The Complete Guide to Delaware Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the First State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things DE car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Delaware?
Car insurance in Delaware averages $302/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $369 |
| Dover | $281 |
| Newark | $328 |
| Middletown | $298 |
| Bear | $343 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Delaware?
Delaware drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
While only 8.5% of drivers in Delaware are uninsured (vs. 13% nationally), other factors like repair costs and claim frequency drive premiums higher.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 2,218 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in DE, down 14% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
DE has a very low FEMA disaster rating of 16, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Delaware?
All Delaware drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Delaware drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 (per person) n$30,000 (per accident) | Your medical bills and often lost wages after any car accident, regardless of who’s at fault | Car damage, pain and suffering, may have limits on who’s covered |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Delaware?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Delaware drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Delaware?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from beach driving on the dunes
How much car insurance do I need in Delaware?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Delaware labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle | $75 | $102 | $147 | $75 |
| Newark | $75 | $102 | $147 | $75 |
| Dover | $71 | $100 | $134 | $71 |
| Millsboro | $73 | $103 | $159 | $73 |
| Wilmington | $75 | $92 | $135 | $75 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Delaware?
Delaware takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
First offense hits you with $1,500-$2,000. Get caught again? That doubles to $3,000-$4,000.
Suspension
Six months without your license, every single time. No exceptions, no early release.
Jail time
Delaware focuses on heavy fines and suspensions – no jail time for insurance violations.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Delaware?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Delaware?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Delaware car insurance FAQs
Is Delaware a no-fault state?
Yes, Delaware is a no-fault state. You’ll need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers your medical expenses no matter who caused the accident. In most cases, you use your own PIP coverage first for injuries. You can only sue if injuries meet certain thresholds.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Delaware?
Yes, insurance is required to register a car in Delaware. You must carry minimum liability insurance and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Proof of insurance is verified electronically at registration, and coverage must stay active while your vehicle is registered.
What are the top risks for driving in Delaware?
Delaware drivers contend with intense commuter traffic and seasonal tourist congestion, especially during summer beach season. Major routes experience high rates of rear-end collisions due to heavy traffic volume. Distracted driving and speeding remain persistent problems, while coastal storms can rapidly deteriorate driving conditions.
How long do I have to report an accident in Delaware?
Delaware law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage immediately to law enforcement. Police officers typically file the accident report. You should still notify your insurance company promptly. Failure to report can lead to penalties or complications with claims.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Delaware?
In Delaware, brace yourself for heavy commuter traffic and all those summer beach tourists. Keep plenty of space between you and the car ahead to avoid getting rear-ended in traffic jams. Coastal weather can change fast, so stay alert. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in town.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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