Having the right car insurance plays a major role in protecting you, your passengers, and others sharing the roads. And in Delaware, it’s a legal requirement.
We'll help you learn everything you need to know about car insurance in Delaware, including the mandatory minimums, optional coverages, and how to save on your policy.
According to MarketWatch, the average annual cost of liability-only car insurance in the state is around $1,284—or $107 per month—while "full coverage" auto insurance runs about $3,360—or $280 per month.*
Car insurance rates, however, can change based on unique individual factors, such as your:
Age
Driving record
Insurance score
ZIP code
To legally drive in Delaware, you must meet or exceed the minimum coverage limits for the following required coverages:
Bodily injury liability insurance can help pay for another person’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to injuries sustained in an accident you cause.
In Delaware, you must carry at least:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability insurance can help cover the costs of damages you cause to someone else's property in an accident, such as their vehicle, fence, or home.
Delaware law requires that drivers carry at least:
$10,000 per accident
Delaware state insurance requirements also include personal injury protection (PIP). PIP can help pay for your own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The minimum required PIP medical expense coverage in Delaware is:
$15,000 per person
$30,000 per accident
$5,000 to cover funeral expenses
In Delaware, car insurance companies are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage coverages, but you can reject them in writing.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help cover your expenses if you're involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who either doesn't have insurance or whose insurance is insufficient to cover your accident-related expenses.
Beyond the required coverages, you can choose to add a variety of optional car insurance coverages. In particular, collision and comprehensive—sometimes collectively referred to as physical damage car insurance—can help pay for damage to your own vehicle following covered incidents. If you buy or lease a vehicle from a dealership, your lender will likely require you to purchase these coverages, even if the state doesn’t.
Collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you're involved in an accident involving another vehicle or a stationary object, regardless of who's at fault. This coverage is particularly valuable if you have a newer vehicle or if you're still making payments on a car loan.
Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or certain weather events.
Rental reimbursement/Transportation expense
Special equipment
Roadside assistance
Car loan protection
Lienholder deductible
Get a free car insurance quote today.
Car insurance discounts can help reduce the overall amount you have to pay for coverage. We offer several discounts in Delaware, including:
Multi-car
Homeowners
Prior insurance/Transfer
Paid in full
Quarterly
Advanced quote
Defensive driving course
Advanced defensive driving course
Travelink carpool
When it comes to finding the cheapest car insurance in Delaware, it's important to remember that the lowest price isn't always the best option. While several providers offer competitive rates, other factors—like discounts, customer service availability, and reliable claims handling—also play a role in how valuable your policy is overall.
Make sure to compare quotes from different providers and consider all aspects of your insurance before choosing an insurer.
Here are some additional resources that may help you stay informed and compliant when driving Delaware's roads.
Delaware has specific driving laws and requirements designed to enhance safety and ensure compliance with state regulations. Here are some key driving laws you should know:
Delaware enforces a primary seatbelt law. This law means you can be pulled over solely for not wearing your seatbelt. As of 2023, a vast majority of Delaware drivers wear their seatbelts (93.9%), yet there were still 42 fatalities and 279 injuries involving individuals who weren't buckled up that year.
Distracted driving is a major concern in Delaware. From 2018 to 2022, there were 9,860 crashes caused by distracted driving in the state, resulting in 90 serious injuries and 25 fatalities. Delaware law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, with fines starting at $100 for the first offense and escalating to $200–$300 for subsequent offenses.
Delaware drivers like you have access to several state agencies that can provide assistance and information.
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is responsible for maintaining and developing the state's transportation infrastructure. If you need information on road conditions, construction projects, or transportation planning, visit the DelDOT website or call 302.760.2080.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other related services. Whether you're a new driver, need to renew your registration, or you're a new Delaware resident, the DMV is your go-to resource. For more information, call 302.744.2500.
The Delaware Department of Insurance oversees the state's insurance industry, ensuring that companies operate fairly and that consumers are protected. If you have questions about your car insurance policy or need to file a complaint, the Department of Insurance can help. Contact the Delaware DoI online or by phone at 302.674.7300.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.