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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Car insurance quotes in Delaware

In Delaware, the average driver pays $1284 for a six-month policy.[1] Compared to the national average, this is 18% more expensive. Affordable rates for Delaware drivers can be found at Travelers and USAA.

These higher-than-average rates explain why 39% of Zebra customers in Delaware searched for quotes because they feel they pay too much for their policies.[2] Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history, so quotes vary greatly by applicant. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Delaware car insurance rates for different rating factors to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Delaware based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive custom insurance quotes from top companies.

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Cheapest full coverage in Delaware
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Cheapest liability coverage in DE
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Best customer service in DE
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Best insurance in DE — overall

Cheap full coverage in Delaware

A full coverage car insurance policy in Delaware will cost you about $1284 for six months. Our recommendation for the ideal car insurance policy, full coverage (policies with comprehensive and collision coverage) is pricier but offers the protection necessary for your vehicle. 56% of The Zebra's Delaware customers search for quotes for full coverage insurance. 

Budget-conscious drivers can find cheap full coverage quotes in Delaware from Travelers. See the table below for average rates from top Delaware insurance companies. 

Full coverage quotes in DE

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $551 $92
USAA $722 $120
Cal Casualty $1,083 $180
GEICO $1,257 $210
State Farm $1,393 $232
Progressive $1,423 $237
Allstate $2,144 $357

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Zebra Tip: Search out these car insurance discounts

  • Payment methods: Advance purchase, electronic bill pay, pay-in-full
  • Driver discounts: Multi-policy bundling, multiple vehicles, safe driver, good student, homeowner, military
  • Vehicle discounts: New car, safety features, anti-theft devices
  • Telematics: Many of Delaware's top companies offer telematics programs that may help lower your premiums — GEICO's DriveEasy, State Farm Drive Safe & Save, and Progressive Snapshot are just a few examples of telematics programs you could explore. 

Cheap liability insurance in Delaware

Liability insurance, often called state minimum coverage, represents the least amount of insurance you need to stay compliant with state laws. Because of its basic nature, it's also the most affordable car insurance option available.

In Delaware, the average cost for a 6-month liability insurance policy is $573, and about 44% of drivers in the state opt for this coverage alone. Below, you'll find a table showcasing liability insurance quotes in Delaware.

Liability insurance quotes in DE

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $264 $44
USAA $286 $48
Cal Casualty $454 $76
GEICO $553 $92
Progressive $568 $95
State Farm $661 $110
Allstate $972 $162

Source: The Zebra

The Delaware Department of Insurance requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/10, meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage per accident. The state also mandates personal injury protection (PIP) with limits of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.

For a more detailed explanation of Delaware car insurance limits and laws.

renata balasco
Zebra tip: Is the required liability insurance in Delaware enough?

Delaware’s minimum insurance requirements are fairly typical compared to other states in the U.S., but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re fully covered. This is especially important when it comes to liability coverage. In the unfortunate event of an accident, bodily injury limits can be quickly exceeded, even with moderate injuries, especially if more than one person is involved. Additionally, the $10,000 property damage limit may not go far, considering the cost of replacing a vehicle these days.

It’s smart to consider increasing your insurance limits to better protect yourself. Doing so can give you greater peace of mind, but it often comes with a small bump in your premium. Additionally, Delaware requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who’s at fault. Ensuring adequate PIP coverage is another way to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.

Renata Balasco — licensed insurance writer and senior content specialist at The Zebra

Cost comparison: liability-only vs. full coverage in Delaware

Liability-only insurance is always more affordable than full coverage, as it provides less protection. However, while it saves you money upfront, it may leave you underinsured if you're involved in an accident. The general rule of thumb is that if your car is worth less than $4,000 and fully paid off, opting for liability-only insurance is a safe choice. Otherwise, it's wise to maintain full coverage.

Liability vs. full coverage quotes in DE

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Company Liability coverage Full coverage
Travelers $264 $551
USAA $286 $722
Cal Casualty $454 $1,083
GEICO $553 $1,257
Progressive $568 $1,423
State Farm $661 $1,393
Allstate $972 $2,144

Source: The Zebra

Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Delaware.

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What are the best car insurance companies in Delaware?

We chose Travelers as the top insurance company in Delaware, thanks to its competitive pricing, positive customer reviews, and high ratings from third-party sources. Backed by insights from J.D. Power, The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey, and our extensive industry experience, we're confident that Travelers is the best choice for Delaware drivers.[3, 4]

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Overall best car insurance company in Delaware — Travelers

Travelers offers affordable rates across nearly all categories, including average premiums after an accident or DUI. With a wide range of additional coverage options and discounts, Travelers is well-equipped to meet the needs of most drivers. The company receives fewer complaints than the industry average according to the NAIC, and our customers consistently rank Travelers highly for customer service and online satisfaction.[4, 5] As one of the ten largest insurers by market share in the U.S., Travelers combines reliability with value, making it a top choice for drivers nationwide.

Pros
  • Lots of discounts available

  • Affordable rates

  • Strong scores from third-party organizations

  • Placed highly in The Zebra customer satisfaction survey

Cons
  • Claims satisfaction is lacking, scoring below the J.D. Power study average

Best car insurance companies in Delaware — honorable mentions

Although Travelers secured the top spot on our list, several other companies also performed strongly. To compile this list, we relied on ratings from the J.D. Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, which gathered insights from 2,722 drivers to identify the insurers delivering the highest customer satisfaction.

