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Delaware Car Insurance Requirements

Last updated: 2026 · Data reflects current state minimums and industry averages.

Minimum Liability

25/50/10

Avg. Annual Premium

$1,870

Avg. Monthly

$156

Uninsured Drivers

11.7%

PIP Required

Yes

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Delaware requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/10 — meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required, covering medical expenses regardless of fault.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Delaware

Drivers in Delaware typically pay approximately $1,870 per year ($156/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data.

Car Insurance Rates by City in Delaware

City Est. Annual Premium
Wilmington$2,140/yr
Dover$1,790/yr
Newark$1,810/yr
Middletown$1,720/yr
Smyrna$1,680/yr

State Regulations and Key Rules

Delaware is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP covers medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. The minimum PIP limit is $15,000 per person.

What Makes Delaware Unique

As a no-fault state, Delaware drivers must carry PIP, which pays for medical bills up to policy limits regardless of fault. This can reduce litigation but also increases baseline premium costs.

Uninsured Drivers in Delaware

Approximately 11.7% of drivers in Delaware are estimated to be uninsured.

Risk Factors Specific to Delaware

Delaware's coastal areas face flooding risk from nor'easters and occasional tropical storms. I-95 corridor congestion contributes to higher accident frequency in northern Delaware.

What Delaware’s Minimum Actually Covers

Delaware’s minimum is 25/50/10: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $10,000 property damage limit would leave about $40,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt.

No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in Delaware

Delaware is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the crash (through their insurer) pays for the other party’s injuries and damage — but it also requires $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident of PIP, which pays your own medical costs regardless of fault. Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Delaware, though insurers generally must offer it and you may have to reject it in writing.

How Delaware Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price

An estimated 11.7% of Delaware drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 9 — a middle-of-the-pack uninsured rate.

Our average premium estimate of $1,870 a year puts Delaware among the ten most expensive states in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).

How to Save on Car Insurance in Delaware

Wilmington has notably higher rates than the rest of Delaware — drivers in the city should shop aggressively and consider usage-based insurance if they drive less. Delaware's small size means many residents commute into Pennsylvania or Maryland, which can affect rates depending on primary garaging location.

  • Delaware's minimum liability requirement of 25/50/10 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since Delaware already requires PIP coverage, review whether that limit alone would cover a serious injury claim.
  • With an estimated 11.7% of Delaware drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in Delaware?

25/50/10: $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 of property damage liability.

Is Delaware a no-fault state?

No. Delaware is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, usually through their liability insurance.

How many drivers are uninsured in Delaware?

An estimated 11.7% of Delaware drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 9.

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The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.