Delaware car insurance laws and requirements: What is changing in 2025

Q: Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Delaware?

Yes , Delaware requires that you carry at least the minimum mandatory coverage. Necessary coverage includes 25/50/10.

Q: Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?

Yes , your car insurance covers claims in another state, even if the minimums are higher in the other state.

Delaware car insurance laws

Delaware requires that drivers carry at least 25/50/10.

These limits are in place to ease the financial burden for drivers who cause an accident and for the victims. The at-fault driver knows their insurer will cover medical expenses and property damage up to a certain amount, and victims can more readily access funds to pay for accident costs.

However, coverage limits are very low and will not cover expenses from a serious accident. To be better protected, Delaware drivers should consider increasing liability limits and adding coverage, such as collision and comprehensive.

Delaware car insurance requirements

Delaware requires the following coverage:

Liability. There are two parts to liability coverage. First, bodily injury liability pays medical costs associated with an accident, such as doctor visits, surgery, and prescriptions. Second, property damage liability covers repairing or replacing items such as vehicles, fences, or buildings.

Delaware liability minimums are 25/50/10.

The average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $788. However, Travelers has the lowest minimum car insurance rates, averaging $512.

The table below shows the top insurers' average rates for minimum coverage in Delaware.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Travelers	$512	$43
Geico	$530	$44
Nationwide	$732	$61
State Farm	$794	$66
Progressive	$974	$81
American Family	$999	$83
Donegal Insurance	$1,164	$97
Allstate	$1,305	$109
USAA	$482	$40

Read our methodology

Delaware car insurance cost for minimum coverage limits

On average, state minimum car insurance costs $788. Car insurance rates for minimum coverage vary by company and driver. The table below shows average rates for drivers with minimum coverage in Delaware.

The cheapest company for minimum coverage in Delaware is Travelers at an average rate of $512 annually.

State minimum coverage limit	25/50/10
Average annual premium	$788
Average monthly premium	$66

Read our methodology

Are the Delaware minimum coverage requirements changing in 2025?

Delaware car insurance requirements will not change in 2025. You do not need to make any changes if you have minimum coverage. If mandatory coverage changes in the future, your insurer will inform you, along with any rate changes.

Why do limits change?

"Several states have minimum requirements of property damage of $10,000-$25,000," says Zack Pope, agency manager at David Pope Insurance in Missouri. "[Given] the current values of vehicles, that's extremely antiquated values of coverage and a main reason that I personally do not offer less than 100/300/100 to customers. It is significantly easier to see a car on the road that is valued at $100,000 than it has been in the past."

What does minimum car insurance cover in Delaware?

Delaware requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance to help offset accident costs.

Delaware drivers are required to carry liability coverage. Bodily injury liability helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Property damage liability covers items damaged in an accident, such as another vehicle, fence, or other property.

Delaware is a no-fault state, meaning your insurer pays for your injuries and damages regardless of who caused the accident. The law requires you to carry personal injury protectionPersonal injury protection (PIP) pays for your medical, hospital and funeral expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who's at fault. (PIP) to pay medical costs, such as doctor visits and prescriptions.

PEOPLE ASK:

Is Delaware minimum car insurance enough?

It may not be. Even a moderately serious accident could exceed the state minimum limits of 25/50/10, and minimum coverage may not cover all accident costs. Furthermore, state minimums do not cover your vehicle; you need to add comprehensive and collision coverage.

How much car insurance is enough in Delaware?

Car insurance isn't one size fits all. The amount of coverage you need depends on your assets, net worth and risk level.

For example, if you are financially stable and can afford to pay out of pocket for medical costs and repairs, you may keep insurance limits low. However, you may be sued for the cost difference if you have a sizeable net worth and don't carry enough insurance to cover expenses.

Additionally, if you drive very little or have a short commute, your chances of causing an accident are relatively low. Also, you may choose to skip coverages such as collision and comprehensive if your car isn't worth much, or you can afford to pay for a new vehicle if yours is damaged. However, if you have a loan or lease you will be required to carry this coverage by your lender.

Consider your financial situation when determining how much car insurance you need.

