Best Delaware Auto Insurance 2023
If you are looking to discover the best Delaware auto insurance provider, you have come to the right place. Check out what we’ve gathered!
Auto insurance provides you with financial protection in the case of an accident, injury, or car theft. Like most U.S. states, Delaware makes it mandatory for you to have car insurance. However, Delaware is known to be one of the more expensive states for car insurance, with the minimum average cost being $1,042 for an annual policy.
If you are looking to discover the best Delaware auto insurance provider, you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide gives a detailed overview of the car insurance requirements, costs, and ratings in the First State. If you want to check on car insurance rates nationwide make sure to check out our list of best car insurance providers in the United States.
What Are Delaware Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements?
In Delaware, minimum car insurance requirements are as follows:
Mandatory insurance
- Property damage liability coverage: $10,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection coverage: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Rejectable in writing
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $10,000 per accident
Average Costs
State Average Costs by Age and Gender (Full Coverage)
As with other states, in Delaware, the average cost of auto insurance varies according to age and gender, with relatively higher insurance cost for younger or female drivers. Below is an overview of what prices to expect for full auto insurance coverage.
| Age Group | Average Price for Men | Average Price for Women |
| 20-30 | $2251 | $2379 |
| 30-40 | $1853 | $2032 |
| 40-50 | $1838 | $1953 |
| 50-60 | $1734 | $1802 |
Cost of Car Insurance by Top Cities (Full Coverage)
Presented below is a table of the car insurance quotes in Delaware for the state’s top cities for a single male driver in their late 20s. Unsurprisingly, the prices for top cities tend to be higher than the state average.
| City | Average Rate |
| Wilmington | $3131 |
| Dover | $2340 |
| Newark | $2782 |
| Middletown | $2767 |
How to Reduce the Cost of Auto Insurance in Delaware?
Delaware auto insurance rates are generally much higher than the state average, but there are plenty of ways you can keep the cost down. Below are some helpful recommendations:
Shop Around
Prices can greatly vary between auto insurance providers. Shop around and compare quotes from different companies. Be sure to only stick to reputable options and carefully read the fine print of the policies to avoid any unwelcome headaches later.
Request Higher Deductibles
Deductibles are what you pay out of pocket before the insurance provider bears the rest of the expense in a claim. Opting for a higher deductible generally translates to a much-reduced cost in your insurance premiums.
Maintain a Good Credit Score
Maintaining a good credit score goes beyond just qualifying you for better loan terms; it can also help you save up on your insurance costs. Insurance companies see people with a good credit score as responsible drivers and are willing to charge them a lower fee.
Choose Your Car Type Wisely
The type of car you purchase can have an impact on your insurance premiums. The car’s price, repair costs, overall safety record, and the likelihood of its theft are factors that insurance companies consider when assessing what fees to charge.
Search for Discounts
In Delaware, auto insurance discounts are given by companies to policyholders for various reasons, including:
- Installing anti-theft devices
- Passing a Defensive Driving Course
- Passing a Driver’s Ed course
- Having no accident or violation in 3 years
- Being a student driver with good grades
- Having a car with low mileage
Look for Bundles
You can greatly save up on your auto insurance costs if you opt to bundle it with other insurance policies from the same companies (e.g., your home insurance and liability insurance).
Delaware Auto insurance – Traffic Rules and Penalties
Delaware auto insurance laws make it a criminal offense to operate any motor vehicle without a minimum liability auto insurance. Without a valid insurance, following penalties may apply:
Fines of up to $2,000 for the first-time offense
Fines of up to $4,000 for a second-time offense
Having one’s driving privileges suspended for 6 months
What car insurance discounts are available in Delaware?
As with most other states, car insurance companies provide a wide range of policy discounts, including, but not limited to, the following:
| Discount Type | Details | Potential Savings |
| Good Driver | Have a clean record and no claims history | 10% to 30% |
| Continuous Insurance | Being continuously insured for 6 months or more | 5% to 25% |
| Policy Bundling | Insuring multiple vehicles or getting different policy types from the same company | Up to 25% |
| Safety Features | Cars with features like multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and daytime running lights | Up to 30% |
| Billings and Payments | Paying your policy in full, setting up an automatic payment, going paperless and more | Up to 25% |
Customer loyalty rewards are not available in Delaware due to state laws preventing insurance companies from adjusting rates based on the likelihood of a customer will not switch providers.
