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How much does car insurance cost in Baltimore?
The rates for auto insurance in Baltimore are around $248 per month or $1,486 for a six-month policy. This is about $400 more than the Maryland state average ($994) and about $600 more than the US national average of $742. In our research, Travelers was the company with the most affordable rates in Baltimore — $851 for a six-month policy.
The car insurance rate in Baltimore is the second highest in the state and 40% of our customers in Baltimore think they're paying too much for their coverage. If you're curious about rates from other companies in Baltimore or simply want to understand why prices are the way they are, then keep reading to learn more about the factors that go into the cost of car insurance.
| Car Insurance in Baltimore vs. Maryland | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Average | $1,486 |
| Maryland Average | $994 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Baltimore
Travelers is the cheapest at $142 per month or $851 for a six-month policy. This is significantly cheaper than the average rate in Baltimore of $248 per month.
In second place is USAA, which costs $161 per month, or $964 for a six-month policy. USAA tends to be more affordable than many companies, but it is also meant for military members and their immediate family members, so be sure to check your eligibility.
Coming in third on our list of most affordable car insurance companies in Baltimore is GEICO. On average, a GEICO policy in Baltimore costs $1,124 per six-month policy. This breaks down to about $187 per month.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Baltimore:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Baltimore is $1,486 per six-month policy — $248 per month.
- The cheapest company in Baltimore is Travelers ($851) with USAA close behind in affordability.
- Baltimore ranks as the second most expensive city for car insurance in Maryland.
- 40% of Zebra customers in Baltimore think they're paying too much for car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Baltimore car insurance rates by company
Our research shows that in 2023, Travelers is the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage in Baltimore. The average rate is $142 per month, which comes out to about $851 for a six-month policy. The second cheapest is USAA at $161 per month or $964 for a six-month policy, but remember, not everyone qualifies for coverage through USAA.
Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $851 |
| USAA | $964 |
| GEICO | $1,124 |
| Erie | $1,357 |
| Nationwide | $1,397 |
| State Farm | $1,649 |
| Allstate | $1,670 |
| Progressive | $1,678 |
Shop around for the best rates
Saving money on car insurance doesn't have to mean hours of work! Let our comparison tool make things easy for you to find cheap auto insurance that doesn't skimp on great service. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from top companies such as State Farm, GEICO, Travelers and many more.
Average car insurance in Baltimore by rating factor
There are quite a few factors that go into calculating what you pay for car insurance. These rating factors are used by most insurance companies, but the weight placed on each factor can vary by carrier. For example, one company may focus on credit score whereas another might look deeper into your driving history.
The best insurance company for you might also change over time, just like your coverage needs will change throughout life. Take time to get quotes every once in a while to make sure you're still getting the best rate you can, and that you've got the right level of coverage.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) can be a major factor when it comes to car insurance costs in Baltimore. Doing business in a bustling city isn't cheap, and insurers want to stay competitive while also covering their own costs. You might never have filed a claim, but you may still pay higher rates with certain companies due to their costs and earnings.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Baltimore
Age is a key ingredient in calculating your insurance premium. In the data that is used to analyze risk, teen drivers tend to have a higher accident rate than other age brackets. Therefore, they also face the highest costs when it comes to car insurance. In Baltimore, the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is $2,979 — that's 148% more. This is the largest jump in cost among any other age group.
Just remember, it isn't personal. Insurance companies have to offset the cost of paying claims, so rates are naturally higher for this riskier group of drivers. The good news is that it gets better with age — although you or your teen might be experiencing sticker shock, with more driving experience and a safe record the prices will even out in a few years.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,516 |
| USAA | $3,012 |
| GEICO | $3,306 |
| Erie | $3,738 |
| Progressive | $6,010 |
| Nationwide | $6,138 |
| Allstate | $6,247 |
| State Farm | $6,305 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Baltimore drivers between 20 and 40 are Travelers, GEICO and USAA
Our research shows that people between the ages of 20 and 40 make up the majority of Baltimore drivers. This group pays about $1,736 every six months. By going with one of these companies, drivers in this age bracket could save up to 38%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Baltimore
One of the biggest factors that go into your car insurance premium is the level of coverage you choose. Our data shows that 25% of Baltimore drivers carry only the state minimum coverage, which is one way to save money in the short term but can also leave you in a lurch in the event of a serious accident.
Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (also referred to as "full coverage") will increase your rates significantly, but this also provides much more coverage than the bare minimum if you were to make a claim. Full coverage typically means you'll have a deductible — this can be a way to save, and still have peace of mind! The higher the deductible, the cheaper your rates will be. Look into adjusting your deductible if you want to have full coverage but need to bring your monthly payment down.
Other extras, like roadside assistance, can offer peace of mind on the road. Although this can also impact your premium, The Zebra still suggests carrying it if you want an extra layer of security when you're behind the wheel.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
Typically, if you're leasing or financing your car, you'll be required to carry certain coverages. But 46% of drivers in Baltimore fully own their vehicles, according to our data. If you're looking to drop comprehensive or collision coverage and you're one of these folks, we suggest getting the actual cash value of your vehicle first from a source such as Kelley Blue Book.
A general rule of thumb is that if your vehicle of worth less than $4,000 you can potentially drop collision coverage. It can save you money on insurance payments, but it also means you'd have to pay out-of-pock for repairs if you were involved in a collision-type accident. It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons when deciding if you want to keep full coverage on a lower-value vehicle.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $456 |
| USAA | $467 |
| GEICO | $485 |
| Allstate | $681 |
| Erie | $760 |
| Progressive | $892 |
| State Farm | $901 |
| Nationwide | $914 |
Baltimore car insurance rates by credit score
Like age, credit score is one of those factors that come into play with your insurance rates. It might not be something that you're thrilled about, but there are reasons why it is a consideration.
Data has shown that drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims, engage in riskier driving behavior and have more lapses in insurance coverage. Because lower credit scores are associated with higher risk, the insurance company has to prepare for this when it calculates rates.
Baltimore drivers with poor credit (300-579) actually pay 100% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells us 33% drivers in Baltimore have an "Average" credit score, and Travelers offers the best value for drivers whose credit falls in this range.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,627 |
| GEICO | $1,762 |
| USAA | $1,867 |
| Nationwide | $2,157 |
| Allstate | $2,360 |
| Progressive | $2,501 |
| Erie | $3,268 |
| State Farm | $3,571 |
Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!
In Baltimore, the statistics tell us that drivers with "Fair" credit pay $1,028 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. If you've worked to improve your credit lately, it might be a great time to check in with an agent and see about lowering your car insurance rates!
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
At-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common types of insurance claims. Aside from the stress and anxiety that an accident can cause, it can also make your premiums become much more expensive. In 2023, an at-fault accident raised Baltimore's average car insurance rates by anywhere from $68 to $125 per month. The cheapest company in Baltimore for car insurance after an at-fault accident is Travelers.
The best way to avoid steep hikes on your premium is to drive safely — this is the case in Baltimore and everywhere else! Accidents do happen, and sometimes it's outside of your control, but do your best to avoid traffic citations and violations to keep your rates affordable. Speeding tickets, reckless driving and DUI charges may each result in drastic rate increases.
At-fault accidents and certain citations will follow you for three to five years, which means you'll likely be paying increased premiums for the time frame. Sometimes DUI and other more serious charges may remain on your record for even longer periods of time.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,165 |
| USAA | $1,534 |
| GEICO | $1,551 |
| Erie | $1,806 |
| State Farm | $2,458 |
| Progressive | $2,516 |
| Nationwide | $2,641 |
| Allstate | $2,816 |
Baltimore car insurance rates by violation
Below you can see how much various violations will raise your rate in Baltimore.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Baltimore, MD
Why is car insurance in Baltimore so expensive?
