SR-22 Auto Insurance in Delaware Explained

Whether you’re heading to Rehoboth Beach for a weekend full of waterparks (or breweries) or going into Wilmington for some city adventures, residents in the First State must ensure they have sufficient auto insurance according to Delaware state law before hitting the road. 

While SR-22 insurance isn’t necessary in the Diamond State, residents without a Delaware auto insurance policy may face penalties similar to the consequences of SR-22 insurance in other states. Let’s look at what Delaware uses instead of SR-22 insurance and how drivers in the state may be affected.

Regarding an SR-22, Delaware drivers don’t need to worry about the form because it doesn’t exist in the state. States with SR-22 insurance typically require drivers who wish to reinstate their suspended licenses or registrations to have the form on record. 

It’s important to note that SR-22 insurance isn’t actually a type of insurance coverage or policy but rather a document a high-risk driver’s insurer files on their behalf to certify with the state that they have an active and adequate policy.

An SR-22 helps a high-risk driver prove they are taking financial responsibility for their insurance deductible, premiums, and any other costs they may incur in an accident. Typically, drivers requiring an SR-22 will have had their license or registration suspended or revoked because of an incident of driving recklessly, whether driving uninsured or under the influence. 

While officials in Delaware don’t issue SR-22s to high-risk drivers, those who have an active SR-22 in another state and move to Delaware must keep up with the requirements from their home state until the SR-22 is no longer required. 

While Delawareans don’t need to worry about needing SR-22 insurance, they may face serious legal and financial penalties if caught without proof of insurance. Auto insurance laws in the First State require drivers to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, $10,000 in property damage liability per accident (25/50/10 liability coverage), $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) per person, and $30,000 in PIP per accident (15/30 PIP), as the Diamond State is a no-fault state.

Those who lease or finance their vehicles may be required to have collision and comprehensive coverages. Those who fail to comply with the auto insurance requirements in the state may risk severe legal penalties, like fines, fees, and license and registration suspension. Drivers caught without proof of insurance also face serious financial penalties, like the significant increase in premiums when one is considered a high-risk driver in the state.

Since SR-22 insurance isn’t available in Delaware, Delawareans don’t have any requirements to adhere to. However, drivers with an SR-22 issued in another state must abide by its requirements, even while residing in the Diamond State. 

All drivers, with or without an SR-22, must always maintain 25/50/10 liability coverage and 15/30 PIP coverage while they live in Delaware. Those who fail to carry the required minimum coverage will face severe legal and financial consequences. 

While maintaining a minimum coverage policy is certainly legal and often the best way to get the cheapest policy in the state, it may not always be in a driver’s best interest to carry such minimal coverage. Binding a full coverage policy from one of the top insurers in the state may be a better way to maintain more than enough coverage without breaking the bank.

Delaware’s average full coverage premium costs about $2,040, or about 20% more than the national average of about $1,670 annually. As it turns out, Delaware is one of the most expensive states in the country for auto insurance. Even still, drivers may be able to find a full coverage policy with add-ons like uninsured motorist coverage (UM), underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), collision coverage, medical payments coverage (MedPay), comprehensive coverage, or gap coverage by shopping around.

It’s worth pointing out that insurance policies can get pricey for those with an SR-22 on file or otherwise considered high-risk drivers in the Diamond State. Insurers use a driver’s risk of filing a claim as a key determinant when calculating premiums. Companies use high premiums to compensate for their risk when binding a policy with a high-risk driver. So, those at an above-average risk of filing a claim will see above-average premiums. 

While drivers in the First State don’t have any direct SR-22 insurance requirements, high-risk drivers and those who have failed to produce proof of insurance must ensure they always have at least the minimum coverage required in the state and never let their policies lapse. While all drivers should ensure they maintain sufficient coverage, high-risk drivers have more on the line if they fail to maintain an adequate policy. 

No, there isn’t SR-22 insurance in Delaware. Drivers who carry over an SR-22 requirement from another state must abide by those requirements, but Delawareans don’t risk needing the form. However, that doesn’t mean that the laws are more lax when it comes to drivers who fail to comply with the mandatory insurance laws. 

All drivers in Delaware must maintain at least a minimum coverage policy lest they face legal penalties like fines, fees, and license and registration suspension. Plus, high-risk drivers in the Diamond State will likely see insurance premiums nearly double or triple the average rate in the state.

While the short-term savings of forgoing coverage may seem enticing, it’s often far easier to budget for an insurance premium than a catastrophic accident while uninsured. Uninsured drivers in the Diamond State generally bear most of the burden when it comes to accident expenses, both for themselves and the victim or victims. Should the victim pursue legal action, uninsured drivers may face other financial consequences like legal defense fees or damages. 

Since Delaware doesn’t require SR-22 insurance, there aren’t any specific insurance companies drivers with an SR-22 must select. While some drivers may require a policy from an insurer specializing in high-risk insurance, for the most part, Delawareans can choose the insurer that best suits their needs.

The best way to find the most suitable insurer, policy, and premium for your needs is to get and compare quotes online. By getting and comparing quotes online, drivers can see all their options in one place to make a quick but informed decision about their policy.

Lucky for you, we’re quoting experts here at Clovered. We even have a free quoting tool you can use to access your unique quotes in minutes. If you’d rather chat with a professional, you can contact one of our licensed agents at 833-255-4117 or [email protected].