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Check iconLast updated: January 2, 2025

The Best Car Insurance in Delaware 2025

State Farm, Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, and The Hartford are our top picks in The First State.

Best Value
State Farm Logo

Full Coverage Average in Delaware 

  • Annual Premium: $1,906
  • Monthly Premium: $159
Best for Low Mileage Drivers
Nationwide logo

Full Coverage Average Nationally

  • Annual Premium: $1,808
  • Monthly Premium: $151
Best for New Drivers
Geico Logo

Full Coverage Average in Delaware

  • Annual Premium: $2,302
  • Monthly Premium: $192
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If you live in Delaware, you may know that car insurance costs more on average in your state than in many other U.S. states. You also may know that there are specific coverage policies you must have if you want to drive, including liability insurance and personal injury protection (PIP).

Most auto insurance providers offer such coverages, so how can you be sure to choose the right insurance carrier for you? On this page, we cover our top choices of insurance providers to help Delawareans find the right coverage for their needs.

The Best Auto Insurance in Delaware for 2025

  1. 1.

    Best Value: State Farm

  2. 2.

    Best for Low-Mileage Drivers: Nationwide

  3. 3.

    Best for New Drivers: GEICO

  4. 4.

    Best for Rideshare Drivers: Progressive

  5. 5.

    Best for Senior Drivers: The Hartford

Average Annual Rate in Delaware

With a monthly average full coverage premium of $232 and an annual average full coverage premium of $2,784, Delaware’s auto insurance rates are higher than the national average.

Exact rates will vary based on specific location, driving history, and auto insurance needs. To get the most accurate estimate tailored to you, we always recommend getting several quotes.

AreaMonthly average premium for full coverageAnnual average premium for full coverage
Delaware$232$2,784
The U.S.$200$2,399

Blue CarBest Auto Insurance Companies in Delaware

  1. State Farm – Best Value
    As a leading national auto insurance provider, State Farm is known for its affordable rates, excellent customer service, and extensive coverage options. Customers who take advantage of State Farm’s bundling options and safe driving incentives will maximize their savings with this insurer, without sacrificing service.
  2. Nationwide – Best for Low-Mileage Drivers
    For those who drive less than average, Nationwide is a great choice thanks to its SmartMiles pay-per-mile policies. In addition to its low-mileage program, Nationwide offers good customer service and the option for customers to manage their policy and claims through its highly-rated app.
  3. GEICO – Best for New Drivers
    GEICO offers consistently low rates, particularly for young drivers in Delaware. It also has various discounts that new drivers can take advantage of to further bring down their rates.

Comparison of the Best Auto Insurance in Delaware

FeatureState FarmNationwideGEICOProgressiveThe Hartford
Average Full Coverage Rate in Delaware$1,906$1,808 (national rate)$2,302$2,465$2,688 (national rate)
Best ForValueLow MileageNew DriversRideshareSeniors
Mid-Atlantic J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Rating out of 1,0001652642647624648
AM Best RatingA++AA++A+A+
Full ReviewState Farm reviewNationwide reviewGEICO reviewProgressive reviewThe Hartford review

Detailed List of the Best Auto Insurance in Delaware

1. Best Value - State Farm

What We Like Most:

  • Below-average rates for most Delaware drivers
  • Strong customer service
  • Network of local agents
Read Full Review

Having served millions of drivers in the U.S. for nearly a century, State Farm has earned its reputation as one of the industry’s highest-quality and most reliable auto insurers. Additionally, it offers some of the most competitive rates of insurance carriers in Delaware.

On average, a full coverage policy from State Farm will cost $878 less annually in Delaware than the statewide average. However, it’s worth noting that drivers with poor credit living in Delaware might want to look elsewhere. At $5,229 annually on average, a policy from State Farm will set you back over $300 more than the state average.

