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
Maryland mandates that motorcyclists obtain a minimum level of insurance coverage to legally operate their vehicles. This requirement encompasses bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage.
| Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist property damage liability | $15,000 |
While these are the minimum requirements, we recommend that riders consider purchasing coverage beyond these levels.
In the event of an accident, medical expenses can exceed the $30,000 limit.
Comprehensive and collision coverages also safeguard your motorcycle in various situations.
Maryland Motorcycle Insurance by City
Where you reside can influence how much you pay for motorcycle insurance since insurers consider factors like traffic and auto theft rates when determining premiums. We examined the variation in rates across different cities in Maryland.
| City | Annual Cost | Difference from State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen | $632 | -11.1% |
| Annapolis | $632 | -11.1% |
| Baltimore | $1,386 | 95.0% |
| Bel Air | $601 | -15.5% |
| Bladensburg | $1,016 | 42.9% |
The city with the highest motorcycle insurance rates was Baltimore, with an annual cost of $1,386. On the other hand, nine smaller cities tied for the lowest rates, each at $536 annually, representing a 24.7% reduction from the state average.
Maryland Motorcycle Insurers
Progressive stands out as the top choice in Maryland when considering customer service ratings, boasting a low complaint rate and robust financial stability.
| Insurer | NAIC Complaint Index | AM Best Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 1.08 | A+ |
| Dairyland | 2.69 | A+ |
| Geico | 1.32 | A++ |
| Nationwide | 1.14 | A+ |
| Progressive | 0.73 | A+ |
| USAA | 0.85 | A++ |
The NAIC calculates its Complaint Index by combining premiums for motorcycles and cars, categorizing them under one industry. Your satisfaction with motorcycle insurance heavily relies on excellent customer service, a critical factor in your decision-making process.
We assess this service using two key metrics: the NAIC Complaint Index and the AM Best Financial Strength Rating. A higher AM Best rating reflects stronger financial stability, ensuring claims can be met even in tough economic times.
The NAIC Complaint Index compares market share to complaint volume, with lower scores suggesting better performance—typically averaging around 1.00.
Maryland Motorcycle Laws
Knowing and adhering to all Maryland motorcycle laws while riding is crucial.
This practice ensures not only your own safety but also the safety of those sharing the road with you.
Maryland’s traffic regulations are applicable to motorcycle operators, and some key laws include:
– Mandatory use of driver and passenger footrests when riding with a passenger.
– Requirement for all motorcycle drivers and passengers to wear helmets.
– Recommended usage of headlights at all times for safety, although it is only mandated during nighttime.
– Restrictions on most types of earplugs, with helmet speakers allowed in only one ear.
– Mandate for motorcycles to have mufflers installed.
– Legal allowance for lane sharing, where riders can be side by side in a single lane.
– Prohibition of lane splitting, which involves driving on the line in traffic to pass vehicles.
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