Delaware DUI and insurance: How much does a DUI raise your insurance?

Does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Delaware?

Delaware car insurance averages $2,063 with a clean driving record. However, average car insurance rates after a DUI increase to $3,593, which is $1,530 more.

Car insurance companies charge much higher rates if you are proven to be a risky driver. If you have multiple DUIs, average rates dramatically increase to $5,156.

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in Delaware?

The most affordable insurer after a DUI is State Farm, offering average annual rates of $2,351. The second-lowest option is Travelers, which costs $329 more than State Farm. Progressive provides the third-cheapest car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI.

Driving under the influence is not only dangerous but also costly. You'll deal with massive fines and higher car insurance premiums for several years. Each insurer evaluates a DUI differently and sets its own rates, so it's important to compare quotes from multiple companies.

This table displays average car insurance rates for a driver with a DUI in Delaware.

Company	Annual premium for clean records	Annual premium after a DUI	Annual premium after multiple DUIs
State Farm	$2,153	$2,351	$2,351
Travelers	$1,595	$2,680	$4,092
Progressive	$1,999	$2,700	$4,291
Nationwide	$1,498	$2,915	$4,087
GEICO	$1,695	$3,936	$5,628
Allstate	$3,631	$4,845	$6,666
Sentry Insurance	$4,066	$5,318	$7,004
American Family	$2,709	$7,222	$7,572
USAA	$1,463	$2,665	$2,956

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PEOPLE ASK:

What happens when you get a DUI in Delaware?

If you're convicted of a DUI in Delaware, consequences are severe. For a first offense, you'll face fines and fees. Your car may also be impounded, your driver's license suspended, car insurance rates will increase, and DUI will stay on your record for 75 years.

If someone gets a DUI in your car, does it go on your insurance?

In most situations, insurance follows the vehicle rather than the driver, so your auto insurance rates won't increase because the DUI will not show up on your driving record.

However, your rates may increase if your vehicle is involved in an accident due to a DUI. Additionally, your car can be declared a crime scene after an accident, so you won't have access to your vehicle until the police are ready.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in Delaware?

Although a DUI may stay on your driving record permanently, it doesn't impact your insurance rates indefinitely. A DUI influences car insurance in Delaware and stays on your record for 75 years. Your premiums should start to go down after several years of maintaining a clean driving record with no additional violations.

PEOPLE ASK:

Will I have difficulty getting car insurance after a DUI?

It may be more challenging to find affordable car insurance after a DUI, especially if you have multiple convictions. However, if you already have car insurance, your insurer will likely continue your coverage. Since insurance rates will increase after a DUI, you may consider shopping for new coverage to compare rates.

How much does a DUI raise insurance by age group?

Younger drivers typically pay higher car insurance rates than older, more seasoned drivers because they have less driving experience. While a DUI increases costs for everyone, a teen's premiums climb even more after a conviction. The average car insurance rate for a teen with a DUI is $6,226.

Here are the most affordable insurers after a DUI by age:

For teens: Nationwide offers the lowest rate at $6,226.
For young adults: State Farm provides the cheapest coverage for young adults at $2,811.
For adults: State Farm is the most affordable option, with an average rate of $2,351.
For seniors: State Farm offers the lowest average rate at $2,160.

This table illustrates how a DUI impacts car insurance rates across different age groups.

Company	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Nationwide	$5,065	$6,226	$1,161	23%
State Farm	$6,015	$6,626	$611	10%
GEICO	$4,465	$9,937	$5,472	123%
Progressive	$9,775	$11,584	$1,809	19%
American Family	$7,887	$15,245	$7,358	93%
Travelers	$9,842	$15,286	$5,444	55%
Sentry Insurance	$11,822	$15,936	$4,114	35%
Allstate	$11,130	$15,954	$4,824	43%
Nationwide	$5,065	$6,226	$1,161	23%
State Farm	$6,015	$6,626	$611	10%
GEICO	$4,465	$9,937	$5,472	123%
Progressive	$9,775	$11,584	$1,809	19%
American Family	$7,887	$15,245	$7,358	93%
Travelers	$9,842	$15,286	$5,444	55%
Sentry Insurance	$11,822	$15,936	$4,114	35%
Allstate	$11,130	$15,954	$4,824	43%
USAA	$4,351	$6,647	$2,296	53%
USAA	$4,351	$6,647	$2,296	53%

How much does a DUI raise your insurance in your city?

