Maryland Insurance Administration : Everything you need to know

Office address: 200 St Paul St 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202 
Website: insurance.maryland.gov 
Year established: 1872 
Employees: 300+ 
Key people: Marie Grant (commissioner); Joy Hatchette, Tammy RJ Longan, and Erica Bailey (deputy commissioners); Sean McEvoy and Robert Guynn (associate commissioners); Shelley Taylor-Barnes (director) 
Operating budget: $49.1 million 

The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) is an independent state agency that regulates Maryland’s $46 billion insurance industry. In 2024, the agency returned $33.3 million to Marylanders through complaint handling and quick-response programs. 

History of Maryland Insurance Administration 

The MIA began in 1872 under the State Comptroller, focusing on early oversight of insurance operations. It became an independent agency in 1878, building its authority over insurance licensing and regulation. 

Over time, the Maryland Insurance Administration adapted to new market needs and expanded consumer protections. Key moments in MIA’s development include: 

• 1878: became the State Insurance Department and began reporting directly to the governor 
• 1970: moved under the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to align with economic oversight 
• 1993: re-established as the Maryland Insurance Administration through legislative action 
• 2020: launched planning for a new Insurance Tracking System to modernize fraud and licensing workflows 
• 2023: approved a $4 million budget to fully implement digital reforms for case tracking and fraud analytics 

MIA’s latest efforts show a strong shift toward better technology and faster responses for both insurers and consumers. These steps support smarter regulation and a modern, data-ready insurance marketplace. 

Maryland Insurance Administration mandate 

The MIA operates under state law to regulate insurers, uphold market fairness, and protect policyholders. Its legal authority comes from Title 2 of the Insurance Article in the Annotated Code of Maryland.  

The Maryland Insurance Administration is organized into several core divisions that support its oversight mission: 

• Office of the Commissioner: leads strategic direction, hearings, and executive oversight 
• Insurance Fraud and Producer Enforcement: investigates fraud and producer misconduct 
• Market Regulation and Professional Licensing: monitors industry practices and issues licenses 
• Consumer Education and Advocacy: assists residents and handles complaints 
• Financial Regulation: reviews insurer solvency and financial compliance 
• Life and Health: regulates health and life insurance rates and policy forms 
• Property and Casualty: oversees auto, homeowners, and commercial insurance filings 
• Management Information Services and Operations: supports systems, data, and agency infrastructure 
• Office of the Attorney General: provides legal counsel to MIA 
• Office of the Chief Actuary: conducts actuarial reviews and rate analysis 

MIA is led by a commissioner appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. Current commissioner Marie Grant directs the agency’s legal, financial, and consumer divisions.  

Key responsibilities  

The Maryland Insurance Administration manages critical oversight duties that keep the state’s insurance market fair, stable, and safe. Its main responsibilities include: 

• licensing insurance companies and professionals 
• monitoring financial health of licensed insurers 
• reviewing rate filings and policy forms for approval 
• investigating consumer complaints and unfair practices 
• enforcing compliance with state insurance laws 
• auditing insurer operations through market conduct exams 
• addressing fraud and unauthorized insurance activity 
• educating the public on insurance rights and options 
• supporting legislative updates and regulatory reforms 

These functions help protect Maryland residents from unfair treatment and financial harm. MIA’s work also promotes trust across the state’s insurance industry. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

The Maryland Insurance Administration has taken steps to modernize oversight and address new risks in the insurance space. 

MIA also backed telematics-based auto insurance reforms to improve rate accuracy and support safer driving. Some of its other active efforts include: 

• increased fines for unlicensed activity: harsher penalties for agents and companies that violate Maryland insurance law 
• AI use guidance for insurers: draft rules aimed at preventing bias in underwriting and claims processes 
• new rules for pet insurance policies: clearer disclosures and exclusions to help buyers understand what they’re paying for 
• public education campaigns: outreach on how to spot insurance fraud and file effective complaints 

MIA is also cracking down on industry misconduct through stronger enforcement actions. These reforms help ensure Marylanders get fair treatment in a fast-changing market. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

The Maryland Insurance Administration helps people with real insurance problems, from denied claims to policy confusion. It recovered $33.3 million in 2024 for policyholders through complaint resolutions and the Rapid Response program. 

MIA also gives residents simple tools to learn and act. These include online complaint forms, disaster prep guides, and rate comparison tips. It runs outreach events and publishes insurance basics to help people feel more in control.