Average cost of car insurance in Delaware in 2025

How much is car insurance in Delaware? 

How much car insurance is in Delaware will vary by driver. However, the average cost of car insurance in Delaware for minimum coverage is $1,043 annually, nearly 30 percent more than the national average of $808, based on Bankrate’s analysis of premium data from Quadrant Information Services. For full coverage, Delaware residents pay just $2,878 per year, slightly more than the national average of $2,692. Your own rate is likely to vary, though, 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.

Key takeaways

• The average cost of car insurance in Delaware is $1,043 per year for the state's required minimum coverage. Full coverage, which typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance, costs an average of $2,878 per year.
• Dover has some of the cheapest insurance in the state, with an average rate of $2,670 per year for full coverage — 7 percent less than the state average.
• Car insurance for young male drivers is on the high end, with 18-year-olds paying an annual average of $9,942 for full coverage.
• Having a DUI conviction will cost you: average rates are 80 percent more than the state average.
• If you have excellent credit, you can expect to pay an average of 18 percent less than the state average for car insurance.

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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 several 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. As you might imagine, rates are generally higher for young drivers who do not have a lot of experience behind the wheel. As they age, their premiums 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 impacts your rate, too, 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 rates of any age group, and the same holds true in Delaware. However, younger drivers may be able to save some money on their premiums by staying on their parents’ policies as long as they live in the same household. Note that drivers under the age of 18 typically cannot get their own insurance policy.

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

For car insurance in Delaware, your rate will likely be lower if you have a clean driving record. Insurers assume less risk in insuring drivers who do not have infractions on their licenses because they are statistically shown to file fewer claims. A single speeding ticket, for example, can increase your rate by an average of 23 percent more in Delaware. A serious incident, such as a DUI conviction, usually means a significant increase, averaging 80 percent more. Multiple infractions will typically amount to even steeper increases. 

Here are the average premiums you will pay if you have recent incidents on your license in Delaware:

Car insurance rates in Delaware by credit tier

Your credit history plays a pivotal role in determining how much you pay for insurance in Delaware. Credit-based insurance scores closely mirror your actual credit rating, and  insurers offer more competitive rates to those with higher credit scores because they are less likely to file claims. 

Delaware drivers with poor credit pay an average of 72 percent more for full coverage car insurance compared to drivers with good credit.

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.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Delaware

Navigating the myriad factors that influence car insurance premiums can be a challenge. To simplify this process for our readers, Bankrate offers a calculator tool. Entering some basic personal details should provide you with an approximate monthly premium based on your unique profile. It’s important to understand that this isn't a precise quote, but it can be useful in terms of financial planning.

How to save on car insurance in Delaware

It’s possible to find lower car insurance rates in Delaware with the right strategies. Here 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 policy limits. 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 premiums. 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.
• Compare quotes before you buy a car: If you’re in the market for a new or new-to-you vehicle, it might pay to do some research on insurance costs before you make your purchase. Vehicles with high safety ratings and affordable repairs are generally cheaper to insure.
• Increase your credit score: Car insurance companies in Delaware charge higher premiums for drivers who have low credit-based insurance scores. If you take a little time to work on your credit rating, you may be able to secure lower rates.

Frequently asked questions

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