The least expensive city in Delaware for car insurance after a DUI is Middletown, while the costliest city is Delaware City, with an average rate of $4,118. Your location influences your insurance costs, even without a DUI. Drivers in areas with heavier traffic or higher rates of vehicle theft typically face higher premiums because their cars are at a greater risk. A DUI then raises those already elevated rates even more.

This table shows average DUI car insurance rates by city. Compare rates in large cities to rural areas to see how your location impacts rates.

City	Annual premium for clean record	Annual premium after a DUI	Dollar increase	% Increase
Bear	$2,241	$3,903	$1,662	74%
Delaware City	$2,361	$4,118	$1,757	74%
Dover	$2,070	$3,600	$1,530	74%
Fenwick Island	$2,062	$3,648	$1,586	77%
Frederica	$2,041	$3,552	$1,511	74%
Georgetown	$2,004	$3,486	$1,482	74%
Middletown	$1,947	$3,350	$1,403	72%
Milford	$2,017	$3,515	$1,498	74%
Newark	$2,178	$3,794	$1,616	74%
Bear	$2,241	$3,903	$1,662	74%
Delaware City	$2,361	$4,118	$1,757	74%
Dover	$2,070	$3,600	$1,530	74%
Fenwick Island	$2,062	$3,648	$1,586	77%
Frederica	$2,041	$3,552	$1,511	74%
Georgetown	$2,004	$3,486	$1,482	74%
Middletown	$1,947	$3,350	$1,403	72%
Milford	$2,017	$3,515	$1,498	74%
Newark	$2,178	$3,794	$1,616	74%

Read our methodology

How to get car insurance after a DUI in Delaware

Insurers will label you a high-risk driver after a DUI, but you can still secure car insurance. Finding suitable coverage following a DUI conviction may require some additional effort.

If you already have car insurance and receive a DUI, your insurer will likely continue your policy; however, your premiums will increase at renewal time.

If you need car insurance after a DUI or want to find the most affordable rates, take the time to compare different policies. Get quotes from several insurers to find the cheapest option in Delaware, as each company sets its own rates after a DUI.

Delaware DUI insurance requirements and penalties

A DUI in Delaware requires you to follow certain rules for high-risk drivers.

A DUI can result in fines, a suspended driver's license, vehicle impoundment, and even jail time. Repeat offenses come with even tougher consequences. You may also be responsible for attorney costs, towing expenses, and impound fees.

The table below outlines Delaware DUI laws and penalties for first and repeat offenses.

Increased penalty for high BAC	Administrative license suspension after a first offense	Limited driving privileges during suspension	Ignition interlocks	Open container laws	Repeat offender laws
0.15	3 months	No	Highly incentivized for all convictions	No	Yes
0.15	3 months	No	Highly incentivized for all convictions	No	Yes

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*BAC is blood alcohol concentration

How long after a DUI does your insurance go down?

A DUI impacts car insurance rates for at least three years, although the exact duration depends on the state. In some places, such as California, a DUI can influence your rates for up to 10 years.

Drivers in Delaware can expect elevated car insurance rates after a DUI and expect it to stay on their record for 75 years.

Tips to save money after a DUI

A DUI can cost you thousands in fines, fees, and higher car insurance premiums. Fortunately, you can still take steps to reduce your rates after a DUI.

Ways Delaware drivers can reduce car insurance costs after a DUI include:

Raising your deductible to lower your premium
Checking for discounts, such as multi-policy savings or vehicle safety feature discounts
Maintaining a clean driving record moving forward
Completing a defensive driving course
Working to improve your credit score
Comparing quotes from several insurers

Methodology

We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
40-year-old driver
Honda Accord LX
Good credit
A clean driving record
12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Additional rate data is drawn based on:

One and two DUI convictions
Ages ranging from 16 to 75

Learn more about our data and methodology.

Delaware DUI insurance: Frequently asked questions

How far back do insurance companies look for a DUI?

Depending on the state, a DUI can remain on your driving record for up to 10 years. In most cases, a DUI affects car insurance rates for only three to five years.

Will my insurance drop me after a DUI in Delaware?

Most insurers will not cancel your policy after a single DUI, but your rates will rise sharply. However, multiple DUIs may lead your insurer to deny coverage. The higher the risk you present, the harder it becomes to secure car insurance.