Delaware is one of the few states that is a “no fault” car insurance state. What this means is that, in the event of an accident, there is no need to determine which driver is at fault. Instead, each driver’s auto insurance policy will simply be responsible for paying for any damages to the policyholder’s car or person. As such, having a good policy that will pay your hospital bills and/or vehicle damages in the event of an accident is extremely important. You can’t rely on anyone else’s policy to help you out if an accident occurs; the responsibility falls all on you.

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For this reason, Delaware has adopted minimum car insurance requirements that include liability coverage, property damage coverage, and personal injury protection, whereas the minimum requirements for most other states simply involve liability insurance. As a Delaware resident, you are required to have at least $15,000 of bodily injury coverage for injuries affecting one person, at least $30,00 of coverage for injuries affecting more than one person, and at least $10,000 in general property damage in order to legally own and operate your vehicle. However, most drivers will opt for higher amounts of coverage in all areas in order to protect themselves and their vehicles adequately.

What is Average Cost of Car Insurance in Delaware?

In Delaware, the average premium cost is approximately $2,073 per year. This rate is higher than the national average of $1,440, but the good news is that Delaware’s rates have been steadily decreasing each year for several years now. Plus, drivers with good driving histories who are willing to put a bit of effort into finding a good insurance provider can end up paying rates well below the state average.  If you already have an auto insurance company, knowing the average premium cost can help you know where you stand and whether or not it would be a good idea to think about switching providers. If you’re paying well above the average for coverage, then it’s probably time to start a car insurance comparison search for more affordable auto insurance.

Delaware DUI Laws

One thing that can make your auto insurance premiums go through the roof is getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs.  Drivers convicted of a Delaware DUI will have to face two sets of charges: a criminal case which could end in jail time, forced enrollment in substance abuse programs, and hefty fines and fees; and an administrative hearing by the Delaware DMV, which could result in losing your drivers license for a set period of time, in which you wouldn’t be able to acquire insurance or drive legally. What’s more is that you are required to request this hearing within fifteen days of your conviction. If you do not, your license will be automatically suspended.

Delaware drivers should also be aware that the state’s Office of Highway Safety has recently started setting up DUI checkpoints throughout the state. At the checkpoint, which is held at an undisclosed location, all drivers are required to stop and to show their drivers’ licenses and proof of insurance cards. The goal of these checkpoints, however, is to find drivers who act suspiciously and who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to charge and hopefully arrest them. With such pressure on, drivers must be very careful not to drink and drive or to drive under the influences of any substances at any time.

Doing so can cause drivers to face serious consequences, much worse than just having their insurance rates go up. In addition to paying more out of pocket for insurance, convicted drivers for whom the charge is their first DUI offense will be subject to a fine of up to $1,150, six months in jail, and a DUI education course for which the driver must pay out of pocket. Second offenses carry stricter punishments including two to eighteen months in jail and fines between $575 and $2,300. From there, each subsequent offense just brings with it higher and higher fees and punishments.

If you have made a mistake and been charged with a DUI in the past, however, all hope is not lost for you. You can talk to your car insurance provider about possible ways to lower your insurance rates. Sometimes, taking a defensive driving course or completing an approved substance abuse program can help your premium rates to return to normal. Also, the longer you go without getting into further trouble, the more your rates will lower, allowing you to rebuild your life.

Who has the best car insurance rates in Delaware?

Delaware has over 100 licensed car insurance companies so finding an auto insurance company is easy however finding the provider with the best car insurance rates will depend on your overall risk profile. While good drivers certainly have much greater options even high risk drivers enjoy a fairly competitive car insurance market. Shop around and starting a Delaware car insurance comparison search today be entering your ZIP code above.

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