Car Insurance in Ellicott City, MD

Even the best drivers are sometimes involved in accidents. That is why vehicle owners in Ellicott City can benefit from having car insurance. From fender benders on Baltimore National Pike to multi-car collisions on Interstate 70, a good auto insurance policy can shield you from large financial losses.

It is easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance when you have the help of a local independent agent. These experienced agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from multiple competing providers. Find an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Ellicott City, MD?

On average, car insurance rates in Maryland are higher than throughout most of the country. Fortunately, you can save a lot of money by shopping around for the most affordable policy.

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

Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies base their premiums on several factors, such as:

• The make, model, year, and condition of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, gender, occupation, and marital status
• Your driving record and credit score
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability coverage you want to buy
• The coverage options, if any, you wish to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Independent agents can help you compare rates from a few different insurance providers so you can be confident you are getting your policy at a reasonable price.

Is Car Insurance Required in Ellicott City, MD?

Vehicle owners in Ellicott City are required to have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Maryland's minimum coverage requirements, which are:

• Personal injury protection insurance (PIP): This provides the first line of coverage for your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. In Maryland, your policy must include at least:
  • $2,500 in personal injury protection coverage
• Liability insurance coverage: This covers other people's property damage and any medical bills that exceed their PIP coverage if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must include at least:
  • $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $15,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UM): This can cover your property damage and any medical bills that exceed what your PIP can pay for if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Your policy must include at least:
  • $30,000 in UM bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 in UM bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $15,000 in UM property damage coverage per accident

If you have a lot to lose and want to have even more liability coverage than your car insurance company can provide you with, you may want to supplement your policy with umbrella insurance.

An umbrella insurance policy enables you significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage at a very affordable price.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Ellicott City, MD?

In addition to the state-mandated coverage, most car insurance companies offer several coverage options. These typically include:

• Physical damage coverage: Though not required by law, these coverage types are usually required by your lender if you are financing your car and by the dealership if you are leasing it.
  • 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.
• Windshield and glass coverage: This covers the cost of replacing the safety glass in your car's window, windshield, or sunroof if it is cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged.
• Towing and roadside assistance coverage: This covers the cost of a service call if your car breaks down and you need assistance, such as if you run out of gas, have an overheated engine, or blow a head gasket.
• Gap insurance coverage: This covers the gap between what your car is worth and what you currently owe for it. If your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, this insurance can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This covers the cost of renting a car while having yours repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

Be sure to review the details and costs of each of your coverage options to determine which ones are a good fit for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Ellicott City, MD?

Driving an uninsured vehicle is a misdemeanor offense in Maryland. If you are caught doing so, you can be penalized with:

• A fine of $1,000 to $2,000 plus any additional fines that a court of law may impose
• A coverage lapse penalty fee:
  • $150 for the first 30 days you went without insurance
  • An additional $7 a day for each day over 30 that you did not have coverage
• The suspension of your vehicle registration, plates, and driving privileges
• Reinstatement fees to get your license and registration back
• Possible jail time of one to two years
• Five points added to your license
• Higher car insurance rates

Despite these penalties, many people in this state try to get away with driving uninsured vehicles. That is why uninsured motorist insurance, which is required in Maryland, can prove beneficial.

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

Uninsured motorist insurance ensures that if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will receive the compensation you are entitled to for your property damage and injuries. Your insurance company will then sue the at-fault driver to try to recoup their losses.

Are There Any Car Insurance Discount Opportunities in Ellicott City, MD?

If you qualify for any offered car insurance discounts, you can save a lot of money on your premiums. Some discount opportunities you may encounter when shopping for rates include:

• Safe driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Military discounts
• Discounts for insuring more than one vehicle
• Discounts for bundling your coverage with another policy like home insurance or renters insurance
• Discounts for insuring a vehicle with certain safety or anti-theft features

Learn about these and other potential discounts by talking to an independent agent.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Ellicott City, Maryland?

Insurance companies that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, rapid claims processing, and affordable rates are the most highly rated in Ellicott City.

Independent insurance agents have working relationships with many of the best insurance companies in Maryland. Therefore, whenever one of these agents offers you policies and prices to review, you can be sure they are from insurance providers you can rely on if you ever need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Ellicott City, MD Help Me Find the Best Policy?

If you are in the market for a good car insurance policy that won't break the bank, 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 the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

It won't cost you anything to consult one of these knowledgeable insurance professionals. Contact an independent insurance agent near you when you are ready to start comparing customized quotes from some of the best car insurance companies serving the Ellicott City area.