Car Insurance in Potomac, MD

Even the most careful drivers are sometimes involved in accidents. That is why vehicle owners in Potomac are required to carry car insurance. From fender benders on River Road to multi-car collisions on Interstate 495, a good auto insurance policy can prevent you from facing large financial losses.

Finding the best and most affordable car insurance is easy with the help of a local independent agent. These knowledgeable agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from multiple providers. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to learn more.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Potomac, MD?

Car insurance rates in Maryland are higher than the national average. 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

Your actual rates may be higher or lower than this average depending on several factors such as:

• The make, model, year, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, and marital status
• Your driving record and credit score
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• Which coverage options, if any, you are including in your policy
• The amount of your deductible

You can typically earn significant rate reductions by having a vehicle with safety features, maintaining a safe driving record, or bundling your car insurance with another policy like homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Learn about these and other potential car insurance discounts by talking to an independent agent.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Potomac, Maryland?

The best car insurance companies in Potomac are the providers that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have working relationships with many of the most highly rated insurance companies in Maryland. Therefore, 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.

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Is Car Insurance Required in Potomac, MD?

As a vehicle owner in Potomac, you are required to have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Maryland's minimum coverage requirements. This means your policy must include:

• 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. Your policy must include a minimum of:
  • $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 a minimum of:
  • $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 (UIM): 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 a minimum of:
  • $30,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $15,000 in UIM 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 offer, you can also purchase an umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance lets you significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage at a very affordable price.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Potomac, MD?

In addition to the coverage required by the state, most car insurance companies offer their policyholders several coverage options. These typically include:

• Collision and comprehensive insurance: 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 insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: 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.
• Towing and roadside assistance insurance: This pays the service costs if your car becomes disabled and you need to call for help, such as if you run out of gas or blow a head gasket.
• Windshield and glass insurance: 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 insurance: 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.

Be sure to review the details and costs of each coverage option when determining which ones are a good fit for you.

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

It is illegal to drive an uninsured vehicle in Maryland. If you are caught doing so, you can face penalties including:

• Court imposed fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000
• A coverage lapse penalty starting at $150 for the first 30 days without insurance and $7 a day for each additional day that you did not have coverage
• The suspension of your vehicle registration, plates, and driving privileges
• A fee of $25 to get your vehicle registration reinstated
• Up to 5 points on your license
• Higher car insurance rates

You can face an additional penalty of $1,000 or one year in jail, or both, if you provide falsified insurance information to law enforcement.

Unfortunately, many people try to get away with driving uninsured vehicles anyway. That is why uninsured motorist insurance, which is required in Maryland, is so beneficial.

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

Uninsured motorist insurance ensures that you will receive compensation for your property damage and injuries following an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.

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

When you are looking for suitable car insurance at a reasonable price, a local independent agent can help. Independent 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 doesn't cost anything to consult one of these experienced 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 in Potomac.