Best insurance companies in Delaware

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $722 $120
Cal Casualty $1,083 $180
State Farm $1,393 $232

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Delaware?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2023 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Delaware
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Delaware auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $1,000 per year.

Best insurance companies in DE after at-fault accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $551 $92
USAA $722 $120
Cal Casualty $1,619 $270
GEICO $1,769 $295
Progressive $2,134 $356
State Farm $2,156 $359
Allstate $3,201 $534

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

Ideally, you won’t need to use your insurance, but if you do, a hassle-free experience is key. Our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey evaluated claimants' experiences, and State Farm stood out as the top choice, making it a strong option to consider if you live in Delaware. The J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction study highlighted Amica and USAA as excellent companies for Delaware residents.[6]

In Delaware, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. See below average auto insurance rates in Delaware after these common citations.

Delaware auto insurance quotes by violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,569 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,569 $0
Two Med/PIP claims $2,626 $57
One comp claim $2,648 $79
Not-at-fault accident $2,697 $129
Two comp claims $2,720 $151
Failure to show documents $2,927 $358
Driving with expired registration $3,060 $492
Failure to wear a seat belt $3,062 $493
Driving without lights $3,098 $529
Child safety restraint $3,098 $529
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $3,128 $559
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $3,128 $559
Driving too slowly $3,157 $589
Speeding in school zone $3,157 $589
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $3,165 $596
Cell phone violation $3,169 $601
Following too closely $3,169 $601
Texting while driving $3,169 $601
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $3,199 $631
Failure to yield $3,202 $633
Wrong way/wrong lane $3,202 $633
Failure to stop at a red light $3,202 $633
Improper passing $3,202 $633
Illegal turn $3,202 $633
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $3,238 $669
Passing school bus $3,287 $718
Open container $3,474 $905
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,537 $968
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,574 $1,005
In 65 MPH zone $3,601 $1,032
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,676 $1,107
Reckless driving $4,635 $2,066
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $4,736 $2,167
Driving with a suspended license $4,759 $2,190
DUI $4,780 $2,211
Racing $4,834 $2,265
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,987 $2,418

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Delaware car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Serious violations such as reckless driving or a DUI will require adjustments to your insurance policy.

For more details on car insurance requirements in Delaware, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also find quick explanations below on how DUIs and SR22s impact your coverage.

Delaware DUI laws

In Delaware, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $2,211. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Delaware

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Delaware, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Delaware, Travelers, advertises annual rates 62% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Delaware is USAA, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 14% above average.

Car insurance in DE after a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $920 $153
USAA $1,307 $218
Progressive $1,769 $295
State Farm $2,188 $365
GEICO $2,561 $427
Cal Casualty $2,616 $436
Allstate $2,730 $455

Source: The Zebra

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Delaware SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company to ensure that you remain insured. Most states require an SR-22, but Delware is one exception. The state of Delaware does not require you to file an SR-22 in order to apply for insurance. 

If you move from a state that requires an SR-22 to a state that does not, you will typically still need to follow the requirements of the state that first required you to file an SR-22.

Find an affordable policy in Delaware in minutes!

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Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Delaware

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Delaware, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $9,284 per year — that's $2,755 more than the nationwide average and over three times as much as a typical Delaware driver.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in DE

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $2,234 $372
GEICO $3,111 $518
Cal Casualty $3,359 $560
Travelers $5,090 $848
State Farm $5,483 $914
Progressive $6,869 $1,145
Allstate $6,946 $1,158

Source: The Zebra

Car insurance for teens in DE by age
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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $3,447 $574
GEICO $3,679 $613
Cal Casualty $5,789 $965
State Farm $7,218 $1,203
Travelers $7,263 $1,210
Progressive $8,617 $1,436
Allstate $9,627 $1,605

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  • Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
  • Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
  • Stay on a parent's policy to save money and benefit from their good insurance history.

Car insurance price trends in Delaware

Since 2021, average car insurance costs in Delaware have been increasing steadily (with the exception of a small decrease in 2023). These trends are consistent with the fluctuations in car insurance premiums nationwide, but Delaware has seen marginally higher rates than the national average over the last five years.

Delaware's compact size, combined with its dense population, means more cars on the road and a greater risk of accidents. This, coupled with the high cost of repairs, pushes insurance premiums higher. In fact, our data shows that Delaware consistently ranks among the top 10 most expensive states for car insurance. 

Car insurance costs in Delaware since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Delaware Yearly Change — Delaware
2024 $2,320 $248
2023 $2,072 -$45
2022 $2,117 $494
2021 $1,623 $8
2020 $1,615 -$172
2019 $1,787 -$90
2018 $1,877 $81
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

Car insurance in popular Delaware cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Ocean View, Delaware, and the most expensive in Wilmington, Delaware.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Delaware's biggest cities.

Auto insurance quotes in Delaware's biggest cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Wilmington $1,572 $262
Bear $1,433 $239
Newark $1,393 $232
Middletown $1,227 $204
Dover $1,180 $197

Source: The Zebra

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find the best deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Delaware car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Delaware auto insurance.

Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage with rates of around $92 per month. USAA ($120) and California Casualty ($180) are the next most affordable providers in Delaware.

Car insurance in Delaware is expensive — 18% greater than the rest of the US. A standard six-month policy will set you back $1,284.

In Delaware, the minimum liability coverage is 25/50/10, which means $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. Delaware also requires personal injury protection of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Without proper coverage, you may be subject to fines or suspension of your driver's license.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources:
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2023 Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

  5. Company complaint index — Travelers. NAIC

  6. 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. J.D. Power

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.