What You Need to Know About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Maryland

Most drivers don’t think about uninsured motorist coverage until they actually need it. Then they need to understand it fast. If another driver hits you in Maryland and has no insurance, too little insurance, or flees the scene, your own policy may be the only path to recover medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Knowing how this coverage works before a crash can save you from a hard surprise after one.

This guide explains what uninsured motorist coverage covers in Maryland. It also covers the minimum limits required by state law, how the claim process works, and where common pitfalls show up. This is general information, not legal advice for your case.

What Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is in Maryland

Uninsured motorist coverage is part of every Maryland auto policy by law. It pays for your injuries and property damage when the at-fault driver either has no liability insurance or cannot be identified. Maryland’s mandatory rule comes from § 19-509 of the Insurance Article. Insurers must include this coverage in every private passenger auto policy issued in the state. The only exception is when the named insured elects Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM) coverage instead under § 19-509.1.

This matters because Maryland is an at-fault state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the damages. When that driver has no policy, no assets, or cannot be found, your uninsured motorist coverage steps in.

Maryland’s Minimum Coverage Limits

Maryland’s required minimum auto insurance limits are set by Transportation Article § 17-103. Every driver must carry liability insurance with at least:

• $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for bodily injury or death when more than one person is hurt
• $15,000 for property damage

Your uninsured motorist limits must match your liability limits. The state minimum gives you $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 in protection. If you carry higher liability limits, your uninsured motorist coverage rises with it.

Most personal injury claims involve more than $30,000 in medical bills, lost income, and other losses. The state minimum is often not enough. If you can afford higher limits, it’s worth asking your agent what they cost.

When This Coverage Applies

This protection isn’t only for crashes with drivers who carry zero insurance. It applies in several situations.

The other driver has no insurance. This is the simplest case. The at-fault driver’s policy lapsed, was canceled, or never existed. Your own coverage takes the place of theirs.

The other driver’s coverage runs out. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you may be able to file a claim for the difference. This is where Maryland’s Enhanced Underinsured Motorist (EUIM) rule becomes important. EUIM applies to policies issued, sold, or delivered in Maryland on or after July 1, 2018. With standard underinsured coverage, your insurer can offset what the at-fault driver’s carrier already paid. With EUIM, your coverage applies on top of the at-fault driver’s policy without that offset. Your insurer must offer you EUIM. You may elect it in writing.

Hit and run. When the other driver flees and police can’t identify them, your own policy still applies. There’s no liable party’s insurance to collect from. Acting fast helps your claim. For step-by-step guidance, see our post on how to report a hit and run in Maryland.

How the Claim Process Works

A claim like this runs through your own insurance company, not the other driver’s. That can feel strange. Your insurer is now the entity deciding whether to pay you. A few practical points help.

1. Report the crash to your insurer right away. Many policies have notice rules. Missing them can hurt your claim.
2. Get the police report. A police report showing the other driver was uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified is often required.
3. Save your records. Medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs for lost wages, and photos of the scene all support your claim.
4. If liability coverage exists, exhaust it first. You generally cannot collect from your own policy until the at-fault driver’s limits are paid or shown to be too low. Settling with the other driver for less than their policy limits can complicate or block your claim. Be careful about accepting an early offer.
5. Expect resistance. Even though it’s your own carrier, the insurer can dispute fault, the extent of your injuries, or the value of your losses.

Common Mistakes That Hurt These Claims

A few patterns come up again and again:

• Accepting a low settlement from the other driver before checking whether their limits cover your losses
• Giving a recorded statement to either insurer before talking to a lawyer
• Waiting too long to seek medical care, which insurers may use to question whether injuries came from the crash
• Assuming the police report is the final word on fault when it can be challenged

Maryland also follows contributory negligence in personal injury cases. If you’re found even slightly at fault, your recovery can be barred. This is one reason early evidence and witness statements matter so much.

When to Talk to a Maryland Car Accident Lawyer

Not every claim needs an attorney. But if you have serious injuries, the other driver is uninsured or unknown, or your own insurer is delaying or denying coverage, a conversation with a lawyer can clarify your options. Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations.

You can read more about how we handle these claims on our uninsured motorist accident page and our broader Maryland car accident lawyers section. For other injury matters, visit our main personal injury practice page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Maryland?

Maryland Insurance Code § 19-509 requires every private passenger auto insurance policy issued in the state to include uninsured motorist coverage. The only exception is when the named insured elects Enhanced Underinsured Motorist coverage under § 19-509.1 instead.

What are Maryland’s minimum uninsured motorist coverage limits?

Maryland Transportation Article § 17-103 sets the minimum auto insurance limits at $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Your uninsured motorist coverage must match your liability limits unless you waive higher coverage in writing.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply to hit and run accidents in Maryland?

Uninsured motorist coverage does apply when the at-fault driver flees and cannot be identified by police. Your policy can pay for your injuries and property damage in that situation. Report the crash to police and your insurer as quickly as possible, since timing affects the claim.

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Maryland?

Uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified. Underinsured coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but the limits are too low to cover your damages. Maryland’s Enhanced Underinsured Motorist coverage under § 19-509.1, available for policies issued on or after July 1, 2018, lets your coverage stack on top of the at-fault driver’s policy.

Should I hire a lawyer for an uninsured motorist claim in Maryland?

It depends on the case. If your injuries are minor and your insurer is paying fairly, you may not need one. But if you have serious injuries, the claim is denied or delayed, or fault is disputed, a Maryland car accident lawyer can help. Castro Law Group offers free initial consultations at (301) 870-1200.

Talk to Castro Law Group About Your Case

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Maryland, Castro Law Group can review your situation and explain your options. Robert Castro has represented injury clients across Southern Maryland and Washington, D.C., since 1993.

Call (301) 870-1200 or contact our team to schedule a consultation. The information here is general. We’d be glad to talk about how Maryland’s rules apply to your specific case.

For the full statute, you can read Maryland Insurance Code § 19-509 on the Maryland General Assembly website.