Average Cost of Car Insurance in Delaware for 2024

Whether you're drawn by Delaware's numerous beaches or the financial appeal of no state or local sales tax, there are many reasons to relocate to the First State. In fact, Delaware has one of the highest population growth percentages in the country.

However, new residents should be aware that auto coverage is more expensive in Delaware than in many other areas. The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,836 per year for full coverage policies, compared to the national average of $1,582.

Many variables affect your premiums, including your location, age, and credit history, and you may qualify for valuable discount programs that could help you save money.

Key takeaways

• The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,836 per year for full coverage insurance.
• Drivers that opt for state-minimum liability insurance pay an average of $918 per year.
• Teen drivers pay an average of $5,527 per year for car insurance.

How much does car insurance cost in Delaware?

Car insurance is more expensive in Delaware than in other states. The average cost of full coverage policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance is $1,836 per year, compared to the national average of $1,582.

State-minimum coverage may be a helpful alternative for those on a tight budget. Policies that meet the state’s liability requirements average just $918 per year.

Avg. cost for full coverage	Avg. cost for minimum coverage	Cheapest insurance provider
$1,836/year	$918/year	USAA

Avg. for young drivers	Avg. cost for seniors	Avg. for high-risk drivers
$5,527/year	$2,237/year	$2,794/year

Average cost of car insurance in Delaware by provider

Several companies underwrite insurance policies in Delaware, including well-known insurers like Allstate, GEICO, and Nationwide.

USAA has the lowest average premiums for full and state-minimum coverage, but you must be a qualifying USAA member to purchase coverage. USAA membership is limited to military service members, veterans, and children or spouses of qualifying members.

If you aren’t eligible for USAA membership, State Farm was the next cheapest for both forms of coverage.

Provider	Full coverage	Minimum liability coverage
Travelers	$1,781/year	$836/year
Nationwide	$1,726/year	$1,094/year
Allstate	$2,564/year	$1,338/year
GEICO	$1,550/year	$891/year
State Farm	$1,275/year	$701/year
Progressive	$1,432/year	$975/year
USAA	$1,169/year	$525/year

How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Delaware?

Delaware allows insurers to review drivers’ credit histories, but there are some limitations on how they can use that information. However, we found that drivers’ credit scores can significantly impact their premiums.

On average, drivers with poor credit — meaning scores under 650 — pay an average of $3,354 for coverage, 83% higher than the state average.

Credit health	Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649)	$3,354/year
Average (650-699)	$2,683/year
Good (700-749)	$2,286/year
Excellent (750+)	$1,838/year

Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Delaware

High-risk driving behaviors are a major problem in Delaware. About 13% of Delaware drivers received a speeding ticket in 2021, the last available data, making Delaware the 10th-worst state for speeding in the country.

In Delaware, an at-fault accident can cause your premiums to increase by $977 per year, and a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction can increase your yearly premiums by about $1,941.

Violation	Avg. annual premium before violation*	Avg. annual premium after violation	Avg. cost increase
At-fault accident	$1,836/year	$2,813/year	$977
DUI	$1,836/year	$3,777/year	$1,941
Speeding ticket	$1,836/year	$2,497/year	$661

*Assumes clean driving record with good credit

How does age affect car insurance rates in Delaware?

Because teens are inexperienced drivers and more likely to be involved in accidents, insurance companies typically charge them much more for auto coverage. In Delaware, the average premium for drivers that are 18 years old is $6,113, more than three times the state average.

Age	Avg. annual premium
18	$6,113/year
25	$2,104/year
30	$2,296/year
40	$2,168/year
60	$2,113/year

Delaware car insurance rates by city

Drivers in the suburbs or rural areas of Delaware will pay much less for car insurance than those living in cities. You'll typically have to pay more for coverage because you are more likely to be in an accident or the victim of car theft or vandalism.

In Delaware, drivers in Newark will pay the highest premiums in the state, averaging $2,514 per year. According to NeighborhoodScout, Newark has a crime rating of seven, meaning that 93% of cities in the U.S. are safer.

City	Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Newark	$2,514/year
Wilmington	$2,489/year
Middletown	$2,404/year
Seaford	$2,256/year
Dover	$2,200/year
Milford	$1,846/year

DE’s minimum car insurance requirements

Delaware requires all drivers to have auto insurance and to carry proof of coverage. Policies must meet these minimum requirements:

• $25,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
• $50,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
• $10,000 in property damage insurance

Additionally, drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) with $15,000 of coverage for one person and $30,000 for all persons injured in an accident.

How to save money on car insurance in Delaware

To save money on your car insurance premiums in Delaware, follow these tips:

• Complete a course: Delaware has a unique program that provides qualifying drivers with significant discounts. If you complete an approved course, you can reduce your premiums by 10% for three years. If you complete a refresher course within 180 days of the end of that initial three-year period, you can qualify for a 15% discount for another three years.
• Pay-per-mile: If you work from home or have a short commute, switching to a usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance policy could allow you to save a substantial amount of money. You can get usage-based insurance in Delaware through several companies, including Root, Progressive, and Nationwide.
• Shop around: Rather than sticking with one company for years, get quotes from several companies to ensure you get the best car insurance rates possible.

FAQs about car insurance costs in DE