Just about every state in the union has some form of mandatory or minimum required amount of liability insurance for motorists and the state of Maryland is no exception. As with many states, Maryland has had to enact many laws governing the enforcement of driving with the proper amount of coverage. Uninsured drivers are a problem for everyone from the insurance companies all the way down to the daily commuter who has to endure higher rates and premiums, many states now require extra protection to protect against uninsured drivers because it has become such a problem.

The state of Maryland requires all drivers carry at the very least $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person and up to a $40,000 maximum payout per accident to protect the occupants of your vehicle and other drivers. Maryland also requires that each driver carry $10,000 in property damage liability and together with the bodily injury protection are what is commonly known as 20/40/10 coverage. Maryland offers several other risks that other states may not have like high annual rainfall and storms coming of the Atlantic as well as blizzard conditions in the winter that re-enforce the need for accident protection.

The Maryland motor vehicle administration or MVA requires that you sign a form promising that you will maintain the minimum amount of coverage and will not operate the vehicle with out it, this is needed any time you renew or register new plates. The MVA also requires an FR-19 form be submitted from a licensed insurance provider that proves you have the minimum coverage required by law, the insurance company is also required by the MVA to report and change in coverage directly to the MVA. Lapses in coverage can cause immediate fines, suspension of plates and driver's license or even worse if stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving uninsured.

The best bet is to be sure your are carrying the minimum amount as mandated by law and in some cases you may even need additional protection. Most insurers are more than happy to consult with you on what your particular needs are and there are thousands providers to choose from.