Best Car insurance Companies in Delaware
| Company | Provisions & Coverages | Ratings | Discounts |
| Erie
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A+)
JD Power Rating (850)
|
|
| GEICO
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A++)
JD Power Rating (841)
|
|
| Nationwide
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A+)
JD Power Rating (835) |
|
| USAA
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A++)
JD Power Rating (891) |
|
| State Farm
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A++)
JD Power Rating (855)
|
|
| Travelers
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A++)
JD Power Rating (836) |
|
| Progressive
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A+)
JD Power Rating (823) |
|
| Allstate
|
|
A.M Best Rating (A+)
JD Power Rating (819) |
|
Detailed Reviews
Erie Auto Insurance
Although a relatively small player in the auto insurance sector, thanks to its very competitive fees and a whole host of added perks, it still ranks among the best car insurance companies in Delaware. Its most notable highlight is the ability to lock your rates indefinitely, meaning there won’t be any surprises on your car insurance bill.
GEICO Car Insurance
GEICO car insurance in Delaware is one of the state’s largest auto insurance providers, commanding about 18.81% [CH2] of the market share. Its rates are quite competitive but what makes the company stand out is its broad portfolio of insurance products, allowing you to bundle your coverages and take advantage of greatly reduced fees.
Nationwide Auto Insurance
Like GEICO, Nationwide is another major auto insurance provider in Delaware, offering an extensive selection of insurance products.
USAA Auto Insurance
USAA offers insurance services to individuals and families who serve or served in the United States Armed Forces. Their rates are typically among the cheapest, but that doesn’t mean that it compromises service quality. Overall, if you are a member of the armed forces, this typically can be your best auto insurance in Delaware State.
State Farm Car Insurance
Enjoying 22.75% of the share in Delaware’s car insurance market, this insurance provider’s success partly stems from its exceptional customer service. State Farm provides each of its insured with a dedicated agent to help with claims. To better appeal to the younger demography, it also has a highly robust and user-friendly mobile app.
Travelers Auto Insurance
Travelers is another insurance provider known for its commitment to excellent customer service. When it comes to their insurance policies, they go the extra mile in terms of perks and benefits to provide more value for the money.
Progressive Auto Insurance
Progressive is one of the largest insurance providers in the US. It has expanded its operations to other countries as well. Unsurprisingly, Progressive car insurance in Delaware is one of the bigger players in the state, commanding 10.44% of its market share. Its strength lies in its diverse range of comprehensive options and a wide variety of savings.
Allstate Auto Insurance
Despite being a major player overall in the country, Allstate has a surprisingly small stake in Delaware. Nonetheless, their service is good, and you can find range of insurance options and discounts to be quite welcoming.
Pros & Cons
The Pros
The Cons
Final Verdict
FAQs
Why is Delaware car insurance so high?
The high cost of car insurance in the Diamond State is largely attributed to its small size and high population density. This translates to, on average, a higher likelihood of accidents compared to most other states. Generally, the high labor cost contributes to higher insurance fees, both directly in operating expenses and indirectly in costly repair prices.
Who has the cheapest auto insurance in Delaware?
Progressive Auto Insurance and USAA are considered among the cheapest options in Delaware. However, it should be noted that their rates might be different for every individual depending on various factors, so it is best to compare their quotes to find which one would be the cheaper option for you.
Is Delaware a No-Fault State?
A No-Fault State is one where everyone must file a claim with their own insurance, regardless of who is at fault. Delaware isn’t technically a No-Fault State, but it does have some elements of it. The state has a form of no-fault auto insurance called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for lost bills and lost wages only in the case of a car accident.
What are the best auto insurances in Delaware?
According to the latest study conducted by the J.D Powers on customer satisfaction, the following auto insurance providers scored the highest in the state:
- USAA (890)
- State Farm (855)
- Erie Insurance (850)
- GEICO (841)
