Delaware Auto Insurance

Finding the best Delaware auto insurance policy for you and your family can be simple. You just need to take a few moments to do some research.  By researching and comparing different Delaware auto insurance rates and options, you will have the data and information you need to make the right decision to meet your needs. Here is some basic information you will need to know before purchasing an auto insurance policy in Delaware.

DE Car Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements

To sum it up, the state of Delaware requires 3 types of coverage in an auto insurance policy. These are required by law. The three types of required coverage are Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, and Personal Injury Protections.

Basic coverage is often referred to as 15/30/10. This means that the minimum Bodily Injury Liability Limit is $15,000 per person paying up to $30,000 per accident with a minimum Property Damage Liability of $10,000. This is a common shorthand used in every state for auto insurance requirements, however, the numbers differ in each state.

States either follow a No-Fault or a Tort system. In Delaware the Tort system is followed. This means that someone must be found at fault in an auto accident and then they and their insurance company must pay for the damages. Because of this, Delaware also requires a third type of coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP requirements are a minimum of $15,000 for one person or $30,000 for all people involved in the accident.

As with all states, Delaware has penalties for those who do not carry the minimum required auto insurance coverage. The penalties are severe. If you are convicted of driving without the minimum required coverage you will be fined a minimum of $1500 for the first offense. Each offense after that which occurs within 3 years of a previous offense comes with a $3000 fine. In addition, your driving license and privileges will be suspended for 6 months.

Though knowing and understanding the minimum Delaware auto insurance coverage is important, be sure to get all the coverage you need. Sometimes getting more than just the minimum required coverage gives you the best protection. Also, if you have a loan for your vehicle, be sure to check with the loan holder to see what additional requirements they may have.

Money Saving Tips for Purchasing Delaware Auto Insurance

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing Delware auto insurance.

• If you shop around you are sure to find a better deal than just accepting the first quote you receive. You can use a quote from one company to ask another company for a cheaper rate.
• Maintain a good driving record. Many insurance companies give discounts and reduced rates for good driving records. The less of a risk you are to them, the cheaper your rate will be.
• Use a higher deductable. By using a higher deductable, you lower your rates. What comes out of your pocket in case of an accident may be a little higher, but what you pay each month for your insurance coverage will be lower.
• Take a defensive driving course. Many cities offer these for free. By taking a course like this, you are considered a more competent driver therefore a lower risk and many insurance companies will reward you for this.
• Ask about discounts. There are many different discounts available such as student discounts, good driver discounts, senior citizen discounts, and veteran or active duty military discounts. Make sure you give all the information to a company when receiving a quote.

The Top Ten Auto Insurance Companies for Delaware

• Nationwide Insurance
• State Farm Insurance
• Progressive Insurance
• Berkshire Hathaway
• Liberty Mutual
• Allstate Insurance
• USAA
• Hartford Fire and Casualty
• Sentry Insurance
• AIG

Average Delaware Auto Insurance Costs

The average cost back in 2