3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated November 21, 2024
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
On average, Delaware drivers pay around $179 per month for their auto insurance coverage. That’s more than the overall national average cost of car insurance of $154.
Although it’s the second-smallest state in land area, Delaware is among the most densely populated states in the U.S., which likely contributes to its higher car insurance costs. A comparatively high accident rate, costs of repair, and medical care costs also affect Delaware’s insurance premiums.
However, you can still find affordable car insurance in the First State. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance in Delaware.
The average monthly cost for liability-only auto coverage in Delaware is $150.
Delaware had 165 traffic fatalities in 2022 and 77 as of July 2023.[1]
Drivers with poor credit may pay twice as much for Delaware car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Delaware
Insurance companies offer various coverage options and rates depending on factors like your driving record, vehicle type, and ZIP code. State Farm is good for almost all drivers, offering cheap rates and a variety of coverages. GEICO is great for commuters and drivers looking for discounts. Veterans represent more than 6% of Delaware’s population,[2] and they may find that USAA is easily the top choice for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.
But many factors help determine how much you’ll pay for car insurance, so the cheapest policy may not always be the best one for your needs.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best For ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | 9.3 | $117 | $84 | Cheap rates |
GEICO | 9.0 | $147 | $105 | Discounts |
USAA | 9.4 | $76 | $54 | Military members |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for cheap rates: State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $84/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $117/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Charles
November 19, 2024
New Car Price
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
State Farm is America’s most popular insurance company by market share, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). It’s also the largest auto insurance company in Delaware. It has a wide selection of coverages, including rideshare insurance, car rental insurance, and travel expenses coverage.
Exclusive agents in 24 Delaware cities
Above-average J.D. Power customer service rating
Many coverage types to personalize policy
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Online policy purchasing not available
High-risk drivers pay higher rates
Best insurer for discounts: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $105/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $147/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
George
November 19, 2024
Service
James
November 19, 2024
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Edward
November 18, 2024
Experience with Geico
As a commuter, your car is the key to flexibility and control over your daily schedule. GEICO offers a broad range of coverage options and discounts, including roadside assistance coverage starting at just $14 per year. You can also get rental reimbursement and mechanical breakdown coverage to help you get back on the road.
Competitive rates for Delaware commuters
Variety of discounts
Mobile app has excellent customer ratings
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating for Mid-Atlantic insurers
Gap insurance not available
Minimal local agents — only available in Wilmington
Best insurer for military members: USAA
User Reviews | 4.9 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $76/mo |
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Not Good for Claims
Martin
November 11, 2024
Price Shopping
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Disappointing and inflexible service
USAA emerges as the top choice for members of the military community and their families in Delaware. It offers the lowest average rates in the state for minimum coverage. USAA consistently scores high on customer satisfaction studies from J.D. Power and has a high Insurify Quality (IQ) Score.
Lowest liability coverage rates in Delaware
Exceptional J.D. Power customer service rating
Offers usage-based insurance
Limited to military members, veterans, spouses, and children
No physical locations in Delaware
Fewer coverage options than other insurers
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Delaware
Your auto insurance quotes come from careful consideration of many factors. Insurers look at your driving record, age and experience, vehicle type, location, deductible and coverage limits, credit history, annual mileage, and insurance history.
Here’s how to save on car insurance rates in Delaware:
Practice safe driving. Maintain a clean driving record by following traffic laws and avoiding accidents or violations.
Choose a higher deductible. Consider raising your collision and comprehensive deductible, which can lower your premiums but also increases your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim.
Ask about discounts. Explore discounts that insurance companies may offer, such as bundling discounts, good student discounts, or safe driver discounts.
Consider a usage-based program. Take advantage of telematics programs that track your driving behavior to potentially qualify for additional discounts. But be aware some insurers may increase your rates if their telematics detects poor driving habits.
Compare car insurance companies. Car insurance is a competitive market. By comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies, you increase your chances of finding the best rates.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Delaware: USAA
Liability-only car insurance is a type of coverage that provides financial protection for damages, such as medical expenses you may cause to others in an accident. It doesn’t cover any damages to your own vehicle.[3]
In Delaware, the law requires drivers to carry liability-only car insurance at a minimum. It’s more affordable, but consider your needs and the value of your vehicle before buying it. Buying only the minimum required amount of liability insurance may not provide you with adequate financial protection in case of an at-fault accident.
On average, liability insurance in Delaware costs $150 per month. But drivers with violations on their motor vehicle records pay more.
