Is Maryland A No Fault State For Auto Insurance
Is Maryland A No Fault State For Auto Insurance?
Auto insurance is a requirement for all drivers in Maryland, and the state has its own laws and regulations that must be followed. One of the questions many Maryland drivers have is whether or not the state is a no-fault state when it comes to auto insurance. The answer is that Maryland is a modified no-fault state, meaning that the state has certain laws and regulations related to no-fault auto insurance.
What Does It Mean To Be A No-Fault State?
No-fault auto insurance laws are designed to reduce the amount of time and money spent on settling auto insurance claims. In a no-fault state, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical bills and property damage. This means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own costs, instead of one driver suing the other for damages. This helps to keep insurance premiums low, as insurance companies don’t have to spend as much money defending their policyholders. It also helps to keep the courts from becoming overwhelmed with accident-related lawsuits.
What Is Modified No-Fault Insurance?
Modified no-fault insurance is a type of auto insurance system that combines a no-fault system with a traditional tort system. In a modified no-fault system, each driver’s insurance company pays for their own losses, but a driver can still sue the other driver for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other non-economic damages. Maryland is a modified no-fault state, which means that each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical bills and property damage, but a driver can sue the other driver for non-economic damages.
Are There Any Other Requirements For Auto Insurance In Maryland?
In addition to being a modified no-fault state, Maryland also requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. This coverage pays for the other driver’s medical bills and property damage if you are found to be at fault in an accident. The minimum amount of liability coverage in Maryland is $30,000 for each person injured in an accident, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage coverage. Drivers can purchase higher levels of coverage if they want to.
Do I Need Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance coverage that pays for your medical bills and property damage if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, or does not have enough insurance. This type of coverage is not required by the state of Maryland, but it is highly recommended, as it can save you from having to pay for your own losses if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage is usually not very expensive, and can provide you with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Maryland is a modified no-fault state, meaning that each driver’s insurance company pays for their own medical bills and property damage, but a driver can still sue the other driver for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other non-economic damages. In addition to being a modified no-fault state, Maryland also requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required by the state, but it is highly recommended, as it can save you from having to pay for your own losses if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.