Delaware Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re taking Route 18 to Bowers Beach for a day on the bay, touring the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway to see the fall colors, or headed down US 13 to the Monster Mile at Dover International Speedway, the First State offers 1,954 square miles of history and scenic beauty. Sightseeing or commuting, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Delaware driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for DE State Residents

There are 558,136 licensed drivers in the First State in 2010. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 10% of Delaware’s drivers are uninsured. In 2009, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety reported that 7,000 speeding citations were issued and that there were 116 traffic fatalities; 31% were alcohol-related and in 58% of them, the victims were not wearing their seat belts. Speeding, aggressive drivers and alcohol-impaired drivers are all good reasons for you to make certain you have the adequate car insurance while living and driving in the First State.

 

Delaware State Minimum Car Insurance

Delaware state law requires that you carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. However Delaware automobile insurance laws are somewhat different. Unlike most states, Delaware has a tort add-on system. That means Delaware car insurance is no-fault ,but only up to the limit of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Unlike a pure no-fault system, in Delaware you can be sued for pain and suffering and damages above what your Delaware car insurance will pay if you are the at-fault party in an accident. The only limitation is that you cannot be sued for reimbursement of medical bills or lost wages. Delaware does not require that you carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, Collision and Comprehensive or personal liability insurance in excess of the minimums. However, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requirements shown below.

• $15,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $30,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability
• $15,000/$30,000 personal injury protection

 

Delaware Car Insurance Laws

Delaware requires that you carry proof of Delaware auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. The penalty for driving without Delaware car insurance is a minimum $1,500 fine for a first offense and a $3,000 fine for a second offense. In addition, you may lose your license plates or your driver’s license.

Delaware conducts random checks of coverage for registered vehicles and requires that your carrier notify the state if your coverage is dropped or canceled.

Delaware auto insurance companies can only cancel your policy for non-payment, losing your license, providing false information or failing to provide required information. Your insurer can also opt not to renew your policy if you’ve had too many accidents or tickets.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Delaware Department of Insurance
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in the First State. For more information, visit their website at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle Commission
This agency is responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Delaware auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at http://www.dmv.de.gov/

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at http://www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at http://www.iii.org/

 

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