Car Insurance in Chevy Chase, MD

Even the best drivers sometimes have accidents. That is why vehicle owners in Chevy Chase are required to carry car insurance. From fender benders on Wisconsin Avenue to multi-car collisions on the Capital Beltway, a reliable auto insurance policy can prevent you from facing significant financial losses.

Getting the best and most affordable car insurance is easy when working with a local independent agent. These experienced professionals can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from some of the area's best insurers. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Chevy Chase, MD?

The average cost of car insurance in Maryland is higher than the national average. Shopping around for the most affordable rate can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Maryland's average annual car insurance cost: $1,590

An average rate can only give you a general idea of what your actual costs might be. Car insurance premiums can vary significantly from one driver to the next because they are based on several factors like:

• The make, model, trim, and year of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, marital status, and driving record
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• The coverage options you want to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Often, you can earn significant rate reductions if you bundle your car insurance with other policies like home insurance or renters insurance. Other car insurance discounts you may encounter include rate reductions for:

• Safe drivers
• Good students
• Cars equipped with safety features and/or anti-theft devices
• Policies insuring multiple cars

Be sure to ask about potential discount opportunities when requesting customized quotes.

Is Car Insurance Required in Chevy Chase, MD?

All vehicle owners in Chevy Chase are required to have car insurance that meets or exceeds Maryland's minimum coverage requirements. In this state, all policies must include:

• Personal injury protection coverage (PIP): This is designed to offer the first line of coverage for medical bills and lost wages for you and your family if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. Your policy must include a minimum of:
  • Personal injury protection coverage: $2,500
• Liability insurance coverage: This is designed to cover other people's property damage and medical bills that exceed their PIP coverage if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must include a minimum of:
  • Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
  • Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
  • Property damage liability coverage per accident: $15,000
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UIM): This can cover your property damage and medical bills that exceed what your PIP can pay for if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver. Your policy must include a minimum of:
  • UIM bodily injury coverage per person: $30,000
  • UIM bodily injury coverage per accident: $60,000
  • UIM property damage coverage per accident: $15,000

A local independent agent can help you find an affordable car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state's minimum coverage requirements.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Chevy Chase, MD?

In addition to the mandatory coverage, most car insurance providers offer various coverage options. These may include:

• Physical damage coverage: Though not required by law, this coverage is typically required by lenders if you are financing your car and dealerships if you are leasing it. It includes:
  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Roadside assistance and towing coverage: This covers the cost for service if your car becomes disabled while you are on the road, such as if your engine overheats or you get a flat tire.
• Windshield and glass coverage: This covers the cost to replace the safety glass in your car's windows and windshield if it is cracked or shattered.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This covers the cost of renting a car while having yours repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.
• Gap insurance: This covers the gap between what your car is worth and what you currently owe for it if it is totaled in a covered event. It is often a good idea during the first year or two of new vehicle ownership or when leasing a car.
• Umbrella insurance: This stand-alone policy can enable you to affordably boost your liability coverage limits well beyond what your car insurance policy can provide.

It is a good idea to review the details and costs of each coverage option when determining which options are a good fit for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Chevy Chase, MD?

Driving without insurance is illegal in Maryland. If caught, you can face:

• Court imposed fines of $1,000 to $2,000
• Penalties for the lapse in coverage starting at $150 for the first 30 days and $7 a day for each additional day you did not have coverage
• The suspension of your vehicle registration and driving privileges
• A restoration fee of up to $25 to get your vehicle registration renewed
• Points on your license and higher car insurance rates

Furthermore, if you provide false or misleading evidence of having car insurance, you can also be penalized with a fine of up to $1,000 or one year in jail, or both.

Despite these consequences, many residents of this state are driving around without insurance. This is lower than the national average rate for uninsured drivers.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Maryland drivers who are uninsured: 12.4%

Uninsured motorist insurance, which is required in Maryland, ensures that you will receive the compensation you deserve quickly and without the need to take legal action against the uninsured driver. Instead, your insurance company will take on the burden and will absorb the losses if unsuccessful.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Chevy Chase, Maryland?

The best car insurance companies in Chevy Chase are the providers that have a long history of consistently delivering responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates to their policyholders.

Independent insurance agents have developed relationships with many outstanding insurance companies in Maryland. When your agent presents you with policies and prices to review, you can be sure they come from insurance providers you can rely on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Chevy Chase, MD Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

When you are searching for good car insurance at a price you can afford, a local independent agent can help. These agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company, so they are free to shop around to find a policy that offers all the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

It doesn't cost anything to consult an independent agent. If you are ready to get more information and start comparing customized quotes from some of the best car insurance companies in Chevy Chase, contact an independent insurance agent near you.