Delaware Home Insurance Rates & Requirements

Home Insurance in Delaware: What You Need to Know

Delaware has relatively low homeowners insurance costs for an East Coast state. The state faces moderate risk from Atlantic hurricanes and nor'easters. Coastal Delaware (Rehoboth Beach, Lewes) faces storm surge risk that requires separate flood insurance. Inland areas have limited severe weather risk compared to most surrounding states.

Average Homeowners Insurance Costs in Delaware

Homeowners in Delaware typically pay approximately $890 per year ($74/month) for homeowners insurance in 2026, based on industry average data for a home with approximately $280,000 in dwelling coverage.

Homeowners Insurance Rates by City in Delaware

Natural Disaster Risk in Delaware

Primary risks: Hurricane (moderate), Nor'easter (moderate), Flooding (moderate)

Coastal Delaware communities face storm surge and flooding from nor'easters and occasional tropical storms. Sea level rise is increasing flood risk along Delaware Bay. Inland areas are generally low-risk but can experience flooding from heavy rainfall events.

What Makes Delaware Unique

Delaware's small size means that most of the state is within reach of coastal storm systems, but the overall risk profile remains moderate compared to states further south. The growing coastal resort communities on the Delmarva Peninsula have seen increasing flood insurance costs as FEMA updates flood maps.

What Delaware Homeowners Pay per $1,000 of Coverage

Dividing our Delaware estimate of $890 a year by the typical dwelling coverage of $280,000 gives about $3.18 per $1,000 of coverage — one of the ten lowest rate among the 50 states in our estimates (median $5.17).

A low rate per $1,000 means the headline premium mostly reflects home values rather than unusual risk; the biggest savings levers are usually the deductible and bundling.

If Standard Insurers Decline You in Delaware

Delaware’s insurer of last resort is the Insurance Placement Facility of Delaware.

Hurricane Deductibles in Delaware

Delaware is one of 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., where homeowners policies can carry a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible. Instead of a flat dollar amount, it’s usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage — typically 1% to 5%, sometimes higher on the coast. On the typical Delaware home insured for $280,000, a 2% hurricane deductible is $5,600 and a 5% deductible is $14,000, compared with a standard $1,000 all-perils deductible. Check which applies, and what triggers it, before storm season. Flood damage is excluded either way and needs a separate flood policy.

How to Save on Home Insurance in Delaware

Delaware's competitive insurance market keeps rates moderate. Bundling home and auto is effective. Coastal Delaware homeowners should obtain flood insurance through NFIP or private insurers regardless of whether it is required by their mortgage lender. Home security systems and updated roofing can qualify for meaningful discounts.

• Given Delaware's hurricane exposure, check whether your policy has a separate hurricane deductible (often 1-5% of dwelling coverage) and confirm wind coverage isn't carved out into a separate policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does home insurance cost per $1,000 of coverage in Delaware?

Based on our estimates of $890 a year for typical dwelling coverage of $280,000, Delaware homeowners pay about $3.18 per $1,000 of coverage.

What is Delaware’s home insurer of last resort?

The Insurance Placement Facility of Delaware, for homeowners who can’t get coverage from standard insurers. Coverage is usually narrower than a standard policy.

Does Delaware have hurricane deductibles?

Yes. Delaware is one of 19 states plus Washington, D.C., where policies can include a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible, usually 1% to 5% of dwelling coverage.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and risk assessments as of 2026. Homeowners insurance rates, coverage requirements, and risk designations change frequently. Always verify current rates and coverage options with licensed insurance professionals and consult your state's department of insurance for regulatory information. Premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on property-specific factors.