Delaware penalties for driving without car insurance

Since Delaware requires its drivers to carry car insurance, failing to do so has consequences. Although you may be tempted to skip coverage to save money, you'll wind up paying heavily in the long run.

Failing to carry Delaware car insurance has penalties including those listed below. Keep in mind that repeated infractions have more severe penalties, such as jail time.

Fines	$1,500 - $3,000
Other penalties	License suspension
Jail time	No

Read our methodology

Delaware minimum coverage cost by age group

Younger drivers pay for more car insurance because they lack experience behind the wheel. Fortunately, rates decrease as drivers age.

The table below breaks down the cost of car insurance for various age groups. Geico has the best rates for teens with minimum coverage averaging $1,872. Travelers offers the cheapest coverage for adults at $473.

Additionally, females and males pay different rates. The average rate for a 40-year-old female is $803, and the average rate for a 40-year-old male is $773, a difference of $30.

Male

Male
Female

Age	Company	Male annual premium	Male monthly premium
16	Nationwide	$2,810	$234
16	Geico	$3,036	$253
16	State Farm	$3,676	$306
16	Donegal Insurance	$4,113	$343
16	American Family	$4,798	$400
16	Progressive	$6,663	$555
16	Sentry Insurance	$7,058	$588
16	Travelers	$7,236	$603
16	USAA	$3,579	$298
17	Geico	$1,745	$145
17	Nationwide	$2,810	$234
17	State Farm	$3,175	$265
17	Donegal Insurance	$3,744	$312
17	American Family	$4,302	$359
17	Progressive	$4,917	$410
17	Travelers	$5,212	$434
17	Sentry Insurance	$5,620	$468
17	USAA	$1,802	$150
18	Geico	$1,503	$125
18	State Farm	$2,708	$226
18	Nationwide	$2,810	$234
18	Donegal Insurance	$3,422	$285
18	Travelers	$3,530	$294
18	American Family	$3,657	$305
18	Progressive	$4,184	$349
18	Allstate	NA	NA
18	Sentry Insurance	NA	NA
18	USAA	$1,432	$119
19	Geico	$1,134	$95
19	Progressive	$2,129	$177
19	Travelers	$2,255	$188
19	State Farm	$2,308	$192
19	Allstate	$2,403	$200
19	Nationwide	$2,537	$211
19	Donegal Insurance	$3,068	$256
19	American Family	$3,391	$283
19	Sentry Insurance	$3,920	$327
19	USAA	$1,144	$95
20	Geico	$1,055	$88
20	Travelers	$1,786	$149
20	Progressive	$1,908	$159
20	State Farm	$1,975	$165
20	Allstate	$2,117	$176
20	Nationwide	$2,489	$207
20	Donegal Insurance	$2,952	$246
20	American Family	$3,391	$283
20	Sentry Insurance	$3,559	$297
20	USAA	$1,041	$87
21	Geico	$795	$66
21	Travelers	$824	$69
21	Nationwide	$1,308	$109
21	Progressive	$1,524	$127
21	State Farm	$1,638	$137
21	Donegal Insurance	$1,896	$158
21	American Family	$2,014	$168
21	Allstate	NA	NA
21	Sentry Insurance	NA	NA
21	USAA	$810	$68
22	Geico	$648	$54
22	Travelers	$718	$60
22	Nationwide	$1,229	$102
22	Progressive	$1,393	$116
22	State Farm	$1,453	$121
22	Donegal Insurance	$1,896	$158
22	American Family	$2,014	$168
22	Sentry Insurance	$2,232	$186
22	Allstate	NA	NA
22	USAA	$781	$65
23	Geico	$617	$51
23	Travelers	$639	$53
23	Nationwide	$1,156	$96
