Finding affordable car insurance in Delaware can seem overwhelming, considering the state ranks in the top 10 in the nation for having the most expensive auto insurance. However, a study on coverage costs over time found that Delaware’s auto insurance rates dropped by 17.6% between 2016 and 2019, from an average of $1,678 per year to $1,382 per year. Car insurance quotes depend on several factors. Understanding those factors is important because it allows people to compare insurance companies before making a decision.
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The Best Cheap Car Insurance in Delaware for 2020
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The Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for Delaware Drivers in 2020
The majority of drivers will likely choose from the five top companies when looking for the best car insurance in Delaware. In the chart below, we’ve listed the most popular options in the state and approximate costs based on average drivers. Remember that these numbers offer only an estimate and may vary significantly from an actual quote. Check out MoneyGeek’s guide on finding the best car coverage to ensure you get cheap insurance that doesn’t break the bank.
Company
Amount
1. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance on average.
$848
per year
2. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance on average.
$1,652
per year
3. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance on average.
$2,141
per year
4. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance on average.
$2,201
per year
The cheapest car insurance in Delaware will be different for everyone due to many factors impacting the final quote. A person’s driving experience, the type of car they drive, their driving record, their age and many other considerations go into determining the approximate cost for each client.
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Delaware for 2020
MoneyGeek developed a unique rating system to help insurance seekers determine which insurance company best serves their needs. Ratings from outlets such as J.D. Power and AM Best were consulted to identify how insurance providers rank regarding customer satisfaction, affordability, the number of claims and financial stability. Take a look at the top companies listed below.
Expand all Rankings +
2
New Jersey ManufacturersScore: 97.5
+
Market Share by Company
A 2019 report by the National Association of Insurance Companies found that State Farm Group operates as the largest auto insurer in the state. A few of the other largest companies include:
Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI in Delaware
In a 2012 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.7% of Delaware drivers admitted to drinking too much before getting behind the wheel at least once during the previous 30 days. Delaware takes driving under the influence seriously. Individuals convicted of a DUI face jail time, fines and license suspension, along with increased auto insurance rates. Finding cheap car insurance with a DUI in Delaware may be possible, but doing so takes a lot of research and effort. Approximate costs for Delaware drivers with a DUI are highlighted in the following table.
Company
Amount
1. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for dui.
$1,647
per year
2. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for dui.
$2,451
per year
3. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for dui.
$2,940
per year
4. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for dui.
$4,353
per year
State-level laws mandate how long a DUI impacts auto insurance rates. In Delaware, expect a DUI to stay on your record for five years. Convicted individuals must also participate in a 16-hour DUI education program that highlights the dangers of drugs and alcohol. To better understand the real costs of getting a DUI, check out our informative guide.
Cheapest Car Insurance for DE Speeding or Distracted Driving Tickets
Distracted driving accounted for 104 deaths in Delaware during 2018. Whether you receive a ticket for distracted driving or speeding, these offenses can impact your auto insurance quotes. The Delaware DMV does not add points to a license for first-time offenders speeding between 1 and 14 miles per hour over the stated limit, provided they pay their ticket. All other offenders receive points on their license. How Delaware car insurance companies handle these points is up to each, as observed in the table below.
Company
Amount
1. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for distracted drivers.
$1,916
per year
2. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for distracted drivers.
$1,925
per year
3. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for distracted drivers.
$2,637
per year
4. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for distracted drivers.
$2,687
per year
How long a ticket will impact your auto insurance depends on the severity of the incident. Someone receiving a ticket for speeding will see their rates lower more quickly than a distracted driver who caused an accident. The high toll of distracted driving can do far more than raise your insurance premiums, so always be careful when you’re behind the wheel.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in DE for Drivers With Bad Credit
A bad credit score doesn’t necessarily mean someone is a higher risk for not paying their premiums, but it can mean they will struggle to do so against other debts. Because of this factor, individuals with lower credit scores tend to pay higher premiums. Delaware residents had average FICO scores of 701 in 2019, a number considered “good” by most creditors and insurers. Review the table below to get a sense of what the average driver with bad credit pays.
Company
Amount
1. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for poor credit history drivers.
$950
per year
2. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for poor credit history drivers.
$1,624
per year
3. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for poor credit history drivers.
$2,107
per year
4. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for poor credit history drivers.
$2,380
per year
Delaware auto insurance companies use different risk factors to develop a quote, so check with several companies to see which one will work best for you. Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but dedication and focus can pay off in ways that go far beyond car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Delaware for Seniors
Finding cheap car insurance for seniors in Delaware may take some extra time, but it can be done provided the driver has a clean record. Seniors over the age of 65 accounted for 12.6% of fatal Delaware wrecks in 2017, creating legitimate concern for some insurance agencies about how to best protect this population. The Delaware DMV allows seniors to renew licenses for five-year periods if they can pass an eye exam. Written and road tests can also be required but are typically waived.
Company
Amount
1. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for seniors.
$1,203
per year
2. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for seniors.
