Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF)
Maryland Auto — formerly the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund — sells car insurance to people who can't buy a policy from a regular insurance company.
You may have a hard time finding insurance from a regular company if you have a bad driving record or poor credit score.
Car insurance from Maryland Auto typically costs more than a policy from a regular insurance company. And you'll need to check with multiple companies to make sure you can't get a policy elsewhere before buying insurance through Maryland Auto.
Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Maryland
What is Maryland Auto Insurance?
The state of Maryland founded the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) in 1973 to cover Maryland drivers who can't get auto insurance coverage from a standard car insurance company, like State Farm or Erie.
You may have a hard time getting coverage from a regular company if:
- You have poor credit or no credit history
- You have multiple speeding tickets or serious traffic violations, like a DUI
- You caused a major accident, especially one that caused injuries to others
In mid-2015, the company changed its name to Maryland Auto Insurance (MAI).
Can I get Maryland Auto Insurance?
To get a policy from Maryland Auto, you need to show that you have been turned down by at least two companies or that your insurance company canceled your policy because you're a high-risk driver. This may happen if you have multiple speeding tickets, serious accidents or DUIs. You must also live in Maryland and have a valid driver’s license.
You need to work with an independent auto insurance agent to get Maryland Auto Insurance. Your agent should try to get quotes from multiple companies before applying for a Maryland Auto policy. If they're unable to get a policy from a regular company, your agent can send Maryland Auto proof that you can't get coverage elsewhere.
You can't buy insurance from Maryland Auto if your insurance company canceled your policy because you stopped paying your bills. Once you pay your past-due insurance bill, you can apply to MAI.
Maryland Auto Insurance coverage
Maryland Auto Insurance offers the basic coverages needed to drive legally in Maryland. This includes bodily injury and property damage liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).
It also offers a few optional coverages that you can add for an extra fee, like roadside assistance.
Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for many types of damage to your car, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Most lenders require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage if you have a car loan or lease.
Roadside assistance helps you get back on the road if your car breaks down while driving. With Maryland Auto, this coverage pays to tow your car up to 15 miles to a repair shop. It also covers the cost of a tire change, battery charge, locksmith service and fuel delivery if you're stuck on the side of the road.
Rental car reimbursement covers the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop after an accident. At Maryland Auto, you can spend up to $35 per day or $1,050 per accident on a rental vehicle.
Maryland Auto has far fewer coverage add-ons than most regular insurance companies. For example, it doesn't offer rideshare insurance or gap insurance.
How to get insurance through Maryland Auto
You can buy Maryland Auto Insurance from many independent insurance agents across the state.
There are more than 1,400 agents across the state who can sell Maryland Auto Insurance policies. If you already work with an insurance agent, you should start by asking whether they sell Maryland Auto. If not, you can use the Maryland Auto Insurance website to find an agent near you.
Frequently asked questions
What does MAIF stand for?
MAIF is short for the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund. However, the company shortened its name to Maryland Auto Insurance (MAI), or Maryland Auto.
Who is eligible for the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund?
The Maryland Auto Insurance Fund — or Maryland Auto, for short — offers insurance for Maryland residents who have a hard time finding coverage elsewhere. To buy a policy from Maryland Auto, you need proof that at least two insurance companies have refused to offer you coverage, or a cancellation notice from your current company for reasons other than missing a payment.
What's the best car insurance company in Maryland with a bad driving record?
Maryland drivers with a recent ticket or accident can find the cheapest rates at State Farm. Erie typically has the most affordable quotes after a DUI.
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