Car insurance premiums start to climb for drivers at around age 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes than those aged 35 to 54.
However, seniors in Delaware can still find affordable car insurance. Our guide provides tips on securing the cheapest rates for seniors in Delaware and helps save on auto insurance premiums.
- In Delaware, a 65-year-old driver can expect to pay an average of $1,966 annually for full coverage car insurance.
- In Delaware, a 70-year-old driver’s car insurance rates are 6% more for full coverage than for a 65-year-old driver.
- A 75-year-old driver in Delaware pays 14% more a full coverage policy than a 65-year-old driver.
- Reviewing and comparing car insurance quotes every six months or at renewal can help you find the most affordable rates.
Cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Delaware
Find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in Delaware for drivers of different ages below.
- Cheapest for seniors, overall: Nationwide, $121 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 65: Travelers, $115 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 70: Nationwide, $121 per month.
- Cheapest for seniors at age 75: Nationwide, $127 per month.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Delaware
State minimum car insurance refers to the least amount of coverage that a driver is legally required to have in a particular state. This typically includes liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage to others if you are at fault in an accident. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for coverage limits.
Liability car insurance with limits of 50/100/50 means:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 per accident for property damage
A liability policy covers expenses for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Full coverage insurance with limits of 100/300/100 includes higher liability limits:
- $100,000 per person for bodily injury
- $300,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $100,000 per accident for property damage
Full coverage also typically includes:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damages to your car from a collision.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism).
Full coverage ensures you are covered for a wide range of incidents, both for your liability to others and for your own vehicle’s damage.
Below are the cheapest Delaware rates the major car insurance companies offer for three different coverage levels: The state minimum, liability-only coverage with limits of 50/100/50 and full coverage car insurance with liability limits of 100/300/100.
Select your age and type of coverage below to see the average annual and monthly rates.
| Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Why do car insurance rates increase for senior drivers in Delaware?
Car insurance tends to become more expensive for older drivers due to several factors. Statistics show that seniors, on average, tend to be involved in more accidents than younger drivers (excluding teens).
While older drivers usually have decades of experience under their belt, they often suffer from age-related hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, side effects from medicines and other health issues that can make driving more difficult.
The CDC reports that drivers older than 70 have a higher rate of crash fatalities per 1,000 crashes than those aged 35-54. NHTSA statistics reveal that in 2020, senior drivers 65 and older were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, up by 26% since 2011.
In addition, older drivers are more likely to need medical treatment even after a minor accident, and steep hospital expenses contribute to an overall increase in insurance rates.
“Unfortunately, as we move past middle age, the odds of being more severely injured or dying in a car crash increase significantly,” says Carole Walker, executive director at Rocky Mountain Insurance Association.
“Statistically, older drivers have a higher risk of causing a crash, but an even bigger factor adding to higher car insurance bills are common health problems that make them more prone to being hurt and incurring medical bills – even in low-speed or less serious crashes,” she says.
This leads to higher car insurance costs. CarInsurance.com’s data show that premiums rise for most senior drivers starting in their mid-60s and keep increasing. In Delaware, a full coverage policy costs an average of $1,966 for a 65-year-old driver, while a 70-year-old driver pays $2,075.
70-year-old drivers pay 6% more for full coverage than 65-year-olds and 75-year-old drivers pays 14% more for a full coverage policy
The table below highlights the annual average rate increases for senior drivers in Delaware based on age and different coverage levels:
| Age | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | $732 | $966 | $1,966 |
| 70 | $790 | $1,025 | $2,075 |
| 75 | $886 | $1,153 | $2,269 |
Coverage types:
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Find out how much insurance costs for seniors
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors with tickets in Delaware
A speeding ticket or other moving violation will increase your insurance rates regardless of age. Insurers rely on statistics, which indicate that drivers with a ticket are more likely to be involved in an accident that could lead to a claim.
The rate hike will differ between insurance companies, but Delaware drivers can expect a 40% increase in their premiums after receiving a speeding ticket for driving 1-29 mph over the limit.
If you are a senior with a speeding ticket or other minor moving violation on your record, expect to pay more for coverage. When we ran the numbers, these were the best insurance companies for seniors with tickets on their records.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 speeding ticket | Monthly rates with 1 speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $2,110 | $176 |
| State Farm | $2,160 | $180 |
| Travelers | $2,276 | $190 |
| Geico | $2,583 | $215 |
| Progressive | $2,706 | $226 |
| American Family | $2,880 | $240 |
| Allstate | $3,881 | $323 |
| Sentry Insurance | $5,703 | $475 |
| USAA* | $1,793 | $149 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors with DUIs in Delaware
A DUI is a major offense, and your insurance rates will rise significantly once it shows on your driving record. In most instances, your premium will double with a DUI. According to CarInsurance.com, in some states, rates can increase by 77% after the first DUI and up to 156% after a second.
Getting affordable coverage (or any coverage) becomes challenging after a DUI, but our data show the companies below are the best insurers for seniors with a DUI in Delaware:
| Company | Annual rates with DUI first offense | Monthly rates with DUI first offense |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $2,160 | $180 |
| Travelers | $2,648 | $221 |
| Progressive | $2,759 | $230 |
| Nationwide | $2,814 | $235 |
| Geico | $3,784 | $315 |
| Allstate | $4,677 | $390 |
| Sentry Insurance | $4,783 | $399 |
| American Family | $7,210 | $601 |
| USAA* | $2,529 | $211 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by state for senior drivers
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Cheapest car insurance for seniors after an accident in Delaware
Similar to a ticket or DUI, an accident on your record will lead to higher insurance rates. Although the exact increase depends on the insurer, data show drivers can expect a 49% hike in premiums after an at-fault accident with property damage over $2,000.
