Car Insurance in Delaware

Here's what you need to know when driving in Delaware

Across the First State, there are 13,613 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Delaware is $1,622 per year — 6% more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Delaware car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Delaware based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive custom insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Delaware

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Delaware.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Delaware

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Delaware auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Delaware. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Delaware, expect to pay an average of $805 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 49%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Delaware, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $10,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

• $15,000 per person
• $30,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Delaware, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,477, 83% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 111% more than you would for basic coverage.

Delaware car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Delaware.

Cheap auto insurance in Delaware for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Delaware, the average cost for minimum coverage is $67 per month, or $805 yearly — a savings of $894 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Delaware with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Delaware drivers with poor credit pay 50% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Delaware

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Delaware, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $5,836 per year — that's $1,040 more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Delaware driver.

Delaware auto insurance rate by violation

In Delaware, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. See below average auto insurance rates in Delaware after a few common citations.

Delaware DUI laws

In Delaware, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,326. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Delaware

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Delaware, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Delaware, Travelers, advertises annual rates 36% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Delaware is USAA, while the priciest firm is Allsatte, with prices 55% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Delaware SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company to ensure that you remain insured. Most states require an SR-22, but Delware is one exception. The state of Delaware does not require you to file an SR-22 in order to apply for insurance. 

If you move from a state that requires an SR-22 to a state that does not, you will typically still need to follow the requirements of the state that first required you to file an SR-22.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Ocean View, Delaware, and the most expensive in Wilmington, Delaware.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Delaware's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Delaware

In Delaware, average annual auto insurance costs increased by just $8 in the past year. A typical Delaware driver pays an average of $1,623 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Delaware leans toward pricierr car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Delaware car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Delaware auto insurance.