23	State Farm	$1,267	$106
23	Progressive	$1,276	$106
23	Allstate	$1,499	$125
23	American Family	$1,611	$134
23	Donegal Insurance	$1,896	$158
23	USAA	$724	$60
24	Geico	$587	$49
24	Travelers	$605	$50
24	State Farm	$1,101	$92
24	Nationwide	$1,126	$94
24	Progressive	$1,180	$98
24	Allstate	$1,389	$116
24	American Family	$1,611	$134
24	Donegal Insurance	$1,782	$149
24	USAA	$683	$57
25	Travelers	$487	$41
25	Geico	$568	$47
25	Nationwide	$863	$72
25	State Farm	$967	$81
25	Progressive	$1,021	$85
25	Allstate	$1,316	$110
25	American Family	$1,379	$115
25	Donegal Insurance	$1,527	$127
25	USAA	$653	$54
30	Travelers	$473	$39
30	Geico	$503	$42
30	Nationwide	$717	$60
30	State Farm	$787	$66
30	Progressive	$936	$78
30	American Family	$999	$83
30	Donegal Insurance	$1,210	$101
30	Allstate	$1,309	$109
30	USAA	$540	$45
35	Travelers	$470	$39
35	Geico	$496	$41
35	Nationwide	$714	$60
35	State Farm	$780	$65
35	Progressive	$932	$78
35	American Family	$999	$83
35	Donegal Insurance	$1,210	$101
35	Allstate	$1,276	$106
35	USAA	$525	$44
40	Travelers	$484	$40
40	Geico	$492	$41
40	Nationwide	$714	$60
40	State Farm	$794	$66
40	Progressive	$925	$77
40	American Family	$999	$83
40	Donegal Insurance	$1,210	$101
40	Allstate	$1,261	$105
40	USAA	$464	$39
45	Travelers	$485	$40
45	Geico	$489	$41
45	Nationwide	$714	$60
45	State Farm	$800	$67
45	Progressive	$922	$77
45	American Family	$999	$83
45	Donegal Insurance	$1,210	$101
45	Allstate	$1,250	$104
45	USAA	$455	$38
50	Travelers	$411	$34
50	Geico	$482	$40
50	Nationwide	$700	$58
50	State Farm	$787	$66
50	American Family	$808	$67
50	Progressive	$891	$74
50	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
50	Allstate	$1,273	$106
50	Sentry Insurance	$1,610	$134
50	USAA	$445	$37
55	Travelers	$414	$35
55	Geico	$475	$40
55	Nationwide	$662	$55
55	State Farm	$767	$64
55	American Family	$808	$67
55	Progressive	$900	$75
55	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
55	Allstate	$1,269	$106
55	Sentry Insurance	$1,610	$134
55	USAA	$438	$37
60	Travelers	$428	$36
60	Geico	$484	$40
60	Nationwide	$650	$54
60	State Farm	$747	$62
60	American Family	$808	$67
60	Progressive	$905	$75
60	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
60	Allstate	$1,279	$107
60	Sentry Insurance	$1,637	$136
60	USAA	$440	$37
65	Travelers	$455	$38
65	Geico	$496	$41
65	Nationwide	$682	$57
65	State Farm	$747	$62
65	American Family	$856	$71
65	Donegal Insurance	$931	$78
65	Progressive	$944	$79
65	Allstate	$1,298	$108
65	Sentry Insurance	$1,637	$136
65	USAA	$456	$38
70	Geico	$543	$45
70	Travelers	$549	$46
70	Nationwide	$699	$58
70	State Farm	$794	$66
70	American Family	$856	$71
70	Donegal Insurance	$1,008	$84
70	Progressive	$1,008	$84
70	Allstate	$1,349	$112
70	Sentry Insurance	$1,836	$153
70	USAA	$479	$40
75	Geico	$588	$49
75	Travelers	$643	$54
75	Nationwide	$729	$61
75	American Family	$999	$83
75	State Farm	$1,014	$85
75	Donegal Insurance	$1,123	$94
75	Progressive	$1,319	$110
75	Allstate	$1,461	$122
75	Sentry Insurance	$1,836	$153
75	USAA	$527	$44

