Last updated: February 3, 2026Best Auto Insurance in Delaware of 2026
State Farm, Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, and Travelers are our top picks in The First State.
Best Value
Editor's Rating:
4.9/5
4.9/5Full Coverage Average in Delaware
- Annual Premium: $2,391
- Monthly Premium: $199
Best for Low Mileage Drivers
Editor's Rating:4.8/5
4.8/5Full Coverage Average Nationally
- Annual Premium: $1,987
- Monthly Premium: $166
Best for New Drivers
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Full Coverage Average in Delaware
- Annual Premium: $2,545
- Monthly Premium: $212
Key Takeaways
- Drivers looking for the best car insurance in Delaware should consider State Farm, Nationwide, GEICO, Progressive, and Travelers, depending on their individual situations and preferences.
- Auto insurance in Delaware is expensive compared to the national average. Full coverage costs an average of $2,977 annually, while minimum coverage costs $1,283 annually.
- Keep in mind that these rates are averages, so while they are useful to give you an idea of what you might pay, your actual quoted rates will likely differ.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Delaware
- Best Value: State Farm
- Best for Low-Mileage Drivers: Nationwide
- Best for New Drivers: GEICO
- Best for Rideshare Drivers: Progressive
- Best for Drivers With Violations: Travelers
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Delaware
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Avg. in DE | Minimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in DE | Mid-Atlantic customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $199 | $92 | Above average |
| Nationwide | Data not available | Data not available | Below average |
| GEICO | $212 | $84 | Below average |
| Progressive | $224 | $104 | Below average |
| Travelers | $141 | $56 | Below average |
| Delaware | $248 | $107 | – |
Breaking Down the Best Cheap 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
Why we chose it
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. It is one of four companies to rank above average for Mid-Atlantic customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study.
Additionally, it offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates in Delaware. On average, a full coverage policy from State Farm will cost $586 less annually in Delaware than the statewide average. State Farm offers many ways for drivers to save on their premiums, including safe driving incentives, bundling, and two telematics programs, one of which is designed specifically for young drivers.
FYI:
The two Delaware cities with the highest number of State Farm agents are Wilmington, with 18 agents, and Newark, with 11 agents.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with clean records, as well as those with a ticket or accident, customers who value the service of a local agent, families with young drivers
State Farm Delaware Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $199 | $92 |
| Annually | $2,391 | $1,102 |
| Difference from Delaware average | -20% | -14% |
2. Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
Why we chose it
Nationwide offers a pay-per-mile program called SmartMiles to help drivers who drive less than average save money. 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.
Nationwide’s extensive list of insurance policies also allows you to save by bundling. 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 auto with renters or boat insurance, or if you bundle auto with both home and life.
Who it’s best for
People who drive less than average, those who need other forms of insurance in addition to auto.
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
Why we chose it
GEICO offers some of the cheapest rates for teen drivers in Delaware. Its usage-based insurance program, DriveEasy, is particularly useful to new drivers who are learning how to drive, as the app tracks driving habits and data that parents can monitor through the GEICO app. It allows drivers to access potential discounts (up to 15 percent) on their auto insurance rates based on their driving behaviors.
Many of GEICO’s other discounts 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.
Who it’s best for
New drivers, such as teen drivers, those who like to purchase and manage their policy online, active and retired military members, as GEICO offers discounts
GEICO Delaware Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $212 | $84 |
| Annually | $2,545 | $1,004 |
| Difference from Delaware average | -15% | -22% |
4. Best for Rideshare Drivers - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- Great rideshare coverage
- Affordable rates for drivers with DUIs
- Highly-rated digital tools
Why we chose it
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 insurance, which is vital for those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, as the company-provided coverage is usually not sufficient. A rideshare endorsement on your policy provides much more robust financial protection.
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, causing an accident can result in a rate increase of 23 percent on average, but accident forgiveness can prevent that increase. You may be automatically eligible for certain accident forgiveness perks, or you can purchase it as an add-on coverage.
Who it’s best for
Rideshare drivers, drivers with a DUI on their record, those looking to add accident forgiveness to their policy
Progressive Delaware Pricing
| Progressive | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $224 | $104 |
| Annually | $2,682 | $1,249 |
| Difference from Delaware average | -10% | -3% |
5. Best for Drivers With Violations - Travelers
What We Like Most:
- Cheapest rates in Delaware
- Many affinity discounts
- Online quotes and purchasing
Why we chose it
Travelers has the cheapest full coverage rates in Delaware, as well as the cheapest average rates for drivers with violations, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs. Drivers with violations can pay significantly more for car insurance, making Travelers a great option for those in this situation.
