Delaware has plenty to offer. It is our nation’s “First State,” and full of historic landmarks. But being first to ratify the Constitution doesn’t give drivers here any special privileges; they need auto insurance like residents of almost every other state. So, whether your idea of fun is visiting a museum, attending a race at Dover Motor Speedway, or spending a quiet morning reading on the beach, affordable auto coverage can help protect you on the way to your destination.

Direct Auto Insurance is proud to offer cheap car insurance in Delaware, and this guide is designed to teach you which coverages are required, which ones are optional, and how we can help you find cheap Delaware car insurance. Get a free quote today to see how much you can save with Direct Auto.

Delaware Car Insurance Laws

Do you have to have car insurance in Delaware?

Delaware law requires all drivers to maintain continuous liability insurance for any vehicle they have registered in the state. Delaware auto insurance policies must at least meet the minimum liability coverage limits, typically expressed as three numbers representing thousands of dollars. For example, the liability limits in Delaware are 25/50/10, as shown below under Delaware Minimum Car Insurance Requirements.

In addition to liability coverage, Delaware requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Delaware Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Wondering what your insurance policy needs to meet Delaware’s requirements? Here’s a quick breakdown by coverage type.

Coverages	Is It Required by Law?
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage provides financial protection if you cause an accident that injures another person. It helps pay for their medical expenses and your legal services (if necessary).	Yes. $25,000 bodily injury per person/$50,000 bodily injury per accident.
Property Damage Liability Coverage helps pay to repair or replace other people’s property that is damaged in an accident you cause. It typically involves damage to another vehicle, but it could help pay to repair a house, fence, mailbox, and more.	Yes. $10,000 property damage per accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) helps pay for your medical bills and related expenses if the other driver has no coverage (UM), insufficient coverage (UIM), or can’t be identified due to hit and run. In some states, UM/UIM can also help pay for property damage.	Not required but will be added unless you reject it in writing.
Personal Injury Protection helps pay for your medical and related expenses stemming from an accident, regardless of fault.	Yes. $15,000 PIP coverage per person/$30,000 PIP coverage per accident.
Collision Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if you collide with another car, tree, guardrail, or another object, regardless of fault.	Not required.¹
Comprehensive Coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged by something other than a collision, like fire, floodwaters, falling branches, vandalism, or contact with an animal.	Not required.¹

IMPORTANT NOTE: While purchasing minimum liability coverage and PIP coverage ensures you follow Delaware’s insurance laws, it doesn’t necessarily protect you and your vehicle in every circumstance. You would need to add additional coverage, like UM/UIM, comprehensive, and collision, to protect yourself and your vehicle more fully.

¹Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.

Are there additional coverage options?

For added peace of mind, Direct Auto offers add-on services and other insurance products for Delaware drivers:

Delaware Proof of Financial Responsibility and Penalties

What if I don't meet Delaware’s minimum car insurance requirements?

Even if you’re tempted to drive without auto insurance, it’s not worth it for Delaware drivers. If you’re caught driving without coverage, you could be facing severe penalties, like steep fines and a registration suspension. The penalties typically get more severe for subsequent offenses within a certain period.

In addition to these penalties, you would have no financial protection if you were to cause an accident, meaning you could be stuck paying expensive car accident costs out of pocket. Therefore, you should always maintain continuous insurance coverage, and if you do have a lapse in coverage, make sure to arrange alternative transportation until you get covered again.

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Delaware

It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Delaware. The exact penalties for driving while suspended, revoked, or unlicensed in Delaware depends on your specific circumstances, but they can include fines, potential jail time, and vehicle impoundment. It’s also worth noting that penalties increase for repeat offenders.

SR-22 Insurance in Delaware

In many states, high-risk drivers are also required to keep an SR-22 (also known as a certificate of financial responsibility) on file with the state verifying they have purchased auto insurance coverage that satisfies the state’s minimum coverage requirements. Delaware doesn’t require drivers to file SR-22s. However, you might be required to fulfill these requirements if you move to a new state and:

You have been caught not maintaining proper liability coverage.
You were convicted of a DUI/DWI.
You have committed other serious driving violations.

If you have any questions about SR-22 filings, we’d be happy to help. Our agents specialize in helping people find affordable car insurance coverage, regardless of their history.

High-Risk Auto Insurance in Delaware

Many individuals do not have a perfect driving record, and after a certain number of violations or a serious enough violation, drivers can be considered a major risk to insure. While some companies try to steer clear of these individuals, other insurance companies offer non-standard insurance (another name for high-risk auto insurance) to provide financial protection for these drivers.

We believe your driving history shouldn't define you forever, and we work hard to find quality, affordable coverage for every driver, regardless of their past.

Where can I find the cheapest car insurance rates in Delaware?

Car insurance costs vary depending on a handful of factors, including:

The amount & type of coverage you choose
The year, make, and model of the vehicle you drive
How much you drive, where you drive, and where you live
Your demographics
Your driving record
Your credit history

Other Delaware Auto Insurance Resources

Find Cheap Car Insurance in Delaware with Direct Auto!

Call, click, or come in to get a Delaware car insurance quote from Direct Auto! We offer affordable coverage options, and we work hard to get you cheap car insurance in Delaware so you can keep driving to new adventures.

*Emergency Protection Plans (EPP) and Roadside Assistance are not insurance and are administered through Nation Safe Drivers, Boca Raton, FL. Not all benefits available in all states.

** The “Direct Auto Insurance” brand is used by insurers in the National General Group, Winston-Salem, NC to describe their direct-to-consumer auto insurance programs. Direct Auto Insurance branded policies are produced by Direct General Insurance Agency, Inc. dba “Direct Auto Insurance” and by National General Insurance Marketing Inc

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