Typically, the premium increase remains for three to five years, making it essential to find an affordable insurer. According to our data, the following companies provide the cheapest car insurance for seniors in Delaware after an accident.
| Company | Annual rates with 1 at-fault accident | Monthly rates with 1 at-fault accident |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,494 | $125 |
| Nationwide | $1,895 | $158 |
| State Farm | $2,345 | $195 |
| Progressive | $2,790 | $233 |
| Geico | $3,441 | $287 |
| American Family | $3,596 | $300 |
| Allstate | $5,826 | $486 |
| Sentry Insurance | $6,159 | $513 |
How can seniors save on car insurance in Delaware?
Auto insurance for seniors can be costly, but there are several ways to save. Here are some simple ways to lower your premiums:
- Shop around: Regularly comparing car insurance rates – every six months or annually when it’s time to renew – can help you secure the best deal.
- Raise your deductible: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save you money each month, but ensure you have the funds available to cover the higher deductible if needed.
- Ask about discounts Bundling with homeowners insurance, loyalty discounts and discounts for years of being licensed are great ways to save on car insurance. Find more details on discounts below.
Editor’s Tip:Take a senior driving course: With an approved defensive driving course, seniors can save up to 5% on their car insurance in Delaware. The American Automobile Association(AAA) and AARP offer defensive driving courses for senior drivers in Delaware.
Car insurance discounts for senior drivers in Delaware
Here are some car insurance discounts to help seniors reduce their insurance costs. See how much seniors can save, on average, in the table below.
| Discount type | Potential annual savings |
|---|---|
| Air bags | 4% |
| Anti-theft device | 1% |
| Daily commute | 6% |
| Days advanced purchase | 6% |
| Days per week driven | 5% |
| Defensive driver | 5% |
| Education | 9% |
| Electronic funds transfer | 4% |
| Electronic signature | 10% |
| Homeowner | 7% |
| Lower annual mileage | 7% |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 9% |
| Marital status | 5% |
| Multi policy | 9% |
| Paperless/electronic documents | 4% |
| Payment type | 6% |
| Primary use | 12% |
| Profession | 14% |
| Safety devices | 3% |
| Telematics | 20% |
| Years insured | 22% |
| Years licensed | 25% |
Choosing the cheapest and best car insurance for seniors in Delaware
Senior drivers generally pay higher premiums than younger adult drivers. If you want an affordable policy, carefully evaluate your needs and determine the coverage amount. When shopping for insurance, consider the price, customer service and available discounts.
Find the best auto insurance companies online to see which carrier provides affordable rates and easy-to-use websites or apps.
FAQ: Cheap car insurance for seniors in Delaware
Who has the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Delaware?
Our data show that Travelers provides the cheapest state minimum auto insurance for seniors in Delaware, at around $533 per year. Geico and Nationwide also rank highly for affordable state minimum coverage for seniors in Delaware.
Which companies offer the cheapest liability car insurance for seniors in Delaware?
Travelers offers the cheapest liability car insurance for senior drivers in Delaware, with an average annual premium of $723. According to a CarInsurance.com data analysis, Nationwide and Geico also provide cheap liability insurance for seniors in Delaware.
Does State Farm offer a senior discount in Delaware?
State Farm does not offer a senior discount in Delaware, but it provides many discounts that seniors can use to lower their premiums. It includes discounts for defensive driving courses, safe driving, long-term customer loyalty, bundling policies and advanced safety feature discounts.
Bottom line
Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for senior drivers in Delaware for a full coverage policy, based on a CarInsurance.com analysis.
By shopping around and comparing rates online from different insurers, seniors can find the best deal on their car insurance. Additionally, senior drivers could qualify for discounts by taking defensive driving courses or bundling their car insurance with other types of insurance.
Check out how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Resources & Methodology
Additional resources
There are several resources available for older drivers who want to stay safe behind the wheel and save on their insurance premiums:
- American Automobile Association: AAA helps senior drivers to continue driving for as long and safely as possible.
- AARP (American Association of Retired Persons): AARP’s smart driver program helps senior drivers to learn proven driving techniques and save money on car insurance.
- National Institute on Aging: The NIA provides tips to senior drivers about health and driving and offers free publications to aging seniors to answer health-related queries.
- Fitness-to-Drive Screening Measure Online: This web-based tool helps family members identify at-risk drivers.
- Eldercare Locator: Helps senior drivers maintain their independence, and provides information about highway safety for aging drivers and services.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Older Adult Drivers.” Accessed November 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2021 Older People.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Motor Vehicle: Age Group Comparisons.” Accessed November 2024.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com gathered car insurance rates for senior drivers from Quadrant Information Services. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on sample profiles of 65, 70 & 75 year old male and female drivers with clean driving records. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes across 34,588 ZIP codes from 170 national and regional car insurance companies.
To determine car insurance rates for senior drivers with a history of traffic violations, CarInsurance.com used a sample profile of a 65-year-old driver who owns a Honda Accord LX. We have compared 50,73,544 insurance quotes from 138 companies across 1,468 ZIP codes.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 65-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied
- One at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- One at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accidents
- DUI/DWI first offense.
- Speeding ticket (1-10 MPH over the limit,11-29 MPH over the limit & 30+ over limit)
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparison purposes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Delaware