$1,582
per year
3. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for seniors.
$2,183
per year
4. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for seniors.
$3,037
per year
Car insurance for seniors can vary based on the type of car they drive, the amount of time spent on the road, and whether they have previous driving offenses on their record. Factors such as hearing and/or vision impairments can also affect insurance rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Students
Parents and guardians of high school and college students typically pay higher premiums due to their lack of experience driving. Of the 49,073 wrecks that occurred in Delaware during 2018, drivers under the age of 25 accounted for 9,538 of them. The good news is that insurance rates tend to decrease as young drivers age, so make sure to get a personalized quote. The table below looks at rates of cheap car insurance for young drivers in Delaware.
Company
Amount
1. GEICO
In 2020 GEICO ranked #1 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for students.
$2,327
per year
2. Nationwide
In 2020 Nationwide ranked #2 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for students.
$3,636
per year
3. State Farm
In 2020 State Farm ranked #3 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for students.
$3,741
per year
4. Progressive
In 2020 Progressive ranked #4 in Delaware for the cheapest car insurance for students.
$4,484
per year
Premium Comparison by Student Type
Cheaper premium for college vs. high school drivers
Median premium change with a college student vs. high school driver:
$1,179 DECREASE
This is a savings of 29%.
Delaware students: a long-distance discount
You may pay a smaller annual family premium if your child lives 150 miles or more away from home.
Average premium for a 19-year-old male
$3,783 at home
$3,010 at school
$773 IN SAVINGS
Average premium for a 19-year-old female
$3,210 at home
$2,484 at school
$726 IN SAVINGS
Insurance Rate Information for Military Drivers and Veterans
Delaware is home to nearly 10,000 active and veteran military members as of December 2019. The Delaware Insurance Commissioner urges these residents to ask questions about their auto insurance before buying a policy, including how coverage works during deployment. Auto insurance discounts exist for this demographic, but providers also consider factors such as credit history and driving record when setting rates.
While paying your auto insurance premiums during deployment, don't forget to renew your vehicle registration or the insurance will be pointless. The Delaware DMV will mail an Out-of-State Inspection Packet to any active-duty enlisted person outside of a 250-mile radius of a Delaware. The packet contains a safety inspection checklist and a list of emission test requirements.
Age savings for Delaware service members
25 years$1,551
50 years$1,136
50 years$1,136
25 years$1,452
50 years$1,157
50 years$1,157
$415 Saved
$295 Saved
Median auto insurance for service members: $1,258
Who Needs Car Insurance in Delaware?
All Delaware motor vehicle owners must buy the state-mandated minimum auto insurance coverage or post a cash bond (see below). The state DMV will not register a vehicle or issue license plates until you provide proof of insurance (or in some cases, the cash bond). Vehicles that are inoperable or in storage do not need to be insured unless registered for road use.
Proof of Insurance in Delaware
Drivers must carry a valid Delaware insurance identification card whenever they operate a motor vehicle. They must show the card after an accident involving another person or when a police officer asks for it.
Insurance issued in other states is not accepted for vehicle registration in Delaware.
Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements in Delaware
Delaware state law requires all registered vehicles to have the minimum state liability auto insurance coverage:
- $25,000 per person for death or injury.
- $50,000 per accident.
- $10,000 for private property damage.
Alternatives to Insurance in Delaware
As an alternative to buying insurance, Delaware auto owners can post a $40,000 bond for each registered vehicle. Drivers should carry a photocopy of the bond in the vehicle while driving, as proof of financial responsibility.
Car Insurance Requirements in Delaware: How Much Coverage Do You Need?
What percentage of drivers in Delaware lack vehicle insurance?
11.4%
National average: 13%
Source:
Insurance Information Institute.Most drivers need more than the minimum coverage required by the state to stay fully protected. Liability insurance doesn't cover damage to your car, so you may want to get collision or comprehensive coverage. (The Blue Book value of a vehicle can serve as a guide to buying the right amount.)
As for protecting yourself, insurance industry organizations recommend liability coverage of 100/300, meaning $100,000 coverage for one injury and $300,000 per accident. You may also want to look into uninsured motorist coverage, which can help protect you if injured by a hit-and-run driver or someone without car insurance.
For more on the best insurance for your circumstances, see the MoneyGeek guide to car insurance.
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Ensure you're getting the best rate for your car insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Motor Vehicle Safety.” Accessed February 17, 2020.
- Defense Manpower Data Center. “Military and Civilian Personnel by Service/Agency by State/Country.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. “Delaware Driver Manual.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. “Senior Driving.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Delaware State Police. “Delaware’s Annual Traffic Statistical Report, 2018.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Experian. “2019 Consumer Credit Review.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Insurance Commissioner of the State of Delaware. “The Instant Insurance Guide: Auto.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- Insurance Information Institute. “Facts + Statistics: Auto Insurance.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. “2018 Market Share Reports.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Traffic Safety Facts.” Accessed March 3, 2020.
- State of Delaware. “Title 2 Transportation.” Accessed March 3, 2020.