Maryland Personal Lines Law & Coverage Rules
This chapter covers the Maryland-specific personal lines rules that sit on top of the shared national property & casualty fundamentals: who regulates insurance in Maryland, the minimum auto liability limits drivers must carry, Maryland's required personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, its at-fault (tort) framework, and the notice rules that govern cancellation and nonrenewal. The regulator was confirmed this session against the Maryland Insurance Administration; always confirm current numbers with the department before advising a client.
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)
Insurance in Maryland is regulated at the state level by the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), led by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner. The MIA licenses producers, reviews policy forms and rates, investigates complaints, and enforces the state insurance code. There is no federal insurance department — knowing that Maryland's own regulator, not a bank or a federal body, oversees personal lines is a common exam point. Official site confirmed this session: https://insurance.maryland.gov/.
Minimum Auto Liability Limits (30/60/15)
To satisfy Maryland's compulsory-insurance law, a personal auto policy generally must carry at least $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage (written 30/60/15). These are minimums — producers should explain that higher limits better protect the insured's assets. Because required limits can change, verify the current figures with the Maryland Insurance Administration (https://insurance.maryland.gov/).
Required PIP and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Maryland is an at-fault (tort) state but, unlike a pure tort state, it also requires each auto policy to offer personal injury protection (PIP) — a first-party medical/wage benefit paid regardless of fault — and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UUIM) coverage. Insureds may waive PIP in writing above certain thresholds, and UM/UUIM protects the insured when the at-fault driver has no or insufficient coverage. Because the required PIP amount and waiver rules are set by statute and change, verify the current figures with the Maryland Insurance Administration rather than memorizing a dollar amount.
At-Fault System and Cancellation Notice
Maryland follows an at-fault (tort) liability model: the driver who causes a crash is liable for the other party's injuries and property damage, even though required PIP adds a first-party benefit on top. State law also limits the reasons an insurer may cancel a personal auto or homeowners policy mid-term and requires advance written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal. The exact number of days depends on the reason and line — verify the current Maryland notice periods directly with the Maryland Insurance Administration.