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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

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.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Delaware.

2nd place medal
NJM Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, NJM Insurance scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 856 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received second place with 4.3 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Delaware drivers pay about 6% more for car insurance on average, with the cheapest major car insurance company being Travelers.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Delaware

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

medal
Cheapest full coverage insurance: Travelers

The cheapest rates are from Travelers at $1,170 annually, or $98 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage ini Delaware USAA is the cheapest on average. 

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: Travelers

If you have a DUI on your record, check out Travelers for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,170
USAA $1,228
State Farm $1,779
GEICO $1,781
Progressive $2,419
Allstate $3,594

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


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

Optional coverage in Delaware (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
car with blue windshield

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.

The Zebra's guide to Delaware car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Delaware with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Delaware.

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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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $519
Travelers $528
GEICO $818
State Farm $919
Progressive $1,071
Allstate $1,419

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $2,074
USAA $2,386
GEICO $2,417
Progressive $3,857
State Farm $4,838
Allstate $4,853

Cheap auto insurance in Delaware with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $810 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,170
USAA $1,228
GEICO $2,481
State Farm $2,830
Progressive $3,733
Allstate $5,098

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $3,746
GEICO $4,434
State Farm $7,128
Allstate $10,240
Travelers $10,753
Progressive $12,553

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.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $2,117 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,123 0% $6
Two Med/PIP claims $2,160 2% $43
Not-at-fault accident $2,200 4% $83
One comp claim $2,239 6% $122
Two comp claims $2,321 10% $204
Failure to show documents $2,342 11% $225
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,372 12% $255
Driving with expired registration $2,374 12% $257
Driving without lights $2,404 14% $287
Child safety restraint $2,405 14% $287
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,507 18% $390
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,507 18% $390
Cell phone violation $2,523 19% $406
Texting while driving $2,523 19% $406
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,533 20% $415
Driving too slowly $2,535 20% $418
Speeding in school zone $2,535 20% $418
Following too closely $2,551 20% $434
Illegal turn $2,583 22% $465
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,583 22% $465
Failure to stop at a red light $2,583 22% $465
Improper passing $2,583 22% $465
Failure to yield $2,583 22% $465
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,631 24% $513
Passing school bus $2,649 25% $531
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,651 25% $534
Open container $2,796 32% $679
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,816 33% $698
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,849 35% $732
In 65 MPH zone $2,935 39% $818
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,006 42% $889
Reckless driving $3,793 79% $1,676
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,815 80% $1,698
DUI $3,845 82% $1,728
Driving with a suspended license $3,861 82% $1,743
Racing $3,937 86% $1,819
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,000 89% $1,883

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,892
USAA $2,214
State Farm $2,897
Progressive $3,122
GEICO $3,573
Allstate $4,584

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.

Find an affordable policy in Delaware in minutes!

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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.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Dover $1,913
Middletown $2,024
Newark $2,281
Bear $2,347
Wilmington $2,600

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.

DELAWARE CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Delaware Yearly Change — Delaware Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,623 $8 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,615 -$172 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,787 -$90 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,877 $81 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

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.

USAA ($500), Travelers ($536) and Nationwide ($775) are the cheapest providers in Delaware.

Car insurance in Delaware is expensive — 20% greater than the rest of the US. A standard six-month policy will set you back $140 a month.

Delaware recovers coverage limits at $25K/$10K for bodily injury, $10K for property damage, and $15K/$30K for PIP.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.