Auto insurance in Baltimore is expensive for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the cost of living in large cities is typically high, and Baltimore's prime location in the Northeast means it is no exception. The higher a place costs to live, the higher it will cost insurance companies to do business there, as well. Add to that the other factors we've mentioned (like age, credit score and driving record) there are quite a few reasons why your insurance in Baltimore can get pricey.
Where you live in Baltimore, specifically, will affect your insurance rates. How does your neighborhood come into play with insurance rates? Well, once again, it's all about risk.
Crime, theft and uninsured motorists vary by ZIP code. Insurance companies realize that some areas in Baltimore are more prone to crime, and if you happen to live in one of those neighborhoods, you'll likely pay more than someone who lives in a safer part of town. ZIP codes in Baltimore can vary greatly in their auto insurance rates. As you look at this list of zip codes, keep in mind that the difference between the cheapest and most expensive is about $745.
Expensive Baltimore ZIP codes: 21216, 21215, 21223, 21213, 21217
Cheap Baltimore ZIP codes: 21240, 21250, 21226, 21236, 21234
In 2021, Baltimore made the list of the top 15 US cities for storm surge risk and hurricane winds.[1] The damage caused by hurricanes and other weather-related issues has been known to bankrupt insurance companies. With Baltimore's location, it can be risky (and therefore more expensive) for insurers to do business here. As they raise rates to anticipate losses due to weather or natural disasters in the area, these costs are passed on to consumers through higher premiums.
Damage to your car from flooding is covered under your comprehensive coverage, and this is something that can happen just about anywhere, especially near the coast. If you have a nice or newer vehicle it's great peace of mind to carry comprehensive coverage in Baltimore.
Baltimore's location makes it convenient to many other important cities in the Northeast United States, and it's also the largest city in Maryland. But its significant number of drivers on the road naturally leads to significant risk on the road. The more accidents insurance companies make payouts for, the more likely rates are to increase. Increased costs are spread to other drivers through their rates, even if you are a great driver.
According to our information, about 32% of drivers in Baltimore are uninsured. Since Maryland does require uninsured motorist coverage this will add extra protection if you're hit by an uninsured driver.
Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage and comprehensive coverage in Baltimore
In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD) as part of your insurance coverage. In Maryland, however, this is actually a requirement with limits of 30/60/15. UMPD will be there to help if you, or your vehicle, are injured or damaged in an accident. Generally, uninsured motorist coverage has a lower deductible than collision coverage and is often cheaper overall. The rate increase you'd see after a claim is likely to be less, too.
Another consideration in Baltimore should be carrying comprehensive insurance, even if your car is paid off, due to severe weather risk. Damage caused by weather-related events is covered under comprehensive coverage. If you're worried about flooding or other weather-related events damaging your vehicle, this coverage might be a great insurance option for you.
Bundling insurance policies in Baltimore
It seems like car insurance costs just keep increasing everywhere. The good news is there are still ways for Baltimore drivers to save money on auto insurance. One of the simplest ways to get a discount is by bundling multiple policies with one provider. If you have renters or home insurance, it's worth checking in with your insurance company to ask about bundling your car insurance along with it. Shop around with other companies and check for bundle discounts, too. You could potentially save 10% on your combined premiums.
Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Baltimore, MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $766 |
| USAA | $920 |
| GEICO | $1,068 |
| Nationwide | $1,155 |
| Erie | $1,210 |
| State Farm | $1,341 |
| Allstate | $1,369 |
| Progressive | $1,483 |
There are quite a few factors that go into calculating your insurance rate. As we've noted, several are outside your immediate control, but we've also addressed the ways you can get some extra savings through those factors you can control.
Start by comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies. This is the best and simplest way to make sure you're getting the most affordable rate with coverage that gives you the protection you need. Remember, if personal factors have changed (like improving your credit score or celebrating a milestone birthday) then there's no better time than to shop around and see if you can save some money. Some companies are just more expensive than others, so don't be afraid to find the best one that meets both your budget and your insurance needs.
Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!
Frequently asked questions
Articles sourced
[1]
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Insurance Information Institute — Catastrophes by State
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.
