Whether you're drawn by Delaware's numerous beaches or the financial appeal of no state or local sales tax, there are many reasons to relocate to the First State. In fact, Delaware has one of the highest population growth percentages in the country.
However, new residents should be aware that auto coverage is more expensive in Delaware than in many other areas. The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,836 per year for full coverage policies, compared to the national average of $1,582.
Many variables affect your premiums, including your location, age, and credit history, and you may qualify for valuable discount programs that could help you save money.
- Key takeaways
- How much does car insurance cost in Delaware?
- Average cost of car insurance in Delaware by provider
- How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Delaware?
- Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Delaware
- How does age affect car insurance rates in Delaware?
- Delaware car insurance rates by city
- DE’s minimum car insurance requirements
- How to save money on car insurance in Delaware
- Methodology
- FAQs about car insurance costs in DE
Key takeaways
- The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,836 per year for full coverage insurance.
- Drivers that opt for state-minimum liability insurance pay an average of $918 per year.
- Teen drivers pay an average of $5,527 per year for car insurance.
How much does car insurance cost in Delaware?
Car insurance is more expensive in Delaware than in other states. The average cost of full coverage policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance is $1,836 per year, compared to the national average of $1,582.
State-minimum coverage may be a helpful alternative for those on a tight budget. Policies that meet the state’s liability requirements average just $918 per year.
Avg. cost for full coverage | Avg. cost for minimum coverage | Cheapest insurance provider |
$1,836/year | $918/year | USAA |
Avg. for young drivers | Avg. cost for seniors | Avg. for high-risk drivers |
$5,527/year | $2,237/year | $2,794/year |
Average cost of car insurance in Delaware by provider
Several companies underwrite insurance policies in Delaware, including well-known insurers like Allstate, GEICO, and Nationwide.
USAA has the lowest average premiums for full and state-minimum coverage, but you must be a qualifying USAA member to purchase coverage. USAA membership is limited to military service members, veterans, and children or spouses of qualifying members.
If you aren’t eligible for USAA membership, State Farm was the next cheapest for both forms of coverage.
Provider | Full coverage | Minimum liability coverage |
Travelers | $1,781/year |
$836/year |
Nationwide | $1,726/year | $1,094/year |
Allstate | $2,564/year | $1,338/year |
GEICO | $1,550/year | $891/year |
State Farm | $1,275/year | $701/year |
Progressive | $1,432/year | $975/year |
USAA | $1,169/year | $525/year |
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Check RatesHow does credit score affect car insurance rates in Delaware?
Delaware allows insurers to review drivers’ credit histories, but there are some limitations on how they can use that information. However, we found that drivers’ credit scores can significantly impact their premiums.
On average, drivers with poor credit — meaning scores under 650 — pay an average of $3,354 for coverage, 83% higher than the state average.
Credit health | Avg. annual premium |
Poor (550-649) | $3,354/year |
Average (650-699) | $2,683/year |
Good (700-749) | $2,286/year |
Excellent (750+) | $1,838/year |
Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Delaware
High-risk driving behaviors are a major problem in Delaware. About 13% of Delaware drivers received a speeding ticket in 2021, the last available data, making Delaware the 10th-worst state for speeding in the country.
In Delaware, an at-fault accident can cause your premiums to increase by $977 per year, and a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can increase your yearly premiums by about $1,941.
Violation | Avg. annual premium before violation* | Avg. annual premium after violation | Avg. cost increase |
At-fault accident | $1,836/year | $2,813/year | $977 |
DUI | $1,836/year | $3,777/year | $1,941 |
Speeding ticket | $1,836/year | $2,497/year | $661 |
*Assumes clean driving record with good credit
How does age affect car insurance rates in Delaware?
Because teens are inexperienced drivers and more likely to be involved in accidents, insurance companies typically charge them much more for auto coverage. In Delaware, the average premium for drivers that are 18 years old is $6,113, more than three times the state average.
Age | Avg. annual premium |
18 | $6,113/year |
25 | $2,104/year |
30 | $2,296/year |
40 | $2,168/year |
60 | $2,113/year |
Delaware car insurance rates by city
Drivers in the suburbs or rural areas of Delaware will pay much less for car insurance than those living in cities. You'll typically have to pay more for coverage because you are more likely to be in an accident or the victim of car theft or vandalism.
In Delaware, drivers in Newark will pay the highest premiums in the state, averaging $2,514 per year. According to NeighborhoodScout, Newark has a crime rating of seven, meaning that 93% of cities in the U.S. are safer.
City | Avg. annual full-coverage premium |
Newark | $2,514/year |
Wilmington | $2,489/year |
Middletown | $2,404/year |
Seaford | $2,256/year |
Dover | $2,200/year |
Milford | $1,846/year |
DE’s minimum car insurance requirements
Delaware requires all drivers to have auto insurance and to carry proof of coverage. Policies must meet these minimum requirements:
- $25,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
- $50,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
- $10,000 in property damage insurance
Additionally, drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) with $15,000 of coverage for one person and $30,000 for all persons injured in an accident.
How to save money on car insurance in Delaware
To save money on your car insurance premiums in Delaware, follow these tips:
- Complete a course: Delaware has a unique program that provides qualifying drivers with significant discounts. If you complete an approved course, you can reduce your premiums by 10% for three years. If you complete a refresher course within 180 days of the end of that initial three-year period, you can qualify for a 15% discount for another three years.
- Pay-per-mile: If you work from home or have a short commute, switching to a usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance policy could allow you to save a substantial amount of money. You can get usage-based insurance in Delaware through several companies, including Root, Progressive, and Nationwide.
- Shop around: Rather than sticking with one company for years, get quotes from several companies to ensure you get the best car insurance rates possible.
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in DE
Is car insurance expensive in DE?
Car insurance is fairly expensive in Delaware. Full coverage policies average $1,836 per year, compared to the national average of $1,582.
How much is car insurance per year in DE?
The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,836 per year for full coverage insurance. State minimum liability policies average $918 per year.