Delaware Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Delaware requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Delaware at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP coverage must be on every policy
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Delaware operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning at-fault drivers are financially responsible for damages in accidents. The state mandates proof of financial responsibility through insurance or a surety bond filed with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Unlike most tort states, Delaware also requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, making it one of only a handful of states combining tort liability with mandatory first-party medical benefits.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
about $122/mo
Average car insurance spending in Delaware
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Delaware uses a modified community rating system where zip code impacts rates more heavily than in neighboring Maryland — urban Wilmington zip codes can see premiums double compared to rural Sussex County.
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Compare Auto Rates for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware a no-fault state for auto insurance?
No, Delaware is a tort-based state where the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. However, Delaware uniquely requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage typically associated with no-fault states, meaning your own insurance pays your medical bills first regardless of who caused the accident. This hybrid approach combines tort liability for property damage and pain-and-suffering claims with first-party medical coverage.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others, including Delaware's mandatory 25/50/10 minimums plus PIP. Limits of 100/300/100 are recommended to avoid personal asset exposure in lawsuits.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage with PIP at higher limits. Industry shorthand for policies protecting both your liability and your vehicle's physical damage.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for vehicle damage from non-collision events: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Covers losses minus your deductible regardless of fault.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene. Covers medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a coverage type but a certificate proving continuous insurance, filed by your insurer with the Delaware DMV. Required after DUI convictions, license suspensions, or driving without insurance.