Thumbs upWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Drivers with clean records, as well as those with a ticket or accident
  • pro
    Customers who value the service of a local agent
  • pro
    Families with young drivers
  • pro
    Those who want quick and convenient mobile app access to policies
Thumbs downWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Military members, veterans, and federal employees (no discounts available)
  • con
    Drivers with poor credit

Significant Savings

State Farm offers many ways for drivers to save on their premiums, including safe driving incentives, bundling, and other discounts. Learn about the different ways to save with State Farm below:

Program Details Potential discount
Drive Safe & Save Using the mobile app that leverages Bluetooth and location services to track driving behavior (e.g., acceleration, braking, cornering, speed, distracted driving, mileage) 30%
Steer Clear Participating in driver-focused training for individuals under 25 years old that promotes safe driving habits and awards program certifications after completing the following:

  • Five hours of driving in at least 10 trips
  • Five training modules (includes lessons, quizzes, and driving scenarios)
  • Mentoring by family members or friends of young drivers by tracking progress and providing feedback
15%
Policy bundles Bundling auto and home, auto and condo, auto and renters, or auto and life insurance policies $722 to $1,127
Multiple automobiles Insuring two or more vehicles from the same household 20%

Large Network of Representatives

State Farm has local agents throughout Delaware to provide customers with personalized and convenient support. Here are the Delaware cities with local agents:

  • Bear
  • Camden
  • Claymont
  • Dagsboro
  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Greenville
  • Hockessin
  • Laurel
  • Lewes
  • Middletown
  • Milford
  • Millsboro
  • Milton
  • New Castle
  • Newark
  • Ocean View
  • Rehoboth Beach
  • Seaford
  • Selbyville
  • Smyrna
  • Wilmington

FYI:

The two Delaware cities with the highest number of State Farm agents are Wilmington, with 18 agents, and Newark, with 11 agents.

Excellent Third-Party Ratings

State Farm receives consistently positive ratings from trusted third-party organizations that evaluate insurance companies, supporting its strong reputation for financial strength and overall customer experience.

For example, the company has an A++ rating on AM Best, demonstrating its superior financial strength compared with competing insurance companies. State Farm has an AA global rating from Standard and Poor’s (S&P), indicating the company’s strong claims-paying ability. State Farm also has a Claims Satisfaction rating of 710 out of 1,000 from J.D. Power, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.2

2. Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide

What We Like Most:

  • Pay-per-mile option
  • Strong claims satisfaction
  • Loyalty benefits
Read Full Review

Nationwide has protected millions of drivers in the U.S. for nearly 100 years, prioritizing its customer service and affordable rates. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive offerings of auto insurance and other forms of coverage, Nationwide customers can save by bundling insurance policies. It also offers a pay-per-mile program called SmartMiles to help drivers who drive less than average save money.

Thumbs upWho It's Best For
  • pro
    People who drive less than average (e.g., remote workers, retirees, stay at home parents)
  • pro
    Those who need other forms of insurance in addition to auto
  • pro
    People who want to manage their policies through a mobile app
Thumbs downWho It's Not Best For

Pay-Per-Mile Insurance

Nationwide has a pay-per-mile auto insurance program, SmartMiles, that could save you money if you drive less than average. You get a fixed base rate as well as a variable per-mile rate, both of which are determined based on factors like your driving record and age, just like your standard premium.

Each month, you’ll be charged your base rate in addition to your per-mile rate multiplied by the number of miles you drove. For example, let’s say your base rate is $70 per month, and your per-mile rate is $0.05 per mile. If you drive 500 miles in May, you’ll pay $95 for insurance that month ($70 + $0.05 x 500).

SmartMiles can be a great option for some drivers, but always make sure to check whether the math works out. A standard policy may still end up being cheaper depending on just how little you drive.

