Yes, you can get car insurance with a learner's permit in Maryland. In fact, it's a legal necessity. However, you typically cannot purchase a policy in your own name. The standard and most cost-effective method is for the permit holder to be added as a driver to the insurance policy of a licensed parent or guardian who owns the vehicle. This approach ensures you are covered while learning, though it will increase the family's premium.
If being added to a family policy isn't an option, you can explore a non-owner car insurance policy. This type of policy provides liability coverage for you when you drive a car you don't own, but it does not provide comprehensive or collision coverage for the vehicle itself. The car's owner must have their own insurance that meets Maryland's minimum requirements.
Maryland law mandates all drivers, including those with permits, to carry minimum liability insurance. The required coverages are often referred to as 30/60/15: $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Driving without this insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines and license suspension.
| Insurance Requirement | Minimum Coverage Amount in Maryland |
|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $30,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property Damage Liability (per accident) | $15,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (per person) | $30,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (per accident) | $60,000 |
The best first step is to contact your family's insurance agent. They can explain the process of adding a permit holder, how it will affect the premium, and ensure you are fully compliant with state law before you get behind the wheel.