The following table shows the lowest liability rates from top insurers offering coverage in Delaware.
10 cheapest insurers for liability-only
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Delaware: USAA
In addition to liability coverage, full-coverage auto insurance covers comprehensive and collision damage to your vehicle. If you have a newer or more expensive car, it can pay for repairs or replacement. Full coverage is smart if you rely on your vehicle for daily commuting — it protects against car accidents, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and natural disasters.
The average monthly cost of full coverage in Delaware is $209, but you may find lower rates from some of the insurance companies in the table below.
10 cheapest insurers for full coverage
Cheapest recent rates in Delaware
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $84/mo for liability only and $117/mo for full coverage in Delaware.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 21, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Delaware
Delaware drivers must meet specific insurance requirements, including liability coverage and personal injury protection. Because it’s a “fault” state, the person responsible for causing the car accident is responsible for covering the damages — you’ll want an insurance company to step in to cover the cost of these losses.[4]
Here are the minimum coverages, according to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles:[5]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident |
Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
The Delaware Department of Insurance recognizes that the minimum amounts might not be enough to protect you. Besides increasing your coverage limits, you can purchase additional optional coverages:
Collision coverage
This covers the cost of damages from collisions with vehicles or other objects such as a tree, fence, or light pole. Collision also covers rollover accidents.
Comprehensive coverage
This helps cover the price of repairs or replacement if your car is damaged by something other than an accident, such as fire, weather, theft, or vandalism.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This pays for losses from drivers without insurance or hit-and-run accidents and protects you if you’re in an accident that isn’t your fault when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries.
Towing coverage/roadside assistance
Roadside assistance coverage can get you back on the road quickly if your vehicle has a minor breakdown. This coverage typically includes changing a tire or battery, providing a jump, and towing your car to a repair shop.
Rental reimbursement coverage
This helps pay for the cost of renting a car after an accident while your vehicle is in the repair shop.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
A speeding ticket, at-fault accident, and DUI are types of incidents that can hurt your driving record. In Delaware, the effect on your car insurance premiums can vary. Still, even the cheapest car insurance companies can increase rates after an incident. You’ll need a clean driving record for at least three years to qualify for the lowest rates.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Insurers consider speeding a risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents. Companies can raise premiums to offset the potential cost of covering future claims. However, not all insurance companies treat speeding tickets equally. The actual increase in rates varies depending on the insurance company.
Some Delaware insurance companies may be more forgiving and offer more lenient rates for drivers with speeding tickets, while others may raise premiums significantly. For example, Delaware’s average cost of a liability-only policy for drivers with a clean record is $150 per month, but drivers with a speeding ticket face average rates of $184.
The table below shows some of the cheapest options for Delaware drivers with speeding tickets.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $92 | $65 |
State Farm | $140 | $101 |
GEICO | $178 | $127 |
Root | $208 | $146 |
Travelers | $221 | $158 |
CSAA | $240 | $177 |
Progressive | $254 | $182 |
Nationwide | $301 | $214 |
Allstate | $303 | $216 |
National General | $304 | $160 |
Direct Auto | $349 | $183 |
Liberty Mutual | $460 | $287 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
Like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents indicate increased risk and can lead to insurance companies charging higher premiums. Keep in mind that the effect on your car insurance bill can vary. If you have optional accident forgiveness coverage, your rates won’t increase at all following your first at-fault accident. But you’ll generally need to have three to five years with a clean driving record before you can qualify for this coverage.
When determining rates after an accident, insurance companies consider frequency and severity. Drivers with multiple at-fault accidents or accidents resulting in severe damage or injuries may face greater rate hikes than those with a single minor at-fault accident. The average monthly rate for a liability policy in Delaware increases to $182 following an accident. Below, you can get an idea of the rates top insurer offer to Delaware drivers who have accidents on their records.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $94 | $67 |
State Farm | $144 | $103 |
GEICO | $183 | $131 |
Root | $212 | $150 |
Travelers | $227 | $161 |
CSAA | $250 | $185 |
Progressive | $264 | $189 |
Nationwide | $308 | $219 |
National General | $310 | $163 |
Allstate | $311 | $221 |
Direct Auto | $366 | $192 |
Liberty Mutual | $467 | $291 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
A DUI is a serious offense that can have long-term implications on car insurance quotes.
“When a driver gets a major violation such as DUI, their insurance rates increase significantly due to the high risk and potential future losses,” says Nick Schrader of Texas General Insurance.
Keep in mind that not all insurers will offer coverage once you have a record of driving under the influence.
