Car Insurance Requirements and Laws in the DMV Area
Before getting on the road, you may have a few questions. Questions like, is it a requirement to have car insurance? If so, what are the car insurance requirements? Is it different for every state? If you’re asking these questions, you have come to the right place. We are going to discuss car insurance requirements for Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
To answer the first question; yes, it is required to have car insurance while driving. In fact, it is illegal to drive without it in all 50 states + territories. The minimum coverage requirements vary depending on the state. There are 4 standard compensations. These coverages have separate rules that need to be met.
Car Insurance Coverages
Car insurance is meant to protect you and others while on the road. It covers many possible accident scenarios, such as:
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: This covers any costs if you decide to hire a defense lawyer after an accident. Bodily injury liability would also cover the possible costs for the other parties injuries, costs to settle legal claims and even lost wages. This covers per person and per accident.
- Property Damage Liability Insurance: Property damage liability covers the same as bodily injury, however this only deals with property damage. No injury coverage involved.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Although it’s illegal to drive without insurance, people may still do it. Uninsured motorist coverage is used just in case an accident happens with an uninsured driver.
- Personal Injury protection (PIP): Personal injury protection is used to reimburse for reasonable/necessary medical expenses and lost wages.
Knowing these car insurance coverages can help you better understand why car insurance requirements are in place. Driving without insurance is illegal, so be aware of your state’s insurance laws.
Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland
Many drivers purchase more then the minimum coverage, depending on their own preference. However, the minimum is required.
Maryland state liability and uninsured motorist requirements
- $30,000: for bodily injury per person
- $60,000: bodily injury per accident
- $15,000: property damage
- $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
Car insurance requirements are always changing. This is the most up to date (2020) in Maryland only. For the latest check out the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Maryland has the same coverage laws for both liability and uninsured motorist. Both need to be $30,000 for bodily injury per person and $60,000 for bodily injury per accident. These numbers are not the same if you live in the state of Virginia.
Insurance Requirements in Virginia
Below are Virginia state liability and uninsured motorist requirements:
- $25,000: bodily injury/death of one person
- $50,000: bodily injury/death of two or more persons
- $20,000: property damage
- $2,000: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (plus up to $100/week for lost wages for up to 12 months, in some cases)
Over time laws change, so it’s essential to stay up to date. This is what it takes to drive legally during 2020 in Virginia only. For the most up to date check out the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Virginia has slightly more specific Personal injury protection than Maryland. How does Virginia and Maryland differ from Washington, D.C.?
Insurance Laws in Washington, D.C.
Below are Washington, D.C. state liability and uninsured motorist requirements:
- $25,000: for bodily injury per person
- $50,000: bodily injury per accident
- $10,000: property damage
- $5,000 subject to $200 deductible: Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
- $50,000 per person Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage (plus $12,000 per person for lost wages and $4,000 for funeral expenses)
Car insurance requirements are always changing. This is the most up to date (2020) in Washington DC only. For the latest, check out the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.
Personal injury protection for the District of Columbia is very unique compared to Maryland and Virginia. Laws can be complex and change over time. Doing research is the best way you can know for sure that your coverage is enough. Be prepared for anything.
Car accidents can happen at any unexpected moment. It is illegal to drive without insurance in the United States, so make sure to be insured. Negligent drivers are on the road. Anytime you come in contact with careless drivers, get medical help first when it is necessary. The legal aspect of car accidents can be complicated and we want to help.
Malloy Law Offices, LLC is Here to Help You
Car insurance companies exist to help you. However, car insurance companies don’t have your back. They are a business and sometimes make money by offering a low settlement. They are not your friends. Handling this situation may seem easier than hiring an attorney. That said, they know how to handle legal aspects of car accidents because they have a team of litigators.
You need a trusted lawyer who knows how to negotiate. Here at Malloy Law Offices, LLC, we have the experience and knowledge to bring back maximum compensation. We won’t stop until the insurance company offers the maximum settlement. Start with our free case evaluation: Call (888) 982-0906 or visit our website. There’s no risk to start today. Get the treatment you deserve.