Policy Bundling Options

Nationwide’s extensive list of insurance policies creates many opportunities to save on your car insurance rate. If you need any of the following insurance policies, Nationwide may be a great option for you — the company claims that customers who bundle home and auto save an average of $1,023, but you can also get a discount if you bundle any of the following policies:

  • Auto and home
  • Auto and renters
  • Auto, home, and life
  • Auto and boat
  • Motorcycle and renters

User-Friendly Mobile App

If you appreciate the convenience of mobile apps, you’ll value Nationwide’s easy-to-use app. The Nationwide mobile app is rated 4.7 out of five stars in the Apple App Store and 4.5 out of five stars in the Google Play Store. It also ranked first in the service category of J.D. Power’s Digital Experience Study with a score of 730.3

Download the app for free on your Android, iPhone, or iPad to perform any of the following tasks:

  • Access and print your auto ID card
  • Access policy documents
  • Pay your bills
  • Manage your auto-pay
  • Add or replace a vehicle
  • Add or remove drivers
  • Change coverages
  • File and track your claims

3. Best for New Drivers - GEICO

What We Like Most:

  • Affordable rates, especially for households with teen drivers
  • Easy online quote and purchase process
  • Numerous discounts
Read Full Review

As one of the largest auto insurers in the country, GEICO offers a range of coverage options for drivers of all ages and experience levels. Its variety of coverage policies, benefits, and discounts provides new drivers, in particular, the financial protection they need.

Thumbs upWho It's Best For
Thumbs downWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Drivers needing gap coverage
  • con
    Rideshare drivers

DriveEasy Safe Driving Program

GEICO DriveEasy is a usage-based car insurance program that allows drivers to access potential discounts (up to 15 percent) on their auto insurance rates based on their driving behaviors. With DriveEasy, customers simply download the GEICO app, which tracks driving data such as braking, acceleration, phone use, and driving smoothness. The app uses this data to calculate a driving score, which determines how much drivers can save on their premiums.

DriveEasy is especially helpful for teens who are learning how to drive because the app tracks driving habits and data that parents can monitor through the GEICO app. See if your teen is really adhering to the parent-teen contract you signed! 

Numerous Discounts

Another benefit of GEICO is its variety of discounts, many of which apply specifically to young drivers. Full-time college or high school students who maintain an average grade of B or above (3.0 GPA) or attend school at least 100 miles away from home without regular access to their car can receive a discount. GEICO also provides a discount for members of approved alumni associations, colleges, universities, or student organizations.

Here are some of the other discounts that GEICO offers that provide the largest percentage off your premium:

  • Multi-Vehicle (25 percent)
  • Deployed Military Driver (25 percent)
  • Restraint Device (23 percent)
  • Anti-Theft System (23 percent)
  • Clean Driving Record (22 percent)
  • New Vehicle (15 percent)

Additional Coverages

Besides the typical auto insurance coverages, drivers in Delaware can opt to add the following extra insurance coverages with GEICO: 

  • Emergency Road Service: GEICO’s emergency road service offers assistance and coverage for towing, tire changes, jump starts, lockouts, and fuel delivery. Roadside assistance is particularly beneficial for protecting teen drivers, who are less experienced at driving and more likely to make driving errors and get into crashes. 
  • Rental Reimbursement: This helps pay for a rental car if your covered vehicle is in the shop for repairs.
  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: MBI helps cover repairs if your vehicle breaks down, needs replacement parts, or has other mechanical problems, so you pay less out of pocket.

4. Best for Rideshare Drivers - Progressive

What We Like Most:

  • Great rideshare coverage
  • Affordable rates for drivers with DUIs
  • Highly-rated digital tools
Read Full Review

Progressive is one of the largest and most reputable insurance companies in the U.S., and it has a wide range of add-on coverages to help you customize your policy. This includes rideshare coverage, which is vital for those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, as the company-provided coverage is usually not sufficient.

Thumbs upWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Rideshare drivers
  • pro
    Drivers with a DUI on their record
  • pro
    Those looking to add accident forgiveness to their policy
  • pro
    Customers who prefer to manage their policies digitally
Thumbs downWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Those looking for the best customer service
  • con
    Drivers looking for robust gap coverage as Progressive's won't necessarily cover full amount owed on car loan

Rideshare Coverage

Rideshare insurance is a specific policy add-on that is typically required by auto insurance companies for rideshare drivers. Not all providers offer this coverage, but Progressive is a great option if you find yourself in need of it. Although rideshare companies provide some amount of coverage, it may not adequately cover you, specifically during the period when you’re driving around waiting to match with a driver.

