How Much Is Car Insurance in Delaware? (August 2024)

In Delaware, drivers who choose full coverage car insurance can expect to pay an average annual premium of $2,123. Those opting for minimum coverage pay less, averaging around $1,303 annually.

Insurers consider various factors when determining your car insurance premium. Your age, chosen coverage level, location, driving record and credit history considerably impact your rates.

Delaware's average full coverage car insurance cost is about $2,123 annually. Knowing your state's average car insurance cost helps you assess if a quote is affordable or high. Compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal.

Here's what you might pay for auto insurance in Delaware. These numbers show your potential budget, whether you want only minimum coverage or more comprehensive protection.

Several factors contribute to Delaware's higher rates, including its dense population, higher-than-average health care costs and the state's insurance laws, which can influence claim payouts.

Car insurance in Delaware is more expensive than the national average cost of car insurance. For instance, the minimum coverage in Delaware averages about $1,303 annually or $109 monthly, higher than the national average of $607 annually or approximately $51 monthly.

Car insurance premiums can differ significantly, even within a state. In Delaware, for example, the provider offering the cheapest full coverage is Travelers at $865 annually, while Dairyland has the most expensive average premium at $4,933.

Compare car insurance quotes from various providers to find the cheapest car insurance in Delaware and maximize your savings.

The coverage level you choose determines your car insurance cost. Minimum coverage in Delaware costs around $109 monthly, while full coverage with a $1,000 deductible averages around $177 monthly. Despite being pricier, full coverage insurance is recommended because of its comprehensive protection against various losses.

Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy will raise your premiums. However, higher deductibles, such as a $1,000 deductible, can offset this increase. Remember that the deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket per claim for each coverage.

Delaware's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 for property damage, along with personal injury protection of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

In Delaware, drivers aged 22 to 29 usually face the highest premiums, averaging around $2,563 annually, while those over 60 benefit from lower rates, around $1,998. Generally, premiums decrease as drivers age, reflecting the industry's view of risk and experience.

Age and gender significantly influence car insurance rates in Delaware. For example, 16-year-old male drivers added to a family policy can expect an average annual cost of $3,358, with the highest premiums for this age group.

Teen drivers under 18 usually cannot purchase car insurance independently without a parent or guardian co-signing. Going solo on a policy comes with a steeper average premium of $10,368 for a 16-year-old driver in Delaware.

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is $1,708 for a 2012 model and $2,034 for a 2022 model. The higher premiums for newer cars reflect their increased actual cash value, higher repair costs and greater theft risk.

Newer vehicle owners should consider comprehensive and collision coverages to protect against various types of damage and save on unexpected repairs or theft.

Drivers in Delaware can expect their car insurance rates to vary depending on their driving record. Annual and monthly averages based on driving violations are:

• With a ticket: $2,516 per year; $210 per month
• With a DUI: $2,928 per year; $244 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $3,002 per year; $250 per month

The severity of a violation can raise your insurance premiums. As long as the violation is on your record, it can affect your rates. Each state differs in how long it keeps a violation on your driving record. For example, in Delaware, a DUI can stay on your record for up to five years, influencing your car insurance costs for that period.

While a DUI typically results in the highest insurance rates due to its higher risk, there are exceptions depending on the insurer and the state's regulations. Sometimes, other violations can push your premiums even higher than a DUI would.

Our table, sorted by coverage and age group, shows the average cost of car insurance in Delaware for different records.

Delaware drivers see a significant impact on their car insurance costs based on their credit scores, with average annual premiums ranging from $845 for excellent credit to $1,847 for poor credit. The variation emphasizes the importance of a good credit score in finding affordable car insurance rates. A good credit score falls between 670 and 739, while excellent credit is 740 and above, fair is 580 to 669 and poor is below 580.

For Delaware drivers, understanding factors impacting your car insurance rates can help you find the most affordable plan. Here's what affects your premiums:

• Age and experience: Younger drivers in Delaware often face higher rates due to lack of experience, while mature drivers enjoy lower premiums due to their driving history.

• Driving record: A clean driving record suggests responsible behavior behind the wheel, potentially leading to lower insurance costs. Conversely, infractions like speeding can increase rates.

• Credit score: Insurers in Delaware consider credit scores when calculating premiums. A higher credit score can mean more favorable rates, reflecting financial stability and responsibility.

• Vehicle make and model: Cars that cost more to repair or replace or have higher theft rates can lead to higher premiums. Safer or lower-value vehicles may cost less to insure.

• Location: Rates can vary depending on where you live within the state. Urban areas with higher theft and accident rates may see higher insurance costs.

• Coverage type: Opting for comprehensive insurance or collision insurance will impact your rates differently than minimum coverage plans due to the additional protection they offer.

• Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium because you'll pay more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

• Insurance history: Continuous insurance coverage can make you appear as a reliable customer, potentially leading to lower rates. Gaps in coverage, however, can have the opposite effect.

• Discount eligibility: Many insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as bundling policies, having anti-theft devices or completing defensive driving courses. These can all lower your car insurance costs.

Compare car insurance quotes to find a policy that meets your driving needs and budget. By not exploring your options, you could miss out on potential savings.

To find cheap car insurance in Delaware, shop around for competitive rates, increase your deductible and claim all available discounts for immediate savings.

Get answers about what impacts the average cost of car insurance in Delaware and how to find affordable rates.