Branch has filed updated underwriting guidelines for its private auto product in Maryland, replacing prior guidelines and setting new eligibility and risk selection standards for both new and renewal business.

The filing, submitted on January 13, 2026, is scheduled to take effect on January 14, 2026.

Under the updated guidelines, Branch reinforces strict eligibility requirements around prior insurance history, loss activity, driver violations, vehicle characteristics, and acceptable use. Applicants are generally required to demonstrate at least 12 months of continuous prior insurance with no lapse. The guidelines also expand clarity around cancellations, rewrites, hardship accommodations, and documentation requirements.

The filing outlines a broad set of ineligible vehicles, including high-value autos with market values of $125,000 or more, pre-1981 vehicles, exotic and limited-production models, grey market vehicles, and certain electric vehicle models such as Tesla Cybertruck and Plaid editions, as well as all Rivian, Polestar, and Lucid models. Commercial use is largely excluded, with limited exceptions for rideshare activity when endorsed.

Driver eligibility is also tightly defined. Households with recent serious violations such as DUI, reckless driving, license suspension, racing, or felony offenses involving a motor vehicle are ineligible. Loss history thresholds further restrict eligibility based on the number of accidents and violations over a three-year lookback period.