A rideshare endorsement on your policy provides much more robust financial protection. Even if your rideshare company provides some coverage while you’re waiting to match with a rider, Progressive can offer higher liability limits as well as comprehensive and collision coverage to cover damage that may occur to your vehicle while you’re in between riders, which the rideshare company will not cover.

Savings Opportunities

Progressive offers a range of discounts to help drivers save on premiums. One of the best savings comes with bundling — Progressive allows policyholders to bundle auto with either home or renters insurance, and doing so can save you a significant amount of money each year. The company claims that new customers save an average of $983 by bundling their home and auto.

Here are some other discounts you may be eligible for with Progressive:

  • Multi-policy (with home and auto, or another Progressive product)
  • Snapshot telematics program
  • Continuous insurance
  • Homeowner 
  • Multi-car 
  • Online quote
  • Paperless
  • Pay in full
  • Autopay
  • Teen driver 
  • Good student 
  • Distant student 

Accident Forgiveness

Progressive also offers great accident forgiveness perks, which can help you save money if you get into an accident, even one you caused. In Delaware, having an at-fault accident on your record can cause your rates to increase by an average of 23 percent, but accident forgiveness can prevent that increase.

Progressive has three categories of accident forgiveness available. 

  1. The first is Small Accident Forgiveness, which is automatically added to your policy when you purchase it. With this coverage, your rates won’t increase after your first claim that’s less than or equal to $500.
  2. Large Accident Forgiveness is a benefit provided to policyholders who have been with Progressive for at least five years without accidents or violations and will prevent rate increases after a claim, even if it’s over $500.
  3. You can also choose to purchase accident forgiveness as an add-on coverage, which will forgive one eligible accident per policy period.

5. Best for Senior Drivers - The Hartford

What We Like Most:

  • Savings for senior drivers
  • High customer service ratings
  • Numerous discounts

As its name suggests, The Hartford is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, and was founded over 200 years ago. It now offers various insurance types, including auto, home, and business insurance. It underwrites insurance policies for AARP members through a partnership with the organization — only AARP members who are at least 50 years old can get auto insurance through The Hartford.

Thumbs upWho It's Best For
  • pro
    Drivers over 50 years old
  • pro
    AARP members
Thumbs downWho It's Not Best For
  • con
    Those not eligible for AARP membership
  • con
    People looking for user-friendly and highly-rated digital tools

Savings for AARP Members

The Hartford underwrites auto insurance policies for the AARP and offers multiple benefits and discounts for members. For starters, you get up to 10 percent off your policy just for being an AARP member. 

Here’s a look at some of the other discounts and benefits offered by The Hartford AARP insurance program:

  • Bundling: Policyholders who bundle AARP auto and home insurance from The Hartford save an average of $813. You can also bundle your auto policy with renters or condo insurance.
  • TrueLane telematics: The Hartford’s telematics program, TrueLane, rewards safe driving and gives you a discount of up to 15 percent just for signing up and up to 40 percent at your next renewal, depending on your driving habits.
  • Good payer discount: Save up to 10 percent for paying your bills on time.
  • Paid-in-full: Save money by paying your policy in full instead of in monthly installments.
  • Defensive driving course: The Hartford offers a discount of up to 5 percent for the next three years after you complete an approved driver safety course.
  • Online quote: Save up to 8 percent if you start your quote online.
  • Clean driving record: Maintain a clean driving record for five years and earn a discount of up to 10 percent on your auto insurance policy.

Great Customer Service

The Hartford is highly rated on various industry customer satisfaction studies, including J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Mid-Atlantic region. It received a score of 648, which is technically below average, but it still ranked fifth overall because the average is skewed higher by the top companies, not all of which sell auto insurance in Delaware.

It also ranks above average in J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction study, indicating that customers are generally happy with its claims resolution process.

