Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverages

Scott Scherr • February 24, 2023

These are the main motor vehicle insurance coverages in Maryland

There are many different types of automobile insurance coverage. It is important to check to see the types of coverage that you have on your policy in the unfortunate event that you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.


Collision insurance cover your car regardless of fault if you are in a motor vehicle accident. You will have a deductible that usually ranges between $100.00 and $1,000.00. The failure to carry this coverage means that if you get in an accident that is your fault, you will have no coverage to fix your car. It also means that if you rent a car and do not take out a collision damage waiver, you are responsible for any damage to the rental car.


Comprehensive coverage complements collision coverage. It covers damage to your car for any event where your car is not in a collision. Thus, if someone steals your car, a claim would be made under the comprehensive coverage. You will have a deductible here as well although it may be different than your collision coverage.


Rental car coverage allows you to rent a car while your car is in the shop. In order to carry rental car coverage, you must also have collision and/or comprehensive coverage. Towing coverage will pay if your car has to be towed from the scene.


PIP (Personal Injury Protection) allows you to claim payment of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault up to the PIP limit which is at least $2,500.00. This coverage can be waived for anyone 16 or older in the household. Medical Payments coverage is an optional coverage that only covers medical bills.


Bodily injury coverage covers you if you cause an accident up to the limit of your policy. Any claim in excess of your coverage renders you personally liable. The minimum bodily injury limits required by law are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per occurrence.


Property damage coverage covers damages to other vehicles caused by your negligence in an accident. Minimum limits required by law are $15,000. However, if you cause a four car accident, you will have a lot of exposure so you should carry higher limits.


Uninsured motorist coverage covers you if the other person is not insured or carries low limits and your claim exceeds those limits. There is standard UM coverage where the liability limits are subtracted from the UM limits and enhanced UM coverage where it provides additional coverage.


Many people carry automobile insurance limits that are woefully inadequate. Check your coverages and make sure you are protected if you are involved in an accident.


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