WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Delaware is $2,561 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Delaware will leave you with an average cost of $3,033 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Delaware is $2,561 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Delaware will leave you with an average cost of $3,033 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Delaware
Your car insurance rates could be dramatically different based on your zip code, age, driving history, and other factors.
The table below shows real quotes that Jerry customers got in Delaware:
| Quote Date | Car | Before Jerry | After Jerry | City | Name | Age | Insurance Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 18, 2023 | Toyota Camry XLE | $205/mo. | $129/mo. | Newark | Lucas B. | 37 | National General |
| March 17, 2023 | Toyota Camry LE | $134/mo. | $65/mo. | Bear | Don P. | 34 | National General |
| March 13, 2023 | Dodge Dart SXT | $158/mo. | $156/mo. | Bear | George P. | 27 | Progressive |
| March 9, 2023 | Dodge Dart SXT | $236/mo. | $132/mo. | Dover | Milton G. | 65 | Progressive |
| March 9, 2023 | Toyota Camry L | $234/mo. | $67/mo. | Wilmington | Scott J. | 31 | Progressive |
Best car insurance companies in Delaware
Some of the best auto insurance companies for drivers in Delaware are State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive. But those aren’t the only companies offering affordable auto insurance coverage in Delaware—you can also find a great rate from USAA or Allstate.
The reason so many companies have competitive rates for Delaware drivers is that every insurance company uses a slightly different methodology to calculate car insurance premiums. This means that two different companies might give you different quotes based on factors like your credit score, marital status, car accident history, age, ZIP code, and more.
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeco | $4,065 | $1,985 | |
| National General | $2,810 | $1,336 | |
| Travelers | $3,435 | $1,090 | |
| Allstate | $3,188 | $1,015 | |
| Progressive | $3,253 | $1,006 | |
| Nationwide | $3,146 | $975 | |
| Clearcover | $1,596 | $455 | |
| Dairyland | $2,732 | $168 | |
| Compare Prices | |||
Delaware car insurance FAQs
Is car insurance expensive in Delaware?
Yes—car insurance can be expensive in Delaware. Delaware has more traffic congestion and a higher accident rate compared to some other states.
How much car insurance do I need in Delaware?
To meet Delaware's minimum car insurance requirements, all drivers must purchase $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, in addition to $10,000 of property damage liability and personal injury protection (PIP).
Are cars tax-free in Delaware?
There’s no sales tax in Delaware, but the state does charge a documentation fee of 4.25% on all automobile purchases. This fee is based on the total purchase price of the vehicle or its NADA book value—whichever is greater.
How much is it to register a car in DE?
The cost to register a car in Delaware is $40.00 per year for vehicles weighing 5,000 pounds or less. Vehicles that exceed 5,000 pounds pay $40.00 plus another $18.00 for each additional thousand pounds.
Why does Delaware car insurance cost so much?
The biggest reason for Delaware’s high car insurance costs—which are slightly above the national average—is traffic congestion. As a small state located between major cities, Delaware has high accident rates. Drivers in the northern part of the state, where interstate traffic between Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia creates major snarls, can expect to pay high rates.
But what about the rest of Delaware? While the southern half of the state sees less busy traffic, the eastern coast of Delaware is subject to Atlantic hurricanes, which pose a major threat to your vehicle. And insurance companies raise can insurance rates as a result.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about car insurance in Delaware:
Delaware car insurance requirements
One more big factor affecting your car insurance costs in Delaware is how much insurance coverage you buy. If you stick to the state minimum liability insurance, which includes $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, $10,000 per accident in property damage liability, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, your costs will stay lower.
How much insurance do I need in Delaware?
In Delaware, drivers need $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability for each accident, and $10,000 of property liability for each accident. These requirements are known as the 25/50/10 rule. Delaware drivers will also need to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
What do you need if you’re pulled over?
If you get pulled over, you are required to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration. Thankfully, digital insurance ID cards are accepted by police and the DMV so you will always have your stored proof of insurance available 24/7 in the Jerry app.
Is Delaware a no-fault state?
No, Delaware is an at-fault state that gives you the option of buying no-fault coverage. If you purchase personal injury protection (PIP), and are involved in an accident, you and your passengers will have medical expenses paid for immediately, regardless of who is at fault for the accident or if you have health insurance.
