Gaithersburg Car Insurance
Find the right car insurance policy for you.
Even the most experienced drivers can sometimes cause accidents. That is why Gaithersburg vehicle owners are required to have car insurance. From fender benders on Kentlands Boulevard to multi-car collisions on the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Highway, a reliable auto insurance policy can prevent an accident from causing you a large financial loss. Shopping for auto insurance is easy when you work with an independent insurance agent. An agent in Gaithersburg can help you obtain and compare a variety of car insurance quotes. That way, you can be sure you are getting your coverage at a competitive price.
Maryland Car Insurance Requirements
Every state has its own auto insurance requirements. In Maryland, all car insurance policies must include at least the following:
- 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.
A minimum-coverage policy is typically adequate to cover minor accidents. However, if you cause a serious collision in which several people are severely injured, the resultant costs can greatly exceed what your policy will cover. In that case, you would be responsible for making up the difference out of pocket. That is why many Gaithersburg drivers choose to purchase car insurance with higher-than-required liability limits. Some people in this city also purchase umbrella insurance in order to have even more liability coverage than their auto insurance will allow. An independent agent can help you find the liability coverage you want at a competitive price.
How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost in Gaithersburg, Maryland?
Maryland is the 11th most expensive state for car insurance. Fortunately, rates in the city of Gaithersburg are generally lower than in most of the state.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Maryland average annual car insurance cost: $1,590
- Gaithersburg average annual car insurance cost: $1,400
The costs above can only give you an estimate of what you might actually be expected to pay. Car insurance rates can vary significantly from one driver to the next because they are calculated individually according to several different factors such as:
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
- Your age, driving record, claims history, and, sometimes, even your credit score
- The accident and auto theft rates in the vicinity of your home
- The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
- Whether you own or rent your home
You may even qualify for reduced rates if you bundle your coverage with other policies such as home insurance or renters insurance or if you are eligible for other policy discounts such as a good driver discount. Comparison shopping lets you find your auto insurance coverage at the best price. Contact an independent agent in Gaithersburg to easily obtain and compare a selection of customized quotes.
Number of Uninsured Motorists in Maryland
If you are caught driving without car insurance in this state, you can be penalized with fines of up to $1,000, the revocation of your registration and license plates, several fees, and even jail time if you are a repeat offender. Despite this, more than one in ten drivers you are sharing the roadways with is operating an uninsured vehicle.
- How many US drivers are uninsured? 13%.
- How many Maryland drivers are uninsured? 12.4%.
If you are in an accident that is caused by an uninsured driver, that person is required to pay for your damage and any necessary medical treatment. Unfortunately, even with a court order, it can be very difficult and time-consuming to collect this money. That is why uninsured motorist insurance was created. Uninsured motorist insurance is optional in many states, but it is required in Maryland. This insurance provides coverage if you are in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Your insurance company will then try to collect the owed money from the responsible driver and will absorb the costs if they are unable to do so.
Number of Auto Thefts in Gaithersburg, MD
The auto theft rate in Maryland is higher than the national average. In Gaithersburg, however, the rate is extremely low. This does not mean that the threat does not exist. There are about 60 vehicles stolen in this city each year.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.28
- Maryland auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.0
- Gaithersburg auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 0.97
You cannot get compensation for a stolen vehicle unless your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This “other than collision” insurance is optional, but most lenders will require you to have it until your auto loan is paid in full. Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of non-collision damage. This includes hazards such as falling objects, floods, structure fires, and property crimes. Your independent agent can help you review the cost to include this coverage in your policy.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?
As a vehicle owner in Gaithersburg, you can ask an independent insurance agent for help finding the best auto insurance. These local agents are a wonderful resource when you need information about insurance, and they can even advocate for you if you ever need to file a claim.
Contact an independent agent in or near Gaithersburg to start comparing customized car insurance quotes. You’ll soon discover how easy it can be to get your coverage at a great price.
http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf
http://www.city-data.com
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com