Motorcycle Insurance Maryland: Everything You Need to Know

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In Maryland, motorcycle insurance is mandatory for all riders.

The minimum liability coverage required by law is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury.

If you're found to be driving without insurance, you could face fines and even have your motorcycle registration suspended.

It's essential to understand your coverage options and choose a policy that meets your needs.

Do You Need Insurance?

If you're a motorcycle owner in Maryland, you're required to carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This coverage will pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others while riding, up to your policy's limits.

To meet Maryland's requirements, you'll need to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $15,000 per accident for property damage liability.

You can increase these limits to protect your assets more fully if needed. It's also worth noting that these coverages don't cover damage to your own bike.

Expand your knowledge: Maryland Dental Insurance

Credit: youtube.com, How Much Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need?

Here's a breakdown of the required coverages and their minimum amounts:

If you're financing or leasing your motorcycle, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Understanding Costs and Requirements

In Maryland, the minimum requirements for motorcycle insurance are set by the Motor Vehicle Administration, which requires a policy that covers at least $30,000 for bodily injury, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage.

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Maryland is $801 a year, but rates can vary depending on several factors, including your location, driving history, and the type of bike you own. The lowest annual rate was found in Thurmont, where riders can expect to pay $406 a year on average.

To give you a better idea of how much you might pay, here are some key factors that can influence your motorcycle insurance rates in Maryland:

  • Your motorcycle's make, model, and year and value
  • Your age, occupation, and years of riding experience
  • Your history of traffic citations, both while riding and while driving
  • The estimated number of miles you put on your bike per year
  • The size of your deductible

Maryland state law requires all motorcycle owners to have a motorcycle insurance policy in order to register their bikes and obtain tags, with a minimum of $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Cost

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If you're planning to ride a motorcycle in Maryland, you'll need to factor in the cost of insurance. The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Maryland is around $529 a year, but prices can vary greatly depending on your location.

For example, if you live in Thurmont, you can expect to pay around $406 a year, while living in Baltimore will cost you around $937 a year. This is likely due to the increased risk of accidents on congested roads in larger cities.

The cost of insurance also depends on your individual circumstances, such as your age, occupation, and years of riding experience. If you're a young rider, you may find that your insurance premiums are higher than average.

Here are some estimated costs of motorcycle insurance in Maryland:

It's worth noting that many Marylanders put their bikes away during the winter months, which can help keep insurance costs affordable. Additionally, bundling multiple insurance policies with a provider like Progressive can also lead to savings, with a starting price of $164.36 for liability coverage only in 2023.

Minimum Requirements

View of the Boardwalk from the Beach in Ocean City, Maryland
Credit: pexels.com, View of the Boardwalk from the Beach in Ocean City, Maryland

In Maryland, motorcycle insurance is required by law, and you'll need to have a policy that meets the minimum requirements. The Motor Vehicle Administration sets these requirements, and they're quite straightforward.

To be street legal in Maryland, you'll need to have a valid driver's license or a moped operator's permit, and wear a helmet and eye protection. This is a must-have, regardless of your age.

The minimum insurance requirements in Maryland are quite specific. You'll need to have a policy that covers at least $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. This is the bare minimum, so be sure to consider getting more coverage if you can afford it.

Here are the minimum insurance requirements in Maryland:

It's worth noting that Maryland law requires all motorcycle owners to have a motorcycle insurance policy in order to register their bikes and obtain tags. This is a no-brainer, as you'll want to make sure you're protected in case of an accident.

Lease/Gap

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Lease/Gap coverage is a must-have for anyone who's financing their motorcycle. If your bike gets totaled in an accident or stolen, gap coverage pays the difference between what your bike is worth and what you still owe on it.

This type of coverage is especially important because it can help you avoid being upside down on your loan.

Insurance Options and Coverage

In Maryland, motorcycle insurance coverage options go beyond the required liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Most insurance companies offer a selection of coverage options, including full coverage, which pays for loss or damage to your motorcycle.

Full coverage is often required by your lender if you're still paying for your bike. It includes personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment, hospital bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to injuries you may have incurred in a motorcycle accident, regardless of fault.

You can also opt for towing and roadside assistance insurance, which covers the cost of assistance if your motorcycle becomes disabled while you're out on the road. Custom parts insurance can increase your motorcycle's assessed value if you have installed any customized accessories or equipment on it.

Credit: youtube.com, Motorcycle Insurance...make sure you have the RIGHT coverage.

Here are some key coverage options:

  • Full coverage: pays for loss or damage to your motorcycle
  • Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance: covers emergency medical treatment and expenses related to injuries
  • Towing and roadside assistance insurance: covers the cost of assistance if your motorcycle becomes disabled
  • Custom parts insurance: increases your motorcycle's assessed value for customized accessories or equipment

What's the Best?

One in three insured motorcycle riders in Maryland choose Progressive for their motorcycle insurance. This is likely due to the company's dependable and personalized coverage at an affordable cost.

Progressive offers a range of discounts that can help decrease the cost of motorcycle insurance, including a multi-policy discount, Harley-Davidson Owner Group (HOG) Association discount, motorcycle license/endorsement discount, EFT discount, and safety course discount.

Major insurers that offer motorcycle insurance in Maryland include Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, and Dairyland. These companies typically offer a variety of coverage options beyond the required liability and uninsured motorist coverage.

Some of the additional coverage options available include full coverage, which can pay for loss or damage to your motorcycle, and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment and other expenses related to injuries you may have incurred in a motorcycle accident.

The following table shows some of the additional coverage options available:

Medical coverage can also be an important consideration, especially if you ride in areas with a high risk of pedestrian accidents. Some policies may include medical payment coverage for pedestrians, but this does not cover passengers' or drivers' bills.

For more insights, see: Motorcycle Medical Insurance

Comprehensive

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Comprehensive coverage is a must-have for motorcycle owners who want to protect their bikes from non-collision incidents. It provides protection against theft, vandalism, floods, and storms, leaving you secure in most scenarios.

Comprehensive coverage typically covers repairs up to your bike's cash value. This means you'll get reimbursed for the cost of repairs if your motorcycle is damaged or destroyed in a non-collision incident.

Some insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage as part of their standard policies, while others may require you to add it as an extra feature. Be sure to review your policy details to see what's included.

If you have customized accessories or equipment on your motorcycle, you may want to consider custom parts insurance. This can increase your motorcycle's assessed value, so you can be compensated for its true value if it's totaled in a covered event.

Here are some examples of non-collision incidents that comprehensive coverage can protect against:

  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Floods
  • Storms
  • Fires

Remember to review the details and costs of your comprehensive coverage so you can make an informed decision about which coverage add-ons are a good fit for you.

Collision

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Collision coverage can help pay for repairs if your motorcycle causes damage after colliding with another vehicle, tree, or property.

Kastendike Insurance Group will help you choose the right deductible for collision coverage. This is a crucial decision, as it directly affects how much you'll pay out of pocket in case of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the cheapest for motorcycle insurance?

Dairyland is the cheapest option for motorcycle insurance, with an average monthly cost of $22. Other affordable options include Progressive ($23) and Harley-Davidson ($24).

Joan Corwin

Lead Writer

Joan Corwin is a seasoned writer with a passion for covering the intricacies of finance and entrepreneurship. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of business journalism. Her articles have been featured in various publications, providing insightful analysis on topics such as angel investing, equity securities, and corporate finance.

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