Delaware Auto Insurance

Auto insurance in Delaware

Vehicle owners must possess a valid insurance policy in order to operate a vehicle in the state of Delaware. This is not only a requirement of the law, but an essential form of protection in case of accidents. Whether the vehicle is used for personal or professional purposes, having insurance is mandatory. The lack of such a policy equals fines of up to $1,000 or it can lead to the suspension of your driver's license or vehicle registration, for a period of up to six months. If you are curious to discover more details about auto insurance in Delaware, just keep on reading.

What type of car insurance do you legally need in Delaware?

According to the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, all Delaware residents are obliged to have a liability insurance policy in order to act as drivers and operate a moving vehicle. The absence of the mandatory insurance is punishable by law. As mentioned above, drivers might have to pay fines or bear the suspension of their driving documents. An online insurance verification system is used to determine whether a vehicle is insured or not.

The auto insurance policy must meet several requirements. In the state of Delaware, these requirements include: bodily injury liability ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person), property damage liability ($10,000 per person), and uninsured motorist bodily injury ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person), uninsured motorist property damage coverage ($10,000 per accident), personal injury protection coverage ($15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident). While the minimum liability coverage is good, it is for the best to opt for the full coverage insurance. You can add optional coverages, such as comprehensive and collision insurance. It is recommended to always opt for a higher liability coverage than the one imposed by the law. This offers the best possible protection in case of at-fault accidents.

The sums mentioned above refer to the amount insurance providers can pay, should an accident for which you are at fault has occurred. The law requires all drivers to carry a copy of the insurance policy while driving. Driving without insurance is illegal, as the state laws clearly mention. Consequences in the beginning include legal fines, followed by the suspension of driving documents. Should the vehicle owner continue to drive without a valid insurance policy, jail time becomes a definite possibility.

Average cost of auto insurance in Delaware

How much does car insurance cost in DE? The state minimum auto insurance policy in Delaware has a value of $805. However, a full coverage insurance policy has an average value of $1,622 per year. Collision and comprehensive coverage might not be included by the insurance policy, so you should adjust the budget accordingly. Several factors influence the overall insurance rates, including: gender, age, marital status, vehicle type, driving record, number of miles driven, location, presence of prior insurance, etc. Vehicle owners are encouraged to choose an insurance policy that offers wide coverage, as opposed to the one that is more affordable.

The average cost of auto insurance varies from one state to the other. You can expect variations for both the minimum and full coverage, including when adding options such as comprehensive and collision. There are different factors that determine these rates, including: weather-related accidents, road conditions, at-fault accidents, number of drivers in accordance with the general population, number of uninsured drivers in the city, etc.

Delaware has a lower rate for the average auto insurance in comparison to the national median, which is around $1,770. Among the states that have the most expensive policies, there are: Pennsylvania, New York, Nevada, California, Colorado, Michigan, Louisiana, and Florida. The states with the most affordable auto insurance policies are: Wisconsin, Washington, Tennessee, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, and North Dakota. Maine has the most affordable insurance policies, with $876 for the full coverage and $227 for the minimum one. New York has the most expensive rates for such policies, with $2,996 for the full coverage and $1,339 for the minimum one.

Within the state of Delaware, you might also find differences between various cities. Dover has among the most affordable annual premiums, while Wilmington offers more expensive rates. The overall costs are as follows: Dover – $1,913; Middletown - $2,024; Newark - $2,281; Bear - $2,347; Wilmington - $2,600.

In calculating the value of an auto insurance policy, the age of the driver represents one of the main factors considered. This type of insurance costs more for young drivers, as most insurance companies do not see them as responsible. It is expected that a 16-year-old driver will pay an annual premium of over $7,700, while a 50-year-old driver will usually expect a premium of around $2,000. Gender differences exist as well, with men benefitting from more attractive rates. The same thing can be said about married couples, as opposed to those who are single, widowed, or divorced.

The driver's credit history is another factor considered, bearing a lot of influence on the overall value of the respective auto insurance policy. Drivers with exceptional credit can save important sums on their insurance premiums, while those with a poor credit history should be prepared for higher rates. The presence of a prior driving offense, such as at-fault accidents, speeding, DUI/DWI, reckless driving, will impose significantly higher insurance rates. It is also worth mentioning that the type of coverage influences the overall policy. Vehicle owners are encouraged to complete their policy with both comprehensive and collision coverage, as this offers better protection.

Did not find your city or county on the list? Please use our auto insurance companies search box at the top to locate all the best auto insurance quotes in Delaware. Find car insurance in Delaware by city, zip code or county name.

Finding the right auto insurance in DE

Our expert assistance can come in handy when trying to decide on a particular auto insurance policy. We are more than pleased to use our experience and knowledge accumulated in the field, matching you with the best possible policy. Of course, we will consider your needs and available budget. Just give us a call and we will offer all the support you need, along with extensive information on choosing the right auto insurance. Remember that the service is 100% free of charge.