Read our methodology

Age	Company	Female annual premium	Female monthly premium
16	Nationwide	$2,174	$181
16	Geico	$2,983	$249
16	State Farm	$2,775	$231
16	Donegal Insurance	$3,249	$271
16	American Family	$3,873	$323
16	Progressive	$6,445	$537
16	Sentry Insurance	NA	NA
16	Travelers	$6,008	$501
16	USAA	$3,670	$306
17	Geico	$1,832	$153
17	Nationwide	$2,174	$181
17	State Farm	$2,481	$207
17	Donegal Insurance	$3,249	$271
17	American Family	$3,873	$323
17	Progressive	$4,712	$393
17	Travelers	$4,124	$344
17	Sentry Insurance	$5,251	$438
17	USAA	$1,851	$154
18	Geico	$1,525	$127
18	State Farm	$2,141	$178
18	Nationwide	$2,174	$181
18	Donegal Insurance	$2,945	$245
18	Travelers	$2,955	$246
18	American Family	$3,269	$272
18	Progressive	$4,022	$335
18	Allstate	$3,607	$301
18	Sentry Insurance	$4,720	$393
18	USAA	$1,468	$122
19	Geico	$1,217	$101
19	Progressive	$2,015	$168
19	Travelers	$2,019	$168
19	State Farm	$1,841	$153
19	Allstate	$2,527	$211
19	Nationwide	$1,968	$164
19	Donegal Insurance	$2,549	$212
19	American Family	$2,914	$243
19	Sentry Insurance	$4,077	$340
19	USAA	$1,180	$98
20	Geico	$1,123	$94
20	Travelers	$1,913	$159
20	Progressive	$1,840	$153
20	State Farm	$1,601	$133
20	Allstate	$2,151	$179
20	Nationwide	$1,859	$155
20	Donegal Insurance	$2,453	$204
20	American Family	$2,702	$225
20	Sentry Insurance	$3,473	$289
20	USAA	$1,070	$89
21	Geico	$871	$73
21	Travelers	$722	$60
21	Nationwide	$1,115	$93
21	Progressive	$1,536	$128
21	State Farm	$1,381	$115
21	Donegal Insurance	$1,663	$139
21	American Family	$1,855	$155
21	Allstate	$1,710	$143
21	Sentry Insurance	$2,767	$231
21	USAA	$834	$70
22	Geico	$709	$59
22	Travelers	$700	$58
22	Nationwide	$1,050	$88
22	Progressive	$1,450	$121
22	State Farm	$1,254	$105
22	Donegal Insurance	$1,663	$139
22	American Family	$1,855	$155
22	Sentry Insurance	$2,459	$205
22	Allstate	$1,652	$138
22	USAA	$804	$67
23	Geico	$703	$59
23	Travelers	$622	$52
23	Nationwide	$989	$82
23	State Farm	$1,094	$91
23	Progressive	$1,320	$110
23	Allstate	$1,567	$131
23	American Family	$1,484	$124
23	Donegal Insurance	$1,663	$139
23	USAA	$750	$63
24	Geico	$682	$57
24	Travelers	$601	$50
24	State Farm	$987	$82
24	Nationwide	$959	$80
24	Progressive	$1,239	$103
24	Allstate	$1,501	$125
24	American Family	$1,484	$124
24	Donegal Insurance	$1,663	$139
24	USAA	$710	$59
25	Travelers	$524	$44
25	Geico	$654	$55
25	Nationwide	$816	$68
25	State Farm	$887	$74
25	Progressive	$1,108	$92
25	Allstate	$1,422	$119
25	American Family	$999	$83
25	Donegal Insurance	$1,177	$98
25	USAA	$682	$57
30	Travelers	$499	$42
30	Geico	$581	$48
30	Nationwide	$750	$63
30	State Farm	$787	$66
30	Progressive	$1,057	$88
30	American Family	$999	$83
30	Donegal Insurance	$1,117	$93
30	Allstate	$1,406	$117
30	USAA	$575	$48
35	Travelers	$513	$43
35	Geico	$618	$52
35	Nationwide	$750	$63
35	State Farm	$780	$65
35	Progressive	$1,053	$88
35	American Family	$999	$83
35	Donegal Insurance	$1,117	$93
35	Allstate	$1,353	$113
35	USAA	$564	$47
40	Travelers	$540	$45
40	Geico	$568	$47
40	Nationwide	$750	$63
40	State Farm	$794	$66
40	Progressive	$1,023	$85
40	American Family	$999	$83
40	Donegal Insurance	$1,117	$93
40	Allstate	$1,349	$112
40	USAA	$499	$42
45	Travelers	$541	$45
45	Geico	$557	$46
45	Nationwide	$750	$63
45	State Farm	$800	$67
45	Progressive	$1,019	$85
45	American Family	$999	$83
45	Donegal Insurance	$1,117	$93
45	Allstate	$1,331	$111
45	USAA	$491	$41
50	Travelers	$436	$36
50	Geico	$550	$46
50	Nationwide	$713	$59
50	State Farm	$787	$66
50	American Family	$808	$67
50	Progressive	$973	$81
50	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
50	Allstate	$1,293	$108
50	Sentry Insurance	$1,610	$134
50	USAA	$481	$40
55	Travelers	$424	$35
55	Geico	$540	$45
55	Nationwide	$668	$56
55	State Farm	$767	$64
55	American Family	$808	$67
55	Progressive	$937	$78
55	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
55	Allstate	$1,286	$107
55	Sentry Insurance	$1,610	$134
55	USAA	$471	$39
60	Travelers	$434	$36
60	Geico	$537	$45
60	Nationwide	$675	$56
60	State Farm	$747	$62
60	American Family	$808	$67
60	Progressive	$942	$79
60	Donegal Insurance	$1,024	$85
60	Allstate	$1,300	$108
60	Sentry Insurance	$1,514	$126
60	USAA	$471	$39
65	Travelers	$441	$37
65	Geico	$541	$45
65	Nationwide	$688	$57
65	State Farm	$747	$62
65	American Family	$856	$71
65	Donegal Insurance	$931	$78
65	Progressive	$988	$82
65	Allstate	$1,300	$108
65	Sentry Insurance	$1,514	$126
65	USAA	$487	$41
70	Geico	$581	$48
70	Travelers	$518	$43
70	Nationwide	$728	$61
70	State Farm	$794	$66
70	American Family	$856	$71
70	Donegal Insurance	$1,008	$84
70	Progressive	$1,042	$87
70	Allstate	$1,349	$112
70	Sentry Insurance	$1,580	$132
70	USAA	$508	$42
75	Geico	$620	$52
75	Travelers	$594	$50
75	Nationwide	$764	$64
75	American Family	$999	$83
75	State Farm	$1,014	$85
75	Donegal Insurance	$1,123	$94
75	Progressive	$1,152	$96
75	Allstate	$1,446	$121
75	Sentry Insurance	$1,580	$132
75	USAA	$554	$46

