Minimum Coverage Requirements in Maryland
Maryland operates under a traditional tort system, meaning the at-fault driver's liability coverage pays for damages. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI conviction, starting from your license reinstatement date, not your conviction date. If your SR-22 lapses for any reason during those 3 years, the MVA suspends your license immediately and the 3-year clock resets from your next reinstatement.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Maryland?
Maryland SR-22 rates reflect your conviction class, filing duration, and whether you own a vehicle. First-offense standard DUI with no accident typically costs $140–$180 monthly for state-minimum coverage. Aggravated DUI (BAC over 0.15, minor in vehicle, or accident with injury) pushes rates to $180–$240 monthly. Repeat-offense or refusal cases often exceed $250 monthly.
What Affects Your Rate
- Conviction class: first-offense standard DUI adds 80–120 percent to base rates, aggravated DUI (BAC over 0.15 or accident with injury) adds 150–200 percent, repeat-offense or refusal adds 200–300 percent.
- Filing start date confusion: Maryland measures the 3-year SR-22 period from reinstatement date, not conviction date. Drivers who delay reinstatement extend their total compliance timeline and pay higher rates during restricted-license periods.
- Carrier tier: mainstream carriers like State Farm and Geico will file SR-22 for existing customers but typically non-renew at policy term. New SR-22 policies require non-standard carriers like Dairyland, Bristol West, or The General, which charge 20–40 percent higher base rates.
- Non-owner SR-22 discount: drivers without a vehicle pay $40–$75 monthly for non-owner SR-22 liability coverage, a 60–70 percent reduction versus standard policies. Maryland allows non-owner SR-22 to satisfy MVA filing requirements as long as you do not own or regularly operate a vehicle.
- Ignition interlock overlap: Maryland courts often order IID installation for 6–12 months alongside SR-22. Carriers apply an additional 10–15 percent surcharge during the IID period because device compliance failures trigger new violations.
- Baltimore and Prince George's County: urban drivers in Baltimore City and Prince George's County pay 15–25 percent more than suburban or rural Maryland drivers due to higher theft rates, uninsured driver density, and accident frequency.
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a liability certificate filed by your carrier to the Maryland MVA proving continuous coverage. It is not a separate policy but a rider attached to your auto or non-owner liability policy.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only coverage for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate their license. Covers you when driving a borrowed or rental vehicle.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Maryland's 30/60/15 minimum is the lowest liability limit allowed with SR-22.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Maryland automatically adds this at the same limits as your liability unless rejected in writing.
