How To Find Cheap Car Insurance in Delaware

Whether you’re headed down to Cape Henlopen to do some horseshoe crab hunting or going up to Dover for a weekend full of historical adventures, there are plenty of things to do as long as you have a sufficient car insurance policy in the First State.

When it comes to auto insurance, Delaware is one of the most expensive states. Let’s see why auto insurance costs are above average in the Diamond State and how residents can lower their premiums without sacrificing coverage.

Cheap Delaware car insurance can be hard to come by, but not impossible. While searching for a policy that suits your needs, it’s important to remember that car insurance is highly subjective. However, the cheapest policy will typically be a minimum coverage one that meets the state’s requirements without exceeding them. 

Auto insurance laws in the Diamond State require drivers to have at least $25,000 in boldly injury liability per person, $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, $10,000 in property damage liability (25/50/10 liability coverage), $15,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) per person, and $30,000 in PIP per accident (15/30 PIP). Delawareans who finance or lease their cars may be required to have comprehensive and collision coverages on full coverage policies.

The average full coverage policy in the First State costs about $2,040 annually, or about 20% more than the national average of $1,670 annually. However, drivers may pay far more or less than the state average, depending on several factors. Premiums vary based on the driver, policy, insurer, and state, as they’re calculated based on unique factors about each driver.

While a minimum coverage policy will always be the cheapest policy, it may not always be the best cheap car insurance in Delaware. Drivers who want to be covered in a wide range of scenarios but are also on a budget can find other, safer alternatives to save rather than sacrificing on coverage.

It can be tough for drivers to find affordable insurance in Delaware, as the average full coverage policy in the state is over 20% more than the national average. Still, there are some ways drivers can keep some extra cash in their pockets while maintaining excellent coverage.

While the cheapest policy will always be a minimum coverage policy, drivers may be unsatisfied with how little protection such a policy provides. Instead, many drivers opt for a full coverage policy from one of the state’s top insurers, as many of these insurers, like our partners Travelers and Progressive, offer full coverage policies with base rates up to 40% below the state average. 

On average, a full coverage policy in the First State will have liability and PIP coverages with higher limits than what’s legally necessary, and optional coverages like medical payments coverage (MedPay), collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage (UM), underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), and gap coverage, among others. 

It may be more difficult for some drivers to get cheap insurance in Delaware than others. When calculating premiums, insurers assess a driver’s risk of filing a claim. Insurers may use factors like one’s driving record, insurance history, gender, ZIP code, and age to ascertain one’s risk. Should a driver pose an above-average risk of filing a claim, insurers will likely charge them base rates above the state average. 

Driving without insurance in the Diamond State is illegal and can be detrimental to the cost of a driver’s premiums. Should a driver be caught without proof of insurance, they may face high premiums for several years, depending on the nuances of the incident. High-risk drivers will have difficulty finding affordable car insurance in Delaware.

While the cheapest insurance in Delaware will almost always be a minimum coverage policy from one of the state’s top insurers, a minimum coverage policy may not be suitable for every driver. 

Minimum coverage policies help protect drivers to a degree but mainly protect the legal repercussions of driving without insurance. Many Delawareans opt for full coverage policies, even though Delaware is one of the top ten most expensive states for auto insurance. 

While full coverage policies will almost always cost more than minimum coverage ones no matter where you go, there are a few ways drivers can lower their premiums without sacrificing their protection. 

The best way to lower one’s premiums while maintaining excellent coverage is to find an insurer that offers plenty of discounts. Typically, insurers will offer two types of discounts: enrollment-based and criteria-based. Enrollment-based discounts require policyholders to take an active role in their savings, while criteria-based ones only require policyholders to meet a set of standards. 

Some of the most common enrollment-based discounts are awarded based on a driver’s behavior behind the wheel. Many insurers offer a good driver discount, for which drivers use a telematics device to track and send their driving data to their insurers. Similarly, insurers also may offer a pay-per-mile discount for those who drive fewer than the national average of 12,000 miles annually. Enrollment-based discounts generally yield more savings than criteria-based ones.

Criteria-based discounts, however, typically require a policyholder to meet certain, you guessed it, criteria. For example, many insurers offer discounts for policyholders who bundle several insurance products, insure multiple cars on the same policy, or have a student on their policy who earns good grades. 

Applying and stacking discounts is the best way to get a cheap policy in the First State without sacrificing one’s protection on the road. While reducing one’s policy from full to minimum will surely yield more savings, stacking discounts on a full coverage policy is the best way to find a compromise between coverage and savings.

Some insurers that offer the cheapest rates in the state are Travelers, USAA, State Farm, and Progressive. There are many cheap car insurance companies in Delaware, some of which boast base rates nearly 40% below the state average. 

It’s crucial to remember, though, that while some insurance companies may offer low base rates for some drivers, premiums are highly subjective and will vary on an individual basis. The best auto insurance rates in Delaware are predominately available for adult drivers with several years of experience and a clean record. 

Since the Diamond State is a no-fault state, insurance premiums in the state are generally higher because of the mandatory no-fault coverage. Even still, drivers with a good driving record and an excellent insurance history will generally have access to below-average base rates.

While cheap insurance in Delaware can be hard to find for those with an average income, it can be even harder for those with a low income. Unfortunately, Delaware doesn’t offer a government-assisted program for folks who earn a low income. 

Still, low-income Delawareans may find that the premiums on a minimum coverage policy are more budget-friendly than those on a full coverage one. However, those who fear carrying such minimal coverage may opt for a full coverage policy from an insurer that offers below-average base rates and various stackable discounts.

No, car insurance isn’t cheaper in the Diamond State, as the lowest auto insurance in Delaware doesn’t nearly compare to rates in states like Indiana or New Hampshire. The average cost of car insurance in a state generally comes down to three contributing factors: population, population density, and population of uninsured drivers. 

While Delaware is one of the country’s least populated states, it’s simultaneously one of the most densely populated states. With so many drivers in such a small square mileage, the likelihood of accidents and auto insurance claims increases. With an increased likelihood of claims, average auto insurance rates increase.

Whether you’re searching for cheap liability car insurance in Delaware or a full coverage policy that doesn’t break the bank, the best way to find the right policy for your needs is to get and compare quotes online. By getting and comparing quotes online, you can see all your options in one place, making it much easier to make an informed decision.

Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place for quotes. Here at Clovered, we have a free quoting tool you can use to access your unique quotes in minutes. If you’d rather chat with a professional about your quotes, you can contact one of our licensed agents at 833-255-4117 or [email protected].