We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
The Best Home Insurance in Maryland for 2023
We looked at the cheapest rates and top companies for Maryland homeowners insurance.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Kayda Norman is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. She previously worked in communications at The Walt Disney Co. and as a web producer and writer at several health and fitness publications, including Health magazine. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
You’re following Sarah Schlichter and Kayda Norman Visit your My NerdWallet Settings page to see all the writers you're following.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Maryland is $1,300 per year, or about $109 per month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. That’s less than the national average of $1,820 per year.
We’ve analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best homeowners insurance in Maryland. Our sample rates are for a homeowner with good credit and $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible. Your rates will be different.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
The best homeowners insurance in Maryland
If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,545
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in Maryland
See more details about each company to help you decide which one is best for you.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
State Farm is a great choice for homeowners who like to work directly with a company representative, as the company sells policies through a wide network of agents. And its attention to customer service has paid off; the company has fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Ranked near the bottom for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Ranked near the bottom for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.
Some Farmers policies also come with perks that can save you money. For example, with claim forgiveness, Farmers won’t raise your rate for a claim as long as you haven’t filed one within the past five years.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Best for homeowners who want to work with an agent.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Rates generally below the national average.
Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
No online quotes.
Provides guaranteed replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home.
Based in Pennsylvania, Erie is a regional insurer that offers guaranteed replacement cost for the structure of your home. With this coverage, the company will pay to rebuild your home completely after a disaster, even if the amount exceeds your dwelling limit. Not all insurers offer this option, but it’s worth considering as a hedge against rising construction costs.
Got a car to insure, too? If you bundle your home and auto insurance with Erie, you could get a discount of around 20%. You may also be able to save if your home has certain safety and security features such as smoke alarms or sprinkler systems.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than other insurers.
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than other insurers.
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb caters to high-value homes and draws far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Its home insurance policies come with some great perks, including extended replacement cost in case it costs more than your dwelling limit to rebuild your home after a disaster.
If you insure a secondary or seasonal home in Maryland with Chubb, you can sign up for the company’s Property Manager service at no charge. With this service, a Chubb representative will inspect your home after a hurricane, report its condition to you, submit a claim on your behalf and help prevent further damage.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. You can add other coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains.
Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
Generous coverage and features for the military community.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
Generous coverage and features for the military community.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military members and their families. If that description fits you, you may want to consider a USAA policy. That’s because the company’s homeowners insurance has certain features that other insurers may charge extra for.
For example, USAA automatically covers your personal belongings on a “replacement cost” basis. Many companies pay out only what your items are worth at the time of the claim, which means you may not get much for older items. USAA pays enough for you to buy brand-new replacements for your stuff.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Maryland?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Maryland is $1,300. That’s 29% less than the national average of $1,820.
How much you pay for homeowners insurance in Maryland depends on where you live. For instance, the average cost of home insurance in Baltimore is $1,560 per year, while homeowners in Silver Spring pay $1,120 per year, on average.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Maryland by city
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
Maryland homeowners have a few natural disasters to consider when shopping for home insurance, including hurricanes, flooding, winter weather and wildfires.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
While less common than in coastal states further south, hurricanes and tropical storms can still cause extensive damage when they strike. If you live near the Maryland coast, make sure you have enough coverage for the wind and flood damage often caused by hurricanes. Wind damage is typically included in a standard homeowners policy, but flooding isn't, which we cover in the next section. Read more about hurricane insurance.
While your policy typically covers wind damage, make sure to read it closely, as you may have a separate wind deductible. These are often a flat rate, such as $1,000, or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, your policy may have a $1,000 deductible for most claims and a 1% deductible for wind claims. So if your house has $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, you’d have to pay for the first $2,500 of wind damage yourself.
Flooding
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically don't cover flood damage. As a result, homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance to protect their property from water damage.
To find out if you’re at risk, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps or visit RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. Even if your property is deemed low risk, it may be worthwhile to purchase flood insurance for extra peace of mind.
Remember that while you can purchase flood coverage anytime, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the insurance takes effect. Here’s more information about flood insurance and waiting periods.
Maryland can see harsh winter weather, including heavy snowfall, ice storms and freezing temperatures. This can damage a home's structure, roof or plumbing systems.
A standard homeowners policy will cover most damage from winter storms. However, you should carefully review your policy, as some types of winter weather damage may require extra coverage.
If you have damage from water seepage caused by snowmelt, that may need to be covered under a separate flood policy. Damage caused by negligence, such as frozen pipes if you fail to keep your heat at an adequate temperature while you’re out of town, also may not be covered.
Wildfires
Although less prevalent in Maryland compared with some other states, wildfires can still occur, particularly in wooded or rural areas. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from fires, but make sure to review your policy to ensure you have enough coverage in case of wildfires.
Pay particular attention to your dwelling coverage limit. This is the amount the insurance company will pay to rebuild your house. A significant fire can destroy your whole home, so talk with your insurer to make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild if necessary.
The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) oversees the state’s insurance industry. Its website provides helpful resources about insurance rates and claims, as well as information to help you file a complaint against your insurance company. You can access the complaint form on the MIA website, and if you have questions about insurance complaints, you can call the MIA for help at 800-492-6116.
Homeowners insurance is not legally required in Maryland, but your mortgage lender may require you to buy it. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Does Maryland homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard homeowners insurance policies in Maryland do not cover flooding. If you live in a high-risk area or are concerned about the possibility of flooding, you will need to purchase separate flood insurance.
How can I save money on homeowners insurance in Maryland?
There are several ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Maryland:
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. You’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, but your premiums will be lower.
Does Maryland homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard homeowners insurance policies in Maryland do not cover flooding. If you live in a high-risk area or are concerned about the possibility of flooding, you will need to purchase separate
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from a variety of insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.