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If you have a poor driving history, your auto insurance premium will reflect that. The only way to ensure that you get the best rate is to shop around and compare quotes from different auto insurers.

When MoneyGeek compared insurance companies in Delaware, State Farm stood out as the best and most affordable because of its excellent combination of low rates and quality customer service. Its high-risk driver policy costs around $1,392 per year. However, your actual rate may vary depending on your insurance needs and driving profile.

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2023

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

High-risk drivers often have a history of driving violations or a DUI conviction. Typically, insurance companies consider inexperienced drivers, such as new and young drivers, as high-risk, too, and may also consider those with poor credit as riskier to insure.

In Delaware, auto insurance for high-risk drivers costs more than for clean-record drivers. High-risk drivers should expect to pay around 26% more than safe drivers for the same policy.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

A high-risk driver poses a higher financial risk to their auto insurance provider due to a history of traffic tickets, accidents, a DUI or even inexperience. Of all traffic infractions, the most prevalent are speeding, reckless driving and violating traffic signs. Even if you have never broken a traffic law, you may be labeled as high risk by certain insurance companies.

If you fall into any of these categories, you may be a high-risk driver:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Delaware for High-Risk Drivers

In order to determine which insurance company in Delaware has the best rate, MoneyGeek compared many companies. State Farm, with a yearly average cost of $1,392, is the most budget-friendly option for high-risk car insurance.

MoneyGeek conducted an in-depth analysis of State Farm auto insurance, examining its pros, cons, pricing and quality of service.

Company
Annual Premium

State Farm

$1,392

Travelers

$1,677

Nationwide

$1,866

Progressive

$2,050

GEICO

$2,398

Allstate

$2,398

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SR-22 INSURANCE

Many states require high-risk drivers to file an SR-22. For example, those convicted of driving under the influence must have their insurance provider file an SR-22 form to demonstrate that they have auto insurance that meets state requirements.

Although Delaware does not require SR-22, you must have at least the state minimum liability insurance.

Best Car Insurance in Delaware for High-Risk Drivers

State Farm tops the list of Delaware's high-risk driver insurance providers. The company received a MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100. MoneyGeek conducted a comprehensive study of State Farm, including its policy options, rates and customer service.

With a MoneyGeek rating of 80 out of 100, Travelers ranks as Delaware's second-best insurer for high-risk drivers. Costs, service quality, complaint rates and discounts were among the many factors that MoneyGeek considered while reviewing Travelers.


1
State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm's premium for a high-risk driver in Delaware averages $1,392 annually. Insurance costs for high-risk drivers are around 12% higher than for safe drivers.

More About State Farm

Available nationwide, State Farm offers high-quality auto insurance, even to those with traffic violations. The company offers add-on rideshare insurance and roadside assistance, but it does not have original equipment manufacturer (OEM) add-on coverage or gap insurance.

High-risk drivers may get discounts from State Farm to offset their policy cost, such as good student, airbag and anti-theft system.

2
State Farm
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm's premium for a high-risk driver in Delaware averages $1,392 annually. Insurance costs for high-risk drivers are around 12% higher than for safe drivers.

More About State Farm

Available nationwide, State Farm offers high-quality auto insurance, even to those with traffic violations. The company offers add-on rideshare insurance and roadside assistance, but it does not have original equipment manufacturer (OEM) add-on coverage or gap insurance.

High-risk drivers may get discounts from State Farm to offset their policy cost, such as good student, airbag and anti-theft system.

3
Travelers
Score:70

2.9/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

High-risk drivers in Delaware pay an average annual premium of $1,677 with Travelers, which is approximately 19% higher than the cost for drivers with a clean record.

More About Travelers

In Delaware, Travelers provides insurance for high-risk drivers. It has add-on coverages like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement and gap insurance.

However, deductible modification and better car replacement add-on coverages are not available.

Discounts high-risk drivers may get with Travelers include alternative energy, good student and new vehicle.

4
Travelers
Score:70

2.9/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

High-risk drivers in Delaware pay an average annual premium of $1,677 with Travelers, which is approximately 19% higher than the cost for drivers with a clean record.

More About Travelers

In Delaware, Travelers provides insurance for high-risk drivers. It has add-on coverages like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement and gap insurance.

However, deductible modification and better car replacement add-on coverages are not available.

