Car insurance in Delaware costs between $73 and $200 per month for minimum coverage and $191 to $340 per month for full coverage. Delaware drivers pay an average of $164 per month for minimum coverage and $256 per month for full coverage, well above the national average of $186 per month for full coverage, making Delaware one of the more expensive states for car insurance. Rates vary based on your age, driving history, credit score, coverage level, and city, with Wilmington-area drivers typically paying the most.
Delaware consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the country for car insurance, currently 48th most affordable for minimum coverage and near the bottom for full coverage. According to Insurify’s 2026 data, Delaware premiums are projected to rise about 1% further by the end of 2026, bringing the average annual premium to roughly $3,009. The First State’s high population density and mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirement are the two biggest drivers of these above-average costs. This guide breaks down exactly what Delaware drivers can expect to pay and how to find the most competitive rate available to you.
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Car insurance costs in Delaware vary based on the type of coverage you choose and your driver profile. The table below shows average monthly and annual rate ranges for Delaware drivers:
| Coverage Type | Monthly Rate Range | Annual Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum / Liability Only | $73 – $200/mo | $876 – $2,400/yr |
| Full Coverage | $191 – $340/mo | $2,292 – $4,080/yr |
Source: insurify.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Delaware’s car insurance costs rank among the highest in the nation, driven by two main factors: the state’s high population density, with nearly a million licensed drivers concentrated in a small area, and its mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) requirement, which raises baseline costs compared to states without this requirement. Despite the higher overall cost, Delaware drivers can still find meaningfully lower rates by comparing quotes, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive insurers in the state is one of the largest in the country.
All Delaware drivers must carry the following minimum coverage to legally drive:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (per person) | $15,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (per accident) | $30,000 |
Source: insurify.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Delaware is a modified no-fault state, meaning your PIP coverage pays for your own medical bills immediately after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP coverage cannot be waived in Delaware. Important: Delaware’s $10,000 property damage minimum is relatively low compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a modern vehicle, a single accident involving a newer SUV or truck can easily exceed this limit, leaving you personally responsible for the difference. Insurance experts recommend carrying higher liability limits than the state minimum.
Location plays a meaningful role in what Delaware drivers pay, even in such a small state. Wilmington and the surrounding New Castle area carry the highest premiums due to greater population density and traffic, while coastal towns tend to be more affordable.
| City | Avg. Monthly Range (Full Coverage) | vs. State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $220 – $290/mo | Above Average (highest in state) |
| New Castle | $210 – $280/mo | Above Average |
| Newark | $200 – $260/mo | Near to Above Average |
| Dover | $180 – $230/mo | Near to Below Average |
| Bethany Beach | $150 – $200/mo | Below Average |
Source: insurify.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Car insurance rates in Delaware vary significantly based on your individual profile. The table below shows how key factors compare to the statewide baseline for a driver with a clean record.
| Driver Profile | Avg. Monthly Range | Avg. Annual Range | vs. Clean Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Driver (16–19) | $330 – $460/mo | $3,960 – $5,520/yr | 2x higher |
| Young Adult (20–25) | $240 – $330/mo | $2,880 – $3,960/yr | 1.3x higher |
| Adult Driver (30–55) | $164 – $256/mo | $1,968 – $3,077/yr | Baseline |
| Senior Driver (65+) | $190 – $280/mo | $2,280 – $3,360/yr | Slightly higher |
| After 1 At-Fault Accident | $284 – $390/mo | $3,408 – $4,680/yr | +46–48% |
| After a DUI | $340 – $456/mo | $4,080 – $5,472/yr | +78–80% |
| After a Speeding Ticket | $300 – $366/mo | $3,600 – $4,392/yr | +23–35% |
| Poor Credit Score | $280 – $344/mo | $3,360 – $4,128/yr | +17% or more |
Source: insurify.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Delaware consistently ranks among the most expensive states for car insurance in the country. A few key factors drive these above-average costs:
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Everyone has their own unique set of circumstances when it comes to car insurance. Maybe you’re about to have teenage drivers in the family, or maybe you have some blemishes on your driving record.
Whatever your circumstances, the best automobile insurance policy in Delaware is the one that is right for you and your budget. Your best bet is to shop around for quotes, compare coverage, and ask questions before landing on a policy that suits you best.
We’re ready for you. Click here to access free car insurance quotes fast, and you’ll be on the road to saving big on your auto insurance.
Delaware car insurance costs between $73 and $200 per month for minimum coverage and $191 to $340 per month for full coverage, based on 2026 Insurify data. The statewide average is $164 per month for minimum coverage and $256 per month for full coverage, among the highest in the country.
Delaware requires drivers to carry: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability; $10,000 in property damage liability; and $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage cannot be waived in Delaware.
Delaware is a modified no-fault state. This means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical bills immediately after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. PIP is mandatory and cannot be waived. Delaware does not offer a tort-choice system like Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Delaware ranks among the most expensive states for car insurance due to its high population density, nearly a million licensed drivers in a small area, and its mandatory PIP requirement, which adds cost that at-fault-only states don’t carry. Delaware also faces coastal storm risk, which can contribute to higher comprehensive coverage costs.
Based on 2026 data, Travelers and Farmers consistently offer some of the lowest rates in Delaware for both minimum and full coverage. USAA offers the most competitive rates for eligible military members, veterans, and their families. Comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find your lowest rate, since the gap between the cheapest and most expensive insurers in Delaware is one of the largest in the country.
A DUI conviction in Delaware raises car insurance rates by an average of 78–80%, based on 2026 data. Full coverage premiums can increase from the $256/mo statewide average to $340–$456/mo or more. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers after a DUI is the best way to minimize your rate increase.
Yes. Delaware permits insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting premiums. Drivers with poor credit pay notably more than drivers with good credit for the same coverage, based on 2026 data. Maintaining or improving your credit score is one of the most effective ways to reduce your car insurance costs in Delaware.
Yes, Wilmington and the surrounding New Castle area are Delaware’s most expensive places for car insurance, with full coverage averaging $210–$290 per month, above the state average. Higher population density and traffic contribute to these above-average premiums. Drivers in coastal towns like Bethany Beach typically pay less.
Driving without insurance in Delaware can result in a $1,500 fine for a first offense, and a $3,000 fine plus suspension of your vehicle registration for subsequent offenses. You’ll also be flagged as a high-risk driver, which raises your future insurance costs even after you obtain coverage.
Explore state-by-state car insurance trends to understand where drivers pay less on average.
Lauren Lewthwaite Lauren Lewthwaite has been freelance writing for almost five years writing content that ranges from health to insurance and everything in between. Lauren is also a trained translator in French and English and is a dog-mom to an adorable Australian Shepherd.
