If you get a DUI in Delaware, your car insurance will get more expensive — it's a question of how large the penalty will be. By shopping carefully and comparing rates, you can mitigate the costs of auto insurance after a DUI.
How to find cheap auto insurance in Delaware after a DUI
Purchasing cheap car insurance after a DUI conviction is not simple. In fact, a DUI generally results in a more substantial premium increase than any other driving violation — more than racing, reckless driving, or an at-fault accident.
The best car insurance after a DUI in Delaware
If you've been convicted of a DWI or DUI offense in Delaware, it is critical to mull over each of your insurance choices thoughtfully. Car insurance rates after a DUI can fluctuate widely depending on the company. For example, the most affordable car insurance company with a DUI in Delaware, State Farm, advertises yearly prices 48% more affordable than the state average insurance rate with a DUI violation. The second-cheapest company for car insurance after a DUI in Delaware is Progressive, while the priciest firm is Allstate, at 57% pricer than average.
CHEAP AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR DRIVERS AFTER A DUI
| Insurance Company | Avg. Annual Rate — After DUI |
| State Farm | $1,463 |
| Progressive | $2,577 |
| GEICO | $2,865 |
| Nationwide | $3,013 |
There is no car insurer in particular that sells affordable DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to limit your losses post-DUI violation is to shop around.
Compare car insurance quotes online or reach out to an insurance agent to gauge your choices and find a suitable plan.
Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.
How does a DUI change car insurance premiums in Delaware?
In Delaware, a DUI will lift your annual car insurance cost by an average of $1,026. That’s 7% less than the national average premium hike following a DUI.
AUTO INSURANCE AFTER A DUI IN DELAWARE — AVERAGE YEARLY PENALTY
| Area | Avg. Annual Rate — no DUI | Avg. Annual Rate — with DUI | Avg. Increase After DUI |
| Delaware | $1,803 | $2,829 | +57% |
| United States | $1,548 | $2,556 | +65% |
Find an affordable car insurance policy today!
Delaware DUI regulations
The blood alcohol concentration limit in Delaware is set at 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are DUI in Delaware if their BAC reads 0.04% or higher.
Delaware is a zero-tolerance state, so underage drivers are not permitted to drive if they have consumed any alcohol.
Drivers may still face arrest if, after a chemical test, their BAC reads a 0.05% or higher.
Delaware DUI penalties
The Delaware lookback period is 10 years for a second offense. For third and subsequent offenses, the lookback period extends to consider all past DUI convictions.
All offenders are subject to longer license revocation periods based on their BAC reading at the time of arrest.
First-time DUI offenders in Delaware are subject to:
- Up to six months in jail
- $500 to $1,500 in fines (double for minors)
- Mandatory installation and use of an ignition interlock device
- License revocation for one to two years
A second DUI offense in Delaware leads to:
- 60 days to 18 months in jail
- $750 to $2,500 in fines (double for minors)
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for 18 to 30 months
A third DUI offense in Delaware results in:
- One to two years in jail
- $1,500 to $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for two to three years
A fourth DUI offense in Delaware will lead to:
- Two to five years in jail
- $3,000 to $7,000 in fines
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for five years
Fifth-time DUI offenders are subject to:
- Three to five years in jail
- $3,500 to $10,000 in fines
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for five years
A sixth DUI offense in Delaware results in:
- Five to eight years in jail
- $5,000 to $7,000 in fines
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for five years
Penalties for the seventh and subsequent DUI offenses in Delaware are:
- 10 to 15 years in jail
- $10,000 to $15,000 in fines
- Mandatory installation and use of an IID
- License revocation for five years
DUI penalties for underage drivers in Delaware
In addition to the penalties above, those 17 years old or younger guilty of a DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or higher will have their license revoked until they turn 21.
Those between 18 and 20 will have their license revoked for two months for the first offense. Second and subsequent offenses will lead to license revocations for six months to one year.
Additionally, first-time underage DUI offenders must serve 40 hours of community service. For second and subsequent offenses, underage DUI offenders must serve 80 hours of community service.
Underage DUI offenders must also attend and complete an alcohol education or treatment program.
Sources and references:
https://www.responsibility.org/get-the-facts/state-map/state/delaware/issue/dui-look-back-periods/