Which type of insurance is mandatory to operate a vehicle in Maryland?

In Maryland, it is mandatory for all drivers to have liability insurance in order to operate a vehicle legally. Liability insurance serves to protect you financially if you are responsible for an accident that causes damage to another person's property or results in injury to others. It covers your legal obligations to pay for damages resulting from an accident where you are found at fault.

This requirement ensures that drivers can cover the costs associated with accidents, thereby safeguarding other road users and their property. The minimum required coverage typically includes two components: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.

Comprehensive insurance is not mandated; instead, it covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as theft or natural disasters. Collision insurance, while helpful, only pays for damages to your vehicle from an accident, and uninsured motorist insurance is to protect you in the event of being hit by a driver without insurance. However, they are not required by law to operate a vehicle in Maryland, making liability insurance essential for legal driving.