A two-lane paved road curves along a grassy shoreline at sunset, with tall seed-topped grasses in the foreground and sailboats on the water under an orange and purple cloudy sky.

Maryland SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Compare my rates

Free to compare

Maryland at a Glance

30/60/15

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

$90

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Drivers with DUI convictions, at-fault uninsured accidents, repeat violations, or suspended licenses must also file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The MVA monitors SR-22 status continuously, and any lapse in coverage triggers immediate license suspension. For high-risk drivers, state minimums rarely provide adequate protection given elevated accident risk and potential civil judgments.

Liability Insurance

Maryland's 30/60/15 minimum is mandatory for all drivers and serves as the foundation for SR-22 filings. Maryland allows injured parties to pursue assets beyond policy limits, and a second major incident on your record can make future coverage nearly impossible to obtain.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a separate policy but a certificate your insurer files with the MVA confirming you maintain at least minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 in Maryland — non-standard insurers like The General, National General, and Progressive typically serve this market.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Maryland requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, and you must reject it in writing to decline. For high-risk drivers, accepting UM/UIM is critical — if an uninsured driver hits you, this coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages.

Collision Coverage

Collision repairs your vehicle after an at-fault accident, minus your deductible. High-risk drivers often face pressure to drop collision due to cost, but losing your vehicle while under SR-22 requirement creates a severe mobility and employment risk in suburban Maryland counties where public transit is limited.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal collisions. Baltimore City and Prince George's County have higher vehicle theft rates than the state average, and comprehensive claims do not add points to your driving record. For high-risk drivers with financed vehicles, lenders require both comprehensive and collision until the loan is paid.

Cost Overview

$43/mo

Typical monthly rate in Maryland, non-owner policies

Rate data: Insure.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Years since violation: Rates drop significantly after 3 years for most offenses, with full standard rates available 5–7 years post-DUI
  • Coverage lapses: Any gap in coverage during SR-22 period resets the 3-year clock and adds additional suspension points to your MVA record
  • Credit history: Maryland allows credit-based insurance scoring, and poor credit combined with violations can double premiums compared to high-risk drivers with good credit
A man in a cap, dark jacket and jeans leans against the open tailgate of a dark pickup truck on gravel ground, with a field and sunset sky behind him.

Stay Covered While You Drive Borrowed Cars

Find Coverage After Violations

If your license is suspended

Work/education restriction (restricted license); Ignition Interlock Program (alternative to suspension)

application fee $47.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 in Maryland after a DUI?

Maryland requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from your license reinstatement date following a DUI conviction. The clock does not start until you reinstate your license and file the SR-22, so delays in reinstatement extend the total time before you're free of the requirement. If your coverage lapses at any point during those 3 years, the MVA suspends your license and the 3-year period resets from your new reinstatement date.

Do I need SR-22 for a suspended license in Maryland?

It depends on the reason for suspension. Maryland requires SR-22 if your license was suspended for DUI, driving uninsured, accumulating excessive points, or refusing a chemical test. Administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets or child support may not require SR-22. Check your MVA suspension notice or contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm whether SR-22 filing is required for reinstatement.