Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Delaware requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage. The state also mandates $15,000/$30,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses regardless of fault. SR-22 filing is required for drivers convicted of DUI, those who accumulate 12 or more points within 24 months, drivers involved in at-fault accidents without insurance, and those who have had their license suspended or revoked. For drivers with violations or points, these minimums may not provide sufficient protection against out-of-pocket liability in serious accidents.
Cost Overview
Delaware drivers with violations, points, or SR-22 requirements pay significantly higher premiums than those with clean records, with increases ranging from 25% for a single speeding ticket to 150–250% for DUI convictions or multiple at-fault accidents. Delaware's mandatory PIP coverage adds to base costs, and the state allows insurers to apply surcharges for up to 3 years after a violation. High-risk drivers often see the largest rate reductions by shopping multiple carriers, as non-standard insurers specialize in this market and price violations differently than standard carriers.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity: DUI convictions increase premiums by 150–250%, while speeding tickets 15+ mph over add 25–50%
- Number of points on record: Delaware's point system assigns 2–6 points per violation, and premiums escalate as you approach the 12-point suspension threshold
- Time since violation: Surcharges typically decrease annually and fall off entirely after 3 years, with rates recovering to near-normal levels by year 4
- SR-22 filing requirement: The filing itself costs $15–$50, but being in the SR-22 risk pool often limits you to non-standard carriers with higher base rates
- ZIP code and city: Wilmington drivers pay 20–35% more than rural Sussex County residents due to higher accident and theft rates
- Vehicle type and value: Comprehensive and collision premiums for high-risk drivers on newer vehicles can exceed $2,000 annually, making deductible selection critical
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles - SR-22 and Financial Responsibility Requirements
- Delaware Department of Insurance - Minimum Coverage Requirements and PIP Regulations
- Delaware Driver's Manual - Point System and Suspension Thresholds