Average cost of car insurance in Delaware in 2023

How much is  car insurance in Delaware?

The average car insurance cost in Delaware for minimum coverage, $801 annually, is nearly $200 more than the national average of $622. For full coverage, however, Delawareans pay $2,103 per year, slightly less than the national average of $2,014. Your own rate is likely to vary from this, as it is based on factors unique to you, such as your age, gender and driving history, as well as your car's age, make and model.

Delaware car insurance rates by city

One factor that plays a primary role in determining Delaware car insurance rates is where you live. Cities with a high crime rate, for example, or areas where accidents are more likely to happen, may see higher rates than rural areas with less traffic or crime. The following chart shows the average rates in five of Delaware's most populated cities. As you can see, average rates differ to account for these factors.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Delaware

In most states in the U.S., your age and your gender play a role in determining your premium rate. As you might imagine, premiums are generally higher for young drivers who do not have a lot of experience behind the wheel. As they age, their rates typically decrease as long as they maintain a clean driving record, until about age 70, when the likelihood that they will be in an accident begins to increase again. Gender, too, impacts your rate, since male drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents—leading to slightly higher rates for men than for women.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Delaware

Drivers under the age of 20 often pay the highest car insurance premiums of any age group, and the same holds true in Delaware. However, younger drivers may be able to save some money on their premium by staying on their parents’ policy as long as they live in the same household. Drivers under the age of 18 cannot get their own insurance policy.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy. 

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Delaware 

How much is car insurance in Delaware if you are a good driver? Your rate is likely to be lower if you have a clean driving record. Insurers assume less risk insuring drivers who do not have infractions on their license and are less likely to make claims on their policy. A single speeding ticket, for example, can increase your rate by an average of 16 percent in Delaware. A serious incident, such as a DUI conviction, usually means a significant increase, averaging 85 percent more. Multiple infractions will cause even higher rates to come into play. 

Here are the average premiums you will pay if you have dings on your license in Delaware.

Car insurance rates in Delaware by credit score

Another factor to be aware of when determining the average car insurance cost in Delaware is your credit-based insurance score, which closely correlates to your actual credit rating. Why should this matter to insurance companies? Insurance providers have learned that people with lower credit ratings tend to file more claims, thus making them higher-risk to insure. Thus, insurance companies typically reward those with a higher credit rating by offering them the best rates possible.

Delaware car insurance rates by vehicle type

You've seen that there are multiple factors related to you that matter when determining rates: your age, gender, credit rating and more. But your car matters, too. The age of your car as well as its make and model will impact the amount you pay for insurance. Cars that are more expensive may lead to higher rates because they are also more expensive to fix, while more reasonably-priced vehicles made in the U.S. may earn cheaper rates because they do not require expensive parts. This is not always the case, however, as some less expensive cars may also have high rates of theft, which could lead to higher full coverage insurance rates.

How to save on car insurance in Delaware

It’s possible to lower car insurance rates in Delaware with the right strategies. Doing a little homework before you get your policy can reap benefits when it comes to the price you pay for Delaware auto insurance. Here’s are some tips that might help:

• Shop around: If you’re looking to save money, you will likely be able to lower what you pay by simply shopping around and getting quotes from multiple providers for the same coverage types and amounts. Different companies weigh the factors that go into calculating premiums differently, so it’s usually worth it to shop around a bit before committing. 
• Compare discounts: Most insurance companies offer customers multiple ways to save on their premium. However, even though two companies may have the same discounts, one company will likely give you more savings than the other. To figure out just how much you’ll save, speak with an agent to get the bottom line.
• Increase your deductible: A high deductible equates to a lower monthly premium. Just make sure you choose a deductible option that you’re comfortable paying in the event you have to file a claim. 
• Drive an older car: Older cars typically cost less to insure because they don’t cost as much to repair or replace. You may want to do a little research into the insurance costs for different types and ages of vehicles before you buy or lease your next vehicle to see which car gives you the most bang for your buck.
• Increase your credit score: It’s legal for car insurance companies in Delaware to charge a higher premium to drivers who have a low credit-based insurance score. If you take a little time to work on your credit rating, you may be able to secure lower rates.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Delaware

Frequently asked questions