Delaware Car Insurance

Delaware's former minimum liability requirements of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage were rather low -- only a couple of states had lower minimum bodily injury limits. But that changed on Dec. 17, 2017, when the state hiked limits to $25,00 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

A severe accident that you cause could send your finances reeling; if you own a home or have much in savings you should consider increasing those levels.

Personal injury protection (PIP) of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident is required as part of a Delaware auto insurance policy, but this isn't a no-fault state. It's referred to as an "add-on" state, which means that these PIP benefits are added onto any other benefits you may receive for your injuries.

PIP benefits include payment of medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is offered together in Delaware, but you can reject adding it to your policy is you wish. However, when you do choose to carry uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage, you must also include uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) on the policy. The UMPD portion comes with an automatic $250 deductible.

Motorcyclists: Motorcycle owners in Delaware are required to carry the same 15/30/10 liability coverage and PIP of 15/30. However, a motorcycle policy can have restricted PIP benefits. For example, a limited policy may only cover accidents on the highway and when there has been actual physical contact with another vehicle. You will have a lower premium if you choose this option, but you will have less protection.

Failure to carry insurance: Delaware isn't playing around if you fail to maintain your auto insurance coverage. A fine for a first offense is $1,500. Subsequent offenses carry a fine of $3,000 and a six-month suspension of your driver's license.

FR-19 form: The FR-19 form is used in some states, primarily Delaware and Maryland, as proof of insurance. In Delaware it is called the Insurance Certification Form, FR-19. The FR-19 is a certification that the vehicle has been continuously insured since the verification date and that coverage is presently in force. If you do not own a car you can still obtain insurance and an insurance certification.

Largest car insurance companies for Delaware by market share