Property Damage Claims in Maryland
Everything you need to know about property damage claims in Maryland (MD), including state-specific laws, filing deadlines, and how to contact the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Maryland law at a glance
Last reviewed against the sources linked below.
What is the total loss threshold in Maryland?
Maryland treats a damaged vehicle as salvage when the cost to repair it for legal highway use is more than 75% of its fair market value before the damage.
Source: Md. Code, Transp. § 11-152(a)(1)
Does a Maryland total-loss payment have to include sales tax and title fees?
When an insurer pays cash for a total loss, Maryland's minimum offer must include the applicable taxes and transfer fees, whether or not the owner keeps the salvage.
Source: COMAR 31.15.12.04
Can you claim diminished value from the at-fault driver's insurer in Maryland?
Maryland's Court of Special Appeals held that an owner can recover repair costs plus any loss in market value that remains after repairs, with the two together capped at the car's total drop in value. Maryland's contributory negligence rule can bar the claim if the owner was partly at fault.
Source: Fred Frederick Motors, Inc. v. Krause, 12 Md. App. 62, 277 A.2d 464 (1971)
How long do you have to sue over car damage in Maryland?
Maryland's general rule gives three years from when a claim accrues to file a civil action, which covers suits for vehicle damage.
Which Maryland rule governs how auto insurance claims are settled?
Maryland's total-loss valuation regulation sets the minimum cash offer for a totaled vehicle: a valuation manual or database figure, or a dealer quote, plus taxes and transfer fees.
Source: COMAR 31.15.12.04
General information about Maryland law, not legal advice. Laws and policies change and your policy wording matters; check the cited source or ask a Maryland attorney before relying on a deadline. No outcome is guaranteed.
Maryland Insurance Regulation Overview
Maryland Insurance Administration regulates insurers and protects consumers. Maryland is one of the few remaining contributory negligence jurisdictions, making it especially important for claimants to build strong, evidence-based cases.
Key Maryland Insurance Regulations
- Contributory negligence — even 1% fault bars recovery
- 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage
- Mandatory auto insurance: 30/60/15 minimum liability with uninsured motorist coverage
How to File Property Damage Claims in Maryland
When filing property damage claims in Maryland, it's important to understand the state's specific insurance regulations and consumer protections. The Maryland Insurance Administration oversees insurance companies operating in Maryland and provides resources for consumers who need assistance with their claims.
Step-by-Step Process for Maryland
- Document your claim — Gather all evidence relevant to your property damage claims including photos, receipts, medical records, and any correspondence with your insurance company.
- Review your policy — Check your insurance policy for specific coverage terms, deductibles, and exclusions that apply in Maryland.
- File promptly — Maryland has specific deadlines for reporting insurance claims. Contact your insurer as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
- Know your rights — Under Maryland law, insurance companies must handle claims fairly and in a timely manner. If you believe your claim was wrongfully denied, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration.
- Check the numbers — Compare the insurer's offer or denial with the Maryland rules above and the policy wording. InsurifyAI can review the insurer's report and help you put your response in writing; you (or your attorney) present it to the insurer.
Maryland Insurance Administration
Phone: (410) 468-2000
Website: https://insurance.maryland.gov
File a Complaint: Consumer Complaint Portal
Commissioner: Kathleen A. Birrane
More on Maryland auto claims
By insurer in Maryland
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