On average, Delaware drivers with a DUI on their motor vehicle records pay $264 per month for full-coverage insurance, and $189 for liability.
If you’re struggling to find an insurer to sell you a policy, you may need to look into the Delaware Automobile Insurance Plan (DAIP). It’s a last resort, and you must apply for coverage through a DAIP-certified agent. The following table provides insight into what top insurers charge Delaware drivers who have DUI convictions.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $111 | $79 |
State Farm | $170 | $122 |
Root | $204 | $144 |
GEICO | $214 | $153 |
CSAA | $250 | $184 |
Travelers | $263 | $188 |
Progressive | $307 | $220 |
Nationwide | $358 | $255 |
Allstate | $364 | $259 |
National General | $364 | $191 |
Direct Auto | $419 | $220 |
Liberty Mutual | $511 | $319 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Car insurance rates tend to decrease around age 25.
“As an operator gets more experience, their rates go down each year because they are less likely to get into an accident,” says Schrader.
But you may see a rate hike around age 70. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports a higher accident risk after age 70, which contributes to the price increase for senior drivers.[6]
On average, car insurance for senior drivers costs $137 for liability-only coverage, and $191 per month for full coverage. The following table shows the rates top insurers offer senior drivers in Delaware.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $64 | $46 |
State Farm | $96 | $69 |
GEICO | $124 | $88 |
Root | $141 | $99 |
Travelers | $150 | $107 |
CSAA | $157 | $116 |
Progressive | $162 | $116 |
Nationwide | $195 | $139 |
National General | $202 | $106 |
Allstate | $212 | $151 |
Direct Auto | $237 | $124 |
Liberty Mutual | $310 | $194 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Insurance companies see teenage drivers as high-risk due to their lack of experience and high accident rates. Most companies charge teens more expensive premiums to account for that risk. But you can still get affordable coverage with a few strategies.
Teens can qualify for lower premiums by staying on their parents’ policy. Young drivers in Delaware can also keep car insurance costs down by choosing a car with an excellent safety rating. Students may benefit from good student discounts or student-away-at-school discounts. Insurers may require teens to maintain a certain grade point average, so check with your insurance agent about eligibility.
Car insurance averages $329 per month for full coverage for Delaware teens, according to Insurify data.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $123 | $87 |
State Farm | $194 | $139 |
GEICO | $226 | $161 |
Root | $227 | $160 |
CSAA | $299 | $221 |
Travelers | $316 | $225 |
Progressive | $357 | $255 |
Nationwide | $414 | $295 |
Allstate | $430 | $306 |
National General | $477 | $250 |
Direct Auto | $508 | $267 |
Liberty Mutual | $580 | $362 |
Delaware car insurance quotes by credit tier
Insurers in Delaware can use credit history to generate a credit-based insurance score that they then use when setting car insurance rates. Federal law doesn’t require your permission before an insurer looks at your credit information.[7]
A good credit score could cut your rate in half — drivers with excellent or good credit scores pay less than half as much for car insurance than someone with a poor credit score.
Rates by Credit Tier
Delaware car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be challenging. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about how to find the best car insurance in Delaware.
How much is car insurance in Delaware?
Car insurance in Delaware costs an overall average of $179 per month. Drivers in the state pay $209 per month for full-coverage insurance and $150 per month for liability coverage. Your specific rate will depend on your insurer, driving record, age, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
What company has the cheapest car insurance rates in Delaware?
USAA offers the cheapest liability-only coverage in Delaware, starting at $54 per month. Delaware drivers can also find savings with State Farm and GEICO, which have monthly liability-only rates of $84 and $105, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Delaware?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 9.3 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Excellent), State Farm is the best car insurance company in Delaware. Of the companies Insurify has rate data for, other top Delaware auto insurers include USAA, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate.
Is Delaware a no-fault state?
No. Delaware is an at-fault state. This means drivers responsible for an auto accident are responsible for covering the costs of damage and injury for the other driver and their passengers.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Delaware?
Yes. Driving without insurance in Delaware is illegal and considered a criminal offense. You might have to pay up to $2,000 in fines and could lose your license.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Delaware
Sources
- Delaware Department of Transportation. "Traffic Related Fatalities."
- U.S. Census Bureau. "Delaware Quick Facts."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto Insurance."
- NOLO. "Delaware Car Insurance Requirements."
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. "Vehicle Services Registration."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older Drivers."
- Delaware Department of Insurance. "Understanding How Insurers Use Credit Information."
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.