Bethesda Car Insurance

Bethesda, Maryland is an unincorporated community just northwest of Washington, DC. While the community lacks official boundaries, it is one of the busiest areas in the country. In Bethesda, the roads are busy and congested at any time of day. Even the most conscientious and careful drivers can get into accidents. That’s why Bethesda drivers need car insurance. 

Your auto insurance policy can help you pay to repair your car after an accident. And if you’re at fault, it can help you reimburse other drivers for any vehicle damage or injuries that you caused. An independent insurance agent can help you find the best policy for your needs. Independent agents can work with multiple insurance companies to get you customized quotes, so you can be sure you are getting the best coverage at the best price. 

Maryland Car Insurance Requirements

Drivers in most states must typically purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage in order to protect themselves and other drivers. Each state has different requirements. In Maryland, the minimum car insurance requirements are:  

• Bodily injury liability: Required
• Property damage liability: Required
•  Personal injury protection (PIP): Required
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Required
• Minimum liability limits: 30/60/15; coverage up to $60,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $30,000 for one individual; and $15,000 coverage for property damage

While the minimum coverage requirements in Maryland are higher than in many states, keep in mind that choosing to purchase only minimum coverage is probably not the best choice for most drivers. You will be covered for minor accidents, but if you’re in a serious accident involving multiple cars and injuries, a minimum-coverage policy will likely leave you with serious gaps in coverage and having to pay out of pocket for everything that your policy doesn’t cover. 

Purchasing higher liability insurance limits offers much better protection for more serious accidents and any resulting lawsuits. And if you have a lot of assets to protect, you might want to consider a personal umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance covers damages that exceed the limits of your auto insurance policy. An independent agent can help you decide what coverage limits are best to protect your assets. 

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How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost in Bethesda, Maryland?

Maryland is the 11th most expensive state for car insurance, and rates in Bethesda can get pretty high. If you want to save on car insurance in Bethesda, the best thing to do is to shop around.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Maryland average annual car insurance cost: $1,590
• Bethesda average annual car insurance cost: $1,897

These are only estimates of what your Bethesda car insurance might cost. Everyone’s rates are a little different because car insurance premiums are based on several factors that are unique to you. Your car insurance rates are influenced by individual characteristics that help insurance companies predict how risky you might be as a driver. Some of these factors include the make, model, and year of your vehicle, whether you own or rent your home, and how far you drive to work or school every day. Insurance companies also charge different rates depending on your age, marital status, and gender. 

The accident and auto theft rates in your ZIP code or city also play a big role in your auto insurance rates. If you live in a safe city, it may help you save. Most insurance companies offer numerous discounts to help you keep costs down. Bundling your home insurance or renters insurance with your auto insurance is one way to earn a discount from most insurance companies. An independent agent in Bethesda can help you obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies so you can compare coverage and rates. 

Number of Uninsured Motorists in Maryland

Car insurance is required for all drivers in Maryland, and driving without it can lead to fines, license revocation, and even jail time. But that doesn’t mean that everyone obeys the law. 

• How many US drivers are uninsured? 12.6%.
• How many Maryland drivers are uninsured? 12.4%.

Uninsured motorist coverage is there for you if you are in an accident with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. It pays for your vehicle damage and medical bills when you can’t collect from the at-fault driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is required for all drivers in Maryland.

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Number of Auto Thefts in Maryland

The auto theft rate is quite low in Bethesda and across the state of Maryland. In Bethesda, you have a 1 in 83 chance of being a victim of a property crime, including auto theft. 

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.94
• Maryland auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 1.97

This is great news for Bethesda drivers, as your risk for auto theft is quite low. But remember, auto theft can still happen anywhere, and if you want coverage for your vehicle, be sure you select comprehensive coverage, or you will not be reimbursed for a stolen or vandalized car. While this coverage is optional, your lender may require you to have it until your car loan is paid off. And comprehensive insurance covers more than just theft. It also reimburses you for repairs if your car is damaged by falling objects, floods, structure fires, and more.  

Why Contact an Independent Insurance Agent?

Drivers in Bethesda can work with a local independent insurance agent to find the right auto insurance. Independent agents can work with multiple insurance companies so you can compare quotes and choose the best policy for your needs and budget. 

Find an agent in or near Bethesda to learn more.