Do I need to include my wife in my auto insurance policy in Maryland if we live in the same house? She does not have car insurance.

Lester

Baltimore, MD

Most insurance providers would require you to list all licensed household members on their auto insurance policy. The reason for this is that these household members may drive your vehicle regularly. It is considered as fraud in some states if you do not list all licensed household members to your auto insurance company.

If you do not wish to add your wife to your auto insurance policy in Maryland, you can specifically exclude her to your policy by contacting your auto insurance policy. If you exclude your wife to your auto insurance policy, she may not drive any of your vehicle so that means your auto insurance policy may not cover her.

If you do not want to exclude your wife on your auto insurance policy, then she needs to be listed on your policy. If your wife has her own car, then you may be able to take advantage of the multi vehicle discount and will be able to save on your car insurance if you put your vehicle and her vehicle on the same auto insurance policy.

I’m from Maryland. If I get into an accident and I had my dog with me in the car, would my comprehensive car insurance cover for my dog’s injuries, too?

Adam

Baltimore, MD

Maryland is a no fault state. This means that following accidents, victims should file for benefit claims against their own car insurance providers. This is the same with damages for our pets. If the accident was caused by you, you have an increased chance of collecting for medical payments against your car insurance company if you have the comprehensive car insurance at the time of the accident. This is because pets such as dogs and cats may be considered as personal properties and thus should also be covered under the comprehensive insurance. However, you will need to speak with your local car insurance agent in Maryland regarding this issue. If the other motorist is found to be at-fault or has a big contributory negligence that resulted to the accident, then you may opt to pursue a lawsuit to collect for your pet’s medical expenses.

It is for these kinds of accidents involving our pets that we need to pay attention when purchasing car insurance. It is important to mention to our agent that we intend to provide coverage for our pets. There are numerous car insurance providers in the State of Maryland that offer Pet Protection for a minimal fee. This type of car insurance coverage falls under supplemental insurance.

I am quite unfamiliar with insurance matters. What are the requirements of liability auto insurance in Baltimore, Maryland?

Troy

Baltimore, MD

The streets of Baltimore are ranked second most congested in the country next to Washington D.C. This essentially means that the odds for accidents are very high. And as such, the federal government requires much higher auto insurance coverage to effectively protect its residents from serious financial losses after an accident.

Liability insurance has to be 20/40/15. $20,000 pays for the medical expenses of one person, $40,000 for hospital bills if there were two or more passengers in the other motorist’s car, and $15,000 to pay for all destruction to property. Additionally, MD requires that Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance be obtained by every driver. This insurance also has to adhere to the 20/40/15 coverage just like the liability auto insurance. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is another obligation even if MD does not follow the no-fault law. PIP should be at $2,500 for each individual listed in the policy. Some elect to obtain just the minimum levels of PIP because they have an excellent health insurance plan. Although this will definitely be allowed, just remember that any lost wages will not be provided by your health insurance. In the end, the best rule to follow when buying auto insurance is to get as much protection as you can afford.

I am new here in Maryland and am planning to buy my first car. What do I need to look for in a car, and how does this affect the auto insurance quote I’ll get?

Anna

Baltimore, MD

The kind of car you will buy ultimately dictates the premiums you will pay your auto insurance company. Typically, insurers give out a higher auto insurance quote if the car to be insured is expensive. Thieves target pricy cars. Moreover, expensive cars cost more to repair. Big cars like SUVs also get a higher premium assessment. The reason for this is that big cars have the capacity to inflict more damage. On the other hand, small cars do not necessarily get a low rating. Small cars are more prone to damage. So it’s quite possible that they get a high premium appraisal, too.

Essentially, the value of the car has a significant effect on the auto insurance premium rate. You also have to obtain sufficient car insurance based on the financial responsibility laws of Maryland.

Since it is a no-fault state, you have to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to cover for any medical treatments you may need to avail following an accident. You also have to obtain the minimum liability insurance to cover for any remaining amount that the other motorist’s insurance was not able to shoulder because it exceeded his or her coverage limits. Having underinsured/uninsured motorist insurance is also required. This will help you in cases where a driver with no sufficient or no coverage at all is liable for the accident but is not able to extend any financial assistance to you.