The Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF) was created to provide auto liability insurance to drivers deemed too high-risk for standard car insurance companies to underwrite. If you fulfill the MAIF's criteria, you can purchase coverage through it so you can drive legally in Maryland.
In this article
What is the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF)?
Originally starting as the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund Board in 1957, then changing into the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund in 1973, the MAIF serves to provide Maryland's required limits of minimum-coverage car insurance.
Maryland requires all drivers to carry the legal limits of car insurance. However, this doesn't mean that car insurance companies are required to sell it to you. If you have too many accidents on your insurance record, an inconsistent premium payment history or other high-risk car insurance issues, a private market insurer may refuse to sell you coverage. This puts you in a very tough situation if you want to drive.
That's where the MAIF comes in. If you qualify, you can purchase at least the minimum-coverage car insurance you need through it. High-risk driver status isn't normally permanent, so an MAIF policy allows you to be covered while you clean up your auto insurance history.
Who is eligible to apply for MAIF?
You can qualify for MAIF coverage if you meet the following criteria:
- You live in Maryland.
- You are licensed to drive in Maryland or have a vehicle registered there.
- You are denied coverage by at least two private market car insurance companies.
Maryland auto insurance coverage
Maryland Auto Insurance Fund makes sure that Maryland state minimum auto insurance limits are met. These are:
| Coverage Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Auto liability insurance |
Bodily injury per person: $30,000 Bodily injury per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage |
Bodily injury per person: $30,000 Bodily injury per accident: $60,000 Property damage liability per accident: $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection | Up to $2,500 per person (may be waived) |
These are just the minimum car insurance limits you need to meet as a Maryland driver. You can also purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, rental reimbursement or towing coverage to your MAIF policy. Keep in mind, however, that MAIF coverage costs considerably more than a standard car insurance policy through a private market insurer. If you purchased your car through a lender, it will probably require you to carry full coverage car insurance as part of your lease agreement. Otherwise, just getting the minimum required coverage could save you money.
Paying for a MAIF policy
MAIF offers payment plans for customers who cannot pay their full premium up front. It offers two payment plans, depending on your premium amount:
- Premiums of less than $3,000: First, you'll need to make a 25% down payment. You can then either pay in six monthly installments, with the first payment due within 60 days after you get the policy, or make three monthly payments, with the first payment due 60 days after you get the policy and the remaining two due every 60 days.
- Premiums of more than $3,000: You'll need to make a 20% down payment, then choose between a payment plan with eight monthly payments starting 45 days after you get the policy, or four monthly payments starting 45 days after getting the policy, then the remaining payments due every 45 days after the initial.
You can get a 5% discount if you choose to pay your premium in full. Also, there are safe driver and continued coverage discounts available for qualified customers. Be sure to ask your agent about them when you contact the MAIF for a quote.
You can contact Maryland Auto Insurance to get a MAIF policy in one of three ways:
- Visit their website.
- Call them toll-free at 800-492-7120.
- Visit an MAIF office, they have offices all over Maryland and Washington D.C.
References:
QuoteWizard.com LLC has made every effort to ensure that the information on this site is correct, but we cannot guarantee that it is free of inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. All content and services provided on or through this site are provided "as is" and "as available" for use. QuoteWizard.com LLC makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of this site or to the information, content, materials, or products included on this site. You expressly agree that your use of this site is at your sole risk.