Delaware Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: Delaware Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: Delaware Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Delaware's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/10. The average cost of state minimum car insurance is $1,309 annually or about $109 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Venus Zoleta

Updated: October 29, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Delaware requires drivers to have minimum car insurance coverage, including $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $10,000 for property damage liability. Personal injury protection is also mandatory, with minimums of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Delaware operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident must pay for the damage.

The average monthly cost of minimum coverage is $109. To find the cheapest car insurance in Delaware, compare rates and consider factors such as age, driving history and vehicle type.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Delaware Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Delaware
Cheapest Companies in Delaware for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Delaware
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Delaware
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Delaware Department of Insurance to provide the most accurate cost data for various Delaware drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Delaware as of November 2024.

7,184Quotes Analyzed

8Companies Compared

7ZIP Codes

Delaware Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Delaware, drivers are required to have minimum coverage auto insurance to drive a vehicle legally. This includes:

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
$10,000 for property damage liability per accident
$15,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person
$30,000 PIP per accident

Delaware is an at-fault state, which means that the insurance of the driver who caused an accident pays for the damage. The at-fault driver's insurance typically covers property damage and medical expenses for those injured in the accident.

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN DELAWARE?

Delaware doesn't require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance as part of the state minimum coverage. But if you're financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender will likely mandate both types of coverage to protect their investment from damage and theft. This requirement ensures the car remains in good condition and retains its value until you've paid off your loan or lease.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident	Damage to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased
	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Delaware's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Remember, your individual policy's terms define the precise coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Delaware

Age is a key factor when determining minimum coverage car insurance rates. In Delaware, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums due to a higher risk profile and less driving experience.

The table shows the average minimum coverage insurance costs in Delaware for different age groups:


22-29	$1,495	$125
30-59	$1,309	$109
60 +	$1,247	$104

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Delaware

Delaware drivers seeking affordable minimum coverage auto insurance can consider these options:

Travelers: $548 per year; $46 per month
GEICO: $782 per year; $65 per month

While finding the lowest rates is important, ensure that your coverage meets the state minimum requirements and suits your needs. Compare options among the best car insurance providers in Delaware to find the right balance of affordability and coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


Travelers	$548	$46
GEICO	$782	$65
State Farm	$831	$69
Progressive	$921	$77
American Family	$1,316	$110
Allstate	$1,574	$131
Dairyland	$3,193	$266

Optional Add-On Coverages in Delaware

Delaware offers a range of optional add-on coverages, including comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. These add-ons can cover costs arising from theft, collisions and roadside emergencies, enhancing your financial protection. Determining how much car insurance you need can provide peace of mind and safeguard against unexpected events.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits
Personal injury protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver
Roadside assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow
Gap insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments
Rental car reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras
Collision coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters
Comprehensive coverage	Repairs to non-collision damage from events like theft, fire or hail	Damage from a collision or personal injuries
Towing and labor coverage	Towing and basic roadside-assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown	More extensive repairs needed at a garage
Custom parts and equipment coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems	Original parts that came with your vehicle
Accidental death coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident	Non-accidental death or injuries
Classic car insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars	Regular use like your daily commute

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Delaware

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Delaware can vary, particularly based on whether it's your first offense or if you've been caught without insurance before. For a first-time offender, expect a fine and a possible increase in future insurance premiums.

The financial penalties and consequences become more severe with repeat offenses. You may face penalties such as:

Vehicle impoundment, requiring payment to recover your car.
Suspension of your vehicle registration, meaning you can't legally drive your car until it's resolved.
License suspension, alongside potential fees to get your license back.
Mandate to file an SR-22, a document proving that you're carrying the minimum required insurance, which usually leads to higher insurance rates.
Jail time, up to six months, particularly if you're involved in an accident while uninsured.

Adhering to insurance requirements not only protects your wallet from hefty fines but also shields you from other legal ramifications. Ensure your vehicle is covered according to Delaware's laws to avoid these unnecessary risks and penalties.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance is canceled in Delaware, don’t drive, as operating a vehicle without insurance is illegal. Contact your agent to discuss options or find a new provider to stay covered.

The Delaware DMV will be informed of the lapse in coverage because insurance companies are required to notify the DMV when a policy is canceled. This could result in penalties, including fines and the suspension of driving privileges.

To secure new insurance, shop around for a new policy. Delaware doesn't offer a state-run insurance program for hard-to-insure drivers, but options like non-standard insurance companies may be available. Obtain at least the state minimum coverage to comply with Delaware law and protect yourself on the road.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Delaware may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-payment: The insurer can cancel your policy if you didn't pay your premiums.
Fraud: Any false information on your application can lead to cancellation.
License suspension: If your driver's license is suspended, the insurer may cancel your policy.
Too many claims: Filing too many claims in a short period can result in cancellation.
High risk: Some behaviors on the road might make you a high-risk driver, leading to policy cancellation.

FAQ: Delaware Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We answered common questions about Delaware’s minimum car insurance requirements to help you drive confidently and comply with state law.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Delaware?

Delaware's minimum coverage auto insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. Also, drivers must carry personal injury protection of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. This basic coverage ensures you drive legally.

Why does Delaware require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Delaware requires minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure drivers can cover the costs of damage and injuries they may cause in an accident. This coverage protects drivers from high expenses and ensures that other road users are compensated if an at-fault driver can't pay for damage.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Delaware?

While minimum coverage auto insurance is required in Delaware, comprehensive insurance isn't mandatory. However, if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, lenders may require it. Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism and natural disasters.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Delaware?

Driving uninsured in Delaware, which is illegal, can have serious consequences. You may face fines starting at $1,500 for a first offense and $3,000 for subsequent offenses within three years. Also, the state may suspend your driving privileges for six months. Carry at least the minimum coverage before driving to avoid these penalties.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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