Maryland Auto Insurance (MAIF) Insurance Review & Complaints (2023)

Previously known as Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF), Maryland Auto Insurance is a state-run insurance program. They’re an auto insurance company that provides insurance to drivers unable to find coverage from private insurance companies.

What is Maryland Auto Insurance?

The Maryland General Assembly created the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund in 1972 with the purpose of providing an auto insurance option for drivers who could not obtain coverage on the private market. The insurer used the acronym MAIF – which is still the official name – for many years, before switching to Maryland Auto. The name change was to avoid the common, mistaken impression that tax dollars are used to fund the program.

There are a few simple requirements to qualify for a Maryland Auto policy:

• Be a resident of Maryland
• Be licensed in Maryland or have a vehicle registered in the state
• Have been unable to obtain coverage from a private insurance company (at least two denials)

Maryland Auto covers anyone who meets the above requirements regardless of driving history, credit record, or any other issues. As a state provider, Maryland Auto is not a traditional insurance company. The Board of Trustees is appointed by the Governor of Maryland. The coverage is considered to be transitional until the driver is able to qualify for private coverage.

Maryland Auto Insurance coverage is sold through 1,400 agents across the state.

What types of auto insurance policies does Maryland Auto Insurance offer?

The auto insurance program from Maryland Auto operates in much the same way as any other insurance policy.

The base coverage is the minimum legal state liability requirements, with the option to increase those limits. Four options can also be added to the policy: comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, towing, and rental car coverage options.

Because of the type of program, however, the coverage on Maryland Auto policies offers just the basics, and trendy add-ons like accident forgiveness are absent here.

Are Maryland Auto’s rates competitive?

Does the auto insurance provider offer affordable auto insurance rates? This can be a commonly asked question when a customer is browsing insurance premiums. Maryland Auto does not compete with standard insurance companies in terms of rates. By the nature of their program, they don’t intend to be competitive, because they have other goals in mind.

The goal of the program is to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road by offering an affordable insurance program. While drivers will not see the kind of low rates offered by major insurance companies on standard policies, the rates should not be the kind of astronomical amounts often seen for high-risk drivers on the private market, either.

There is an online quoting option on the website that those who qualify can use to obtain a rate quote. Since this is a Maryland-only insurer, we are unable to compare their rates on a national level. However, most people will be able to tell whether or not Maryland Auto will be affordable after obtaining said quote.

Are the ratings and consumer reviews positive?

Maryland Auto Insurance has a D rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), in spite of only five complaints on file in the past three years. The rating is due to the length of time the business has taken to respond to complaints, and failure to respond to one of the complaints.

Negative reviews of Maryland Auto are not difficult to find. There are 67 Google reviews, resulting in an overall 1.6-star rating. Most of the reviews are one star, with a few positive reviews from policyholders sprinkled in. The majority of the complaints refer to poor customer service and insurance claims issues. Many of the complaints are written by drivers who were involved in an accident with a Maryland Auto policyholder and had a great deal of difficulty getting their claim paid.

There are two negative reviews on Yelp, both of which give Maryland Auto one star. The reason reviews are important is that they give an inside perspective on a company. It doesn’t matter if a specific company offers the cheapest auto insurance policy if they won’t pay out for a claim. A customer would be better off going with a higher average cost with a more reputable company.

Claims Handling Process at Maryland Auto Insurance

Ease of Filing a Claim

Maryland Auto Insurance offers a straightforward process for filing claims. Customers can file claims by contacting the company over the phone. However, it’s important to note that online claim reporting is not available on the company’s website. Claims should be reported through a toll-free number.

Average Claim Processing Time

The average claim processing time at Maryland Auto Insurance is not specified in the provided information. Customers may need to inquire with the company directly or refer to their policy documents for more details on claim processing timelines.

Customer Feedback on Claim Resolutions and Payouts

Customer feedback on claim resolutions and payouts at Maryland Auto Insurance is mixed. While the company aims to provide affordable insurance options for drivers who have difficulty obtaining coverage elsewhere, some negative reviews indicate issues with claim handling, customer service, and delays in claim resolution.

Prospective customers should consider both positive and negative feedback when evaluating the company’s claims process.

Digital and Technological Aspects of Maryland Auto Insurance

Mobile App Features and Functionality

The information provided does not mention specific details about Maryland Auto Insurance’s mobile app features and functionality. Prospective customers interested in the company’s digital offerings may need to visit their website or contact the company directly for more information on their mobile app.

Online Account Management Capabilities

Similarly, the content does not provide details about Maryland Auto Insurance’s online account management capabilities. To assess the company’s online account services, customers are encouraged to visit their website or reach out to their customer support for comprehensive information on account management features.

Digital Tools and Resources

The available information does not elaborate on the digital tools and resources offered by Maryland Auto Insurance. Customers interested in exploring the company’s digital resources should refer to their website or contact their customer service for further insights into the available digital tools.

What’s the bottom line?

Maryland Auto Insurance is a choice of last resort for drivers who are unable to qualify for a policy elsewhere. They are certainly not recommended as the insurance company of choice for anyone who can obtain standard coverage, and even drivers who are unable to might still find a better value with a non-standard private insurer.

The best way to find reliable, affordable car insurance is to look at more than just an annual rate. Look at what types of auto coverage are offered, if there are any discounts, how quickly claims are processed, and what current customers have to say.