Auto Insurance Coverage in Maryland

Driving always comes with some level of risk. Auto insurance can help protect you and others should you have an accident while driving.

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Types of Auto Insurance Coverage: What Each One Protects

Know What's Protecting You Behind the Wheel! Every time you buckle up and pull out of the driveway, you take a chance. Even the safest drivers can't control the weather, a distracted driver, or a rogue shopping cart. Auto insurance helps protect your finances, and other people, if the unexpected happens.

But not all car insurance coverage is the same. Here's a plain-English guide to the five main types of auto insurance coverage, so you can build a policy that fits your life.

1. Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury and Property Damage)

What it covers: Injuries you cause to other people and damage you cause to their property.

If you're at fault in an accident, liability coverage, often called BI/PD, steps in to pay for the other party's medical costs and repairs. It's the foundation of most auto policies, and it protects your savings from the costs of an accident you cause.

2. Medical Payments Coverage (Medpay)

What it covers: Medical expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who's at fault.

Medpay can help pay for injuries to drivers and passengers even when fault is unclear. It's often an affordable way to supplement your health insurance and fill gaps like copays and deductibles.

3. Collision Coverage

What it covers: Damage to your own vehicle from an accident.

Whether you hit another car, a guardrail, or a tree, collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle. It applies no matter who caused the crash.

4. Comprehensive Coverage

What it covers: Damage to your vehicle from anything other than a collision.

Think of comprehensive as your "life happens" coverage. It helps protect your car from:

• Wind and hail
• Theft
• Vandalism
• And more

If the damage didn't come from a collision, comprehensive is likely what covers it.

5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

What it covers: Your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance, or not enough.

Not every driver carries adequate coverage. UM/UIM coverage helps pay your medical expenses if the person who hits you can't cover the bill, so you're not left paying for someone else's mistake.

Find the Right Coverage for You

The best auto insurance policy depends on your car, your budget, and how much risk you're comfortable with. Talk with a licensed insurance agent to compare options and make sure you have the protection you need, so you can drive with confidence.