Discounts high-risk drivers may get with Travelers include alternative energy, good student and new vehicle.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Unfortunately, you may sacrifice quality service by choosing cheap auto insurance. Low-income auto insurance in Delaware is an option for drivers who need quality coverage but are on a tight budget.

To save, MoneyGeek recommends a pay-per-mile auto insurance policy for low-income drivers who don't travel many miles per year since Delaware does not have a subsidized auto insurance program.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Delaware for Drivers With a DUI

According to MoneyGeek's research, State Farm has the most affordable Delaware auto insurance rate for drivers with a DUI conviction at around $1,351 per year. Read our State Farm review to get more information about the company's policies, savings opportunities and customer support.

USAA is a low-cost alternative for high-risk auto insurance in the state for active and former military personnel with a DUI.

Company
Annual Premium

State Farm

$1,351

Progressive

$1,940

Nationwide

$2,198

Travelers

$2,278

Allstate

$2,441

GEICO

$2,949

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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

The look-back period refers to the time a DUI conviction reflects on your driving history. Look-back periods vary by state, although they are often long in order to facilitate criminal sentences or larger penalties for repeat offenders. Delaware has a lifetime look-back period, which means that DUI convictions are never removed from your record.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Delaware for Teenage Drivers

State Farm offers the most affordable policy for young drivers in Delaware at around $4,457 annually, according to MoneyGeek's data.

Due to their lack of experience behind the wheel, insurance companies see teenage drivers as a high risk. Check out MoneyGeek's State Farm review to learn more about the company's car insurance offerings.

Company
Annual Premium

State Farm

$4,457

Nationwide

$4,824

GEICO

$6,039

Allstate

$8,439

Progressive

$12,659

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

The cost of auto insurance may be high for young drivers and students. However, a full coverage policy is preferable over minimum coverage because the added protection it provides in the event of a collision is well worth the cost. Finding affordable auto insurance as a teen or student is important, so it's a good idea to shop around and compare rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Delaware for Drivers With Bad Credit

For drivers in Delaware with low credit scores, Nationwide offers the most affordable vehicle insurance at around $1,960 per year. MoneyGeek’s Nationwide auto insurance review compares and contrasts the company's benefits and drawbacks, as well as its pricing and service quality.

Company
Annual Premium
Percent Change

Nationwide

1,960

28%

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Credit history can impact auto insurance premiums. Therefore, if you have bad credit, car insurance may cost you more than it would for someone with good credit. But good auto insurance coverage is not out of reach for drivers with low credit scores if they do some comparison shopping.

MoneyGeek offers tips for Delaware drivers with poor credit that might help them get affordable vehicle insurance.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Delaware?

A driver's profile and history are considered by insurance companies when determining rates. Because of this, high-risk drivers are often charged more.

In Delaware, individuals with a poor driving history pay approximately $1,963 for the same policy a driver with a clean record pays around $1,434 per year. That’s over $500 more.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in DE for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

car2Colored
Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$1,434
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,963
In Delaware, high-risk drivers pay:$529 more

This is 37% more expensive.

Delaware drivers may use MoneyGeek's auto insurance calculator to estimate their premium by entering information about themselves and their car, such as age, driving history, vehicle type and coverage preferences. Using MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator, you can determine which factors significantly affect your premium.

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Delaware if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

In Delaware, auto insurance is required, and all drivers must carry the state minimum liability insurance. Since insurance is a voluntary market, car insurers may refuse to insure you if they believe you are too risky.

If this happens, your best option is to contact the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) and request a residual market plan. For the past 48 years, high-risk drivers have relied on AIPSO, a nationwide non-profit organization, to provide services in the auto insurance residual market.

Delaware Automobile Insurance Plan

The Delaware Automobile Insurance Plan (DAIP) was founded by legislation to help persons who can't get insurance in the voluntary market. The DAIP guarantees that applications are split evenly among all vehicle insurers licensed in Delaware.

Consumers with a valid Delaware driver's license and a Delaware-registered car are eligible.

  • building icon

    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. ET

  • subscribe icon

    Email

    daip@aipso.com

  • smartphone icon

    Phone

    (888) 820-0170

  • other icon

    Fax

    (800) 516-1923

  • business icon

    Mailing Address

    Mid-Atlantic Region, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530

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Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance might be difficult to get for high-risk drivers. MoneyGeek provides guidance by addressing frequently asked questions about high-risk auto insurance in Delaware.

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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