Strong Financial Stability

Although it’s a lesser-known insurance company, The Hartford has a good reputation and solid financial strength ratings from various third-party agencies, meaning it can be trusted to pay out claims to policyholders. Here are its ratings from various agencies:

Agency Rating
AM Best A+
Moody’s A1
Standard & Poor’s A+

Methodology

At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers in Delaware based on four key factors:

  • Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
    • Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
    • Personal injury protection: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident   
    • Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
  • Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
  • Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
  • Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state-required minimums, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.

Read more about our ratings and methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is auto insurance more expensive in Delaware?

Auto insurance in Delaware is more expensive for several reasons, including its no-fault auto insurance laws, higher cost of living, and population density:

  • Higher-than-average cost of living: Delaware’s average cost of living index is 100.8, compared with the U.S. average of 100, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Higher costs of living generally translate to more expensive vehicle repairs, which in turn drives up insurance costs.
  • High population density: Delaware’s population density is 522.6 people per square mile, compared with the national average of about 90 people per square mile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Higher population density can increase the likelihood of car crashes.
  • Weather: Extreme weather patterns, like heavy rainfall and coastal flooding, contribute to Delaware’s high cost of car insurance, based on information from the Delaware Climate Office. 
  • State regulations for required coverage: Delaware requires more coverage policies and higher limits than many other states do. For example, all drivers in Delaware must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage, and at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in personal injury protection coverage. 

Average rates will be higher if you get full coverage car insurance or you have a bad driving record, but average rates will be lower if you get minimum coverage car insurance or you are a driver with a clean record. ZIP code also matters, as drivers in urban areas pay more, on average, than those in suburban or rural areas. 

Compare rates among multiple auto insurance companies to find cheap car insurance, as the cheapest car insurance companies for you may be different from those of even your next-door neighbors. 

Which auto insurance coverages are legally required in Delaware?

These are the minimum required auto insurance coverages in Delaware:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $10,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
  • $15,000 in personal injury protection per person
  • $30,000 in personal injury protection per accident

What are Delaware’s DUI laws?

According to Delaware’s Division of Motor Vehicles, DUI sentences stay on driving records for at least five years. The penalties for DUI convictions in Delaware vary based on offense number, age, and blood alcohol level (BAC) and can include fines, jail time, and license revocations. Extra fines and mandatory community service hours may also occur if you carry underage passengers.

Offense number Jail time in years Fine amount Length of license revocation in months based on BAC Community service requirement in hours (if carrying passengers under 17 years)
1st 1 $500-$1,500 0.15%: 12

0.15%-0.20%: 18

Over 0.20%: 24

40
2nd 1.5 $750-$2,500 0.15%: 18

0.15-0.20%: 24

Over 0.20%: 30

80
3rd 1-2 Up to $5,000 0.15%: 24

0.15%-0.20%: 30

Over 0.20%: 36

80
4th and subsequent 2-15 Up to $15,000 Any BAC level: 60 80

Note that Delaware is one of the few U.S. states that does not require SR-22 forms to reinstate a driver’s license after a DUI.

What is the fine for not having auto insurance in Delaware?

According to the Delaware DMV, driving without auto insurance in Delaware can lead to a minimum fine of $1,500 for the first offense and $3,000 for subsequent violations within three years.

Aliza Vigderman
Written by:Aliza Vigderman
Senior Writer & Editor
A seasoned journalist and content strategist with over 10 years of editorial experience in digital media, Aliza Vigderman has written and edited hundreds of articles on the site, covering everything from plan coverages to discounts to state laws. Previously, she was a senior editor and industry analyst at the home and digital security website Security.org, previously called Security Baron. She has also contributed to The Huffington Post, SquareFoot, and Degreed. Aliza studied journalism at Brandeis University.

Citations

  1. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power. (2024, Jun 11).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-insurance-study

  2. 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. J.D. Power. (2024, Oct 29).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2024-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study

  3. 2025 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. J.D. Power. (2025, May 14).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-insurance-digital-experience-study