If you do not opt for this coverage, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for you and your passengers' injuries, once their insurance company accepts liability and confirms that there is enough coverage.
The combination of comprehensive and collision coverage, on top of minimum liability insurance, is often called “full coverage” car insurance.
Take a look at the graph below to understand how much you’re paying for each.
Cheapest car insurance in Delaware with a DUI or speeding ticket
If you’ve got points on your Delaware driver’s license from a DUI or a minor violation like a speeding ticket, finding affordable insurance might be hard. That’s because insurance companies look at traffic violations as a sign of a high-risk driver—and they charge higher rates to match that level of risk. But drivers with previous infractions can still find savings.
Here’s just a sample of the savings that Jerry customers with spotty driving records have found:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $2,747 | $872 |
| Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $5,119 | $3,147 |
| Improper Passing | $3,166 | $1,250 |
| Careless Driving | $3,543 | $1,157 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,007 | $874 |
| Speeding over 15 | $2,903 | $768 |
| DUI | $2,685 | $711 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,939 | $695 |
| Defective Equipment | $3,431 | $660 |
| Illegal Turn | $2,405 | $618 |
Insurance Cost With a DUI in Delaware
If you get a DUI in Delaware, you can expect your car insurance to increase by an average of $275 per month.
Read More
Insurance Cost With a Reckless Driving Citation in Delaware
If you have a reckless driving citation, you should expect your insurance to increase to an average of $108 per month.
Read More
Delaware auto insurance costs by age
Teenage drivers pay some of the highest average car insurance rates in Delaware. That’s because teen drivers—and any new drivers under age 25—are seen as automatic insurance risks due to lack of experience.
Delaware ranks 13th in the nation for teen driver safety, which makes it one of the best states for teenage drivers. But until you turn 25, you’ll still need to contend with higher rates for the coverage you need.
Even though young drivers see sky-high insurance premiums, it’s possible to keep costs down by applying for discounts, shopping around, and maintaining a clean driving record. Here’s how.
How can young drivers save money on car insurance in Delaware?
- Maintain a B average or better in school to qualify for a good student discount
- Take a state-approved defensive driving course for an insurance discount
- Build good credit to demonstrate your financial responsibility to insurance companies
- Use a telematics program like Jerry’s Drive Well, Earn Perks to achieve a good driving record and earn discounts
- Maintain a B average or better in school to qualify for a good student discount
- Take a state-approved defensive driving course for an insurance discount
- Build good credit to demonstrate your financial responsibility to insurance companies
- Use a telematics program like Jerry’s Drive Well, Earn Perks to achieve a good driving record and earn discounts
Delaware car insurance rates by city
The average cost of auto insurance across Delaware is higher than the national average, but average rates also vary depending on your specific ZIP code.
In cities like Dover or Wilmington, car insurance costs are higher due to crowded roadways and a higher likelihood of accidents and subsequent insurance claims. If you live in a more rural area, you can expect to pay less than the state average unless you have a spotty record or bad credit. But in coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach, car insurance costs are elevated due to the risk of hurricane damage.
Here’s a more specific breakdown of auto insurance rates for Jerry across Delaware:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Bear | $2,144 | $727 |
| Claymont | $2,259 | $867 |
| Dover | $2,342 | $819 |
| Georgetown | $2,573 | $823 |
| Lewes | $1,882 | $633 |
| Middletown | $2,628 | $835 |
| Millsboro | $2,215 | $827 |
| New Castle | $2,222 | $677 |
| Newark | $2,179 | $661 |
| Wilmington | $2,342 | $831 |
Least Expensive Cities in Delaware
Ocean View has the lowest premiums of cities in Delaware. A small population with low density means cheaper insurance rates.
City With Highest Rates of Accidents in Delaware
Dover has the highest accident rate in Delaware, as 9.97% drivers in Dover already have an at-fault accident on record. This raises car insurance rates for all drivers in the area.
Read More
Cities With the Longest Commute Times in Delaware
With an average commute of 37.4 minutes, living in Riverview will result in higher insurance premiums due to busier roads and increased mileage.
Read More
Cost to insure your car in Delaware
The type of vehicle you drive is another major factor in your car insurance rates. Generally speaking, cars that have a lower MSRP will have lower insurance costs than more expensive vehicles.