Travelers sells a wide variety of coverage options that you can add to your policy, including gap coverage, new car replacement, rideshare insurance, and accident forgiveness. It has many discount opportunities for policyholders, including a telematics program that can save you up to 30 percent on your premium if you drive safely. You could also save if you own a hybrid or electric vehicle, your car is less than three years old, you’re a homeowner, you have no gaps in coverage, and more.
DID YOU KNOW?
In Delaware, having a DUI on your record increases your annual car insurance premium by an average of 55 percent.
Who it’s best for
Drivers with violations on their record, those with poor credit, people who loan or lease their cars and need gap coverage
Travelers Delaware Pricing
| Travelers | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $141 | $56 |
| Annually | $1,692 | $676 |
| Difference from Delaware average | -43% | -47% |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Mid-Atlantic1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction3 | NAIC Complaint Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 673 | C- | 716 | 2.15 |
| Nationwide | 636 | C | 729 | 2.78 |
| GEICO | 643 | C- | 697 | 1.95 |
| Progressive | 625 | C | 673 | 2.51 |
| Travelers | 633 | C | 691 | 0.27 |
| Average | 656 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Delaware
Full coverage rates in Delaware
With a monthly average full coverage premium of $248 and an annual average full coverage premium of $2,977, 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.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $2,977 | $248 |
| National Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum coverage rates in Delaware
The average minimum coverage rate in Delaware is $107 per month, or $1,283 per year. This is also more expensive than the national average.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $1,283 | $107 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Auto Insurance Costs by City in Delaware
Your auto insurance premiums can vary greatly depending on where you live in Delaware. Harrington and Smyrna have some of the cheapest rates at $204 per month, which is below the state average. Meanwhile, Wilmington has the most expensive rates, on average, at $284 per month.
By City
| Delaware city (full coverage) | Monthly average | Yearly average |
|---|---|---|
| Harrington | $204 | $2,451 |
| Smyrna | $204 | $2,451 |
| Georgetown | $204 | $2,452 |
| Milford | $205 | $2,463 |
| Seaford | $207 | $2,485 |
| Laurel | $208 | $2,497 |
| Dover | $213 | $2,562 |
| Middletown | $228 | $2,739 |
| Newark | $249 | $2,986 |
| Wilmington | $284 | $3,405 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Delaware?
According to data from the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were 37,159 car crashes in the state in 2024.5 One hundred and fifteen of these crashes were fatal, around 5,000 involved injuries, and around 22,000 involved only property damage.
About three percent of crashes involved alcohol use. Most accidents occurred on Fridays, followed by Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The most common contributing circumstance listed was distracted or inattentive driving.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Delaware
To legally drive as a resident of Delaware, you must have auto insurance that meets at least the following minimum requirements:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
Delaware is technically an at-fault state, but it requires personal injury protection (PIP), which is usually required by no-fault states. PIP helps pay for your own medical bills if you’re injured in an accident, even if it was caused by someone else. If you can afford to, it’s wise to get more than the minimum liability limits, as well as full coverage to help pay for damage to your own vehicle.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluated auto insurance providers in Delaware based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyzed average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as high-risk driver profiles, including those with DUIs. 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 vital. We assessed claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluated the ease of the customer journey, including the quote and purchase process. We also considered the availability and quality of online and agent interactions and the company’s website and mobile app user experience. 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
In Delaware, Travelers and USAA offer the cheapest full and minimum coverage rates, but USAA is only available to military members and their families. GEICO and State Farm also have competitive rates.
Auto insurance in Delaware is more expensive for several reasons. First off, Delaware’s average cost of living index is 102.8, 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.
In addition, Delaware’s high population density translates to an increased likelihood of car crashes. Finally, states that require personal injury protection (PIP) tend to have higher average rates than states that don’t require this coverage.
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.
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.
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.
Sources
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Jun 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmPublic Crash Data Dashboard. Delaware Open Data. (2026).
https://data.delaware.gov/stories/s/Public-Crash-Data-Dashboard/9yvr-c38p
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