Read our methodology

Delaware minimum coverage cost by city

Smyrna drivers pay the least for minimum coverage in Delaware at $708. However, Wilmington pay the most at $902.

Car insurance rates vary by city. For example, drivers in larger cities with a high traffic volume or vehicle theft rate pay higher rates.

The table below shows average minimum coverage rates for cities in Delaware.

City	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Smyrna	$708	$59
Dover	$714	$60
Millsboro	$739	$62
Georgetown	$748	$62
Middletown	$748	$62
Milford	$763	$64
Seaford	$763	$64
Newark	$874	$73
Wilmington	$902	$75

Read our methodology

Optional car insurance coverage in Delaware

Delaware requires drivers to carry car insurance to pay for injuries and damages caused to others. However, drivers don't have to carry coverage for their vehicle unless required by a loan or lease.

Drivers may choose optional coverages such as:

Collision. Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if you cause an accident.
Comprehensive. This coverage pays for damages to your car unrelated to an accident, such as fire, flood, falling debris, and hail.
Rental car coverage. This pays for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim and usually has time and cost limits.
Roadside assistance. If you run out of gas, need a tire changed, or have a dead battery roadside assistance will send someone to help.
Gap. Gap coverage pays the difference between what you owe on a car loan and the vehicle's value.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned state minimum car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Systems based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving history, driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates are based on all coverages required by law at minimum coverage limits. Rates were also fielded for various additional age groups. State laws were gathered from state DMV and insurance department websites.

Delaware car insurance laws and requirements: FAQs

Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Delaware?

Yes, Delaware requires that you carry at least the minimum mandatory coverage. Necessary coverage includes 25/50/10.

Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?

Yes, your car insurance covers claims in another state, even if the minimums are higher in the other state.

What happens if I drive without car insurance in Delaware?

If you're caught driving without car insurance in Delaware, you may face fines, a driver's license suspension, having your vehicle impounded, and increased car insurance rates. Additionally, you may face jail time, especially for multiple violations.