Let’s take an example. Two of the most popular vehicles in Delaware are the Nissan Altima and the Ford F-150. Both are great vehicles with solid safety ratings—but the starting price for an F-150 is more than $7,000 higher than the Altima, and some models can go for up to $80,000!
The same goes for other vehicles. If you’ve got an expensive vehicle or a car with shaky safety ratings, you’re likely to pay more. That’s why Chevy Silverado insurance costs are higher than Honda Accord insurance costs.
Want to see where your vehicle lands? Check out the features below.
| Car | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic LX | $2,222 | $959 |
| Ford Escape XLT | $2,111 | $856 |
| Chevrolet Equinox LT | $2,247 | $813 |
| Acura Tsx | $2,052 | $648 |
| Honda Accord LX | $2,359 | $525 |
Most Popular Car in Delaware
The most popular vehicle in Delaware is the Chevy Silverado 1500. On average, Silverado 1500 drivers pay $1,510 a year in auto insurance. Though insurance costs for Silverados are relatively high, drivers can still save money with insurance broker apps like Jerry.
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Delaware?
Most states have minimum insurance requirements that you must meet to hit the road.
In order to drive legally in the state of Delaware, you must carry proof of insurance that shows you’ve met the state’s minimum insurance requirements. But that shouldn’t be the end of your coverage decisions.
Liability and PIP coverage will cover your medical expenses and help you avoid financial responsibility for other drivers if you’re in an at-fault accident. That’s important, since Delaware is not a no-fault state. But sticking to those minimum coverage limits could leave you exposed to serious financial burdens if your car is damaged in an accident—or if you’re in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Adding collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy is a good start. But there are other risk factors to consider, and other coverages—such as uninsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance—worth considering.
Check out the features below to help you make your decision:
Delaware ranks 35th for traffic and infrastructure, which puts it in the bottom half of states. Drivers have a higher risk of a collision in high traffic and poor roads, so drivers should consider collision coverage.
Drivers in Delaware should get comprehensive insurance for non-collision damages, such as car theft, vandalism, hail damage, and other weather conditions.
In Delaware, 8.50% of drivers are uninsured. Delaware drivers should have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover damages resulting from accidents with uninsured drivers.
Read More
Delaware drivers rank their roads a 6.88/10—which isn’t a glowing recommendation. Don’t get stranded due to poor road conditions. Get roadside for flat tires, towing, and more.
How to save money on car insurance in Delaware
Delaware’s car insurance rates are higher than the national average, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money! Here are some strategies that can help you find savings without being underinsured.
Shop around for car insurance quotes
Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find savings on car insurance. Insurance experts recommend getting quotes from at least three companies and re-shopping every six months or so.
Look for discounts
You’ve probably heard that you can save money on car insurance by bundling your policy with a homeowners or renters policy. That’s true (and we’ve got tips on it!), but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to car insurance discounts.
In fact, most car insurance companies offer a lot of discounts—they just don’t tend to advertise them! Here are some of the most popular ones for drivers in Delaware:
Clean Driving Record Discounts
Clean Driving Record Discounts
Drivers with a history of safe driving are far less likely to be in an accident, which means carriers don’t have to pay out as much. In return, drivers with clean records are offered discounts.
Bundling Discounts
Bundling Discounts
Car insurance customers who buy home or renters insurance with their car insurance at the same company are eligible for a bundling discount.
Defensive Driving Discounts
Defensive Driving Discounts
Delaware law requires that insurance carriers give a defensive driving discount to drivers who complete a defensive driving course, as long as they are at least 50 years old.
Increase your deductible
If your car insurance policy includes collision or comprehensive insurance, you have a deductible you agree to pay before your insurance kicks in on a claim. The higher that deductible is, the less you’ll pay month to month to maintain the policy.
Raising your deductible is an easy way to save money in the long term—but be careful! Never choose a deductible that’s higher than what you could reasonably pay out of pocket. That’s asking for trouble, and it won’t be worth the savings if you end up in an accident.
By R.E. Fulton
Updated on Mar 23, 2023
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Delaware
Best car insurance companies in Delaware
Delaware car insurance FAQs
Why does Delaware car insurance cost so much?
Delaware car insurance requirements
Cheapest car insurance in Delaware with a DUI or speeding ticket
Delaware auto insurance costs by age
Delaware car insurance rates by city
Cost to insure your car in Delaware
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Delaware?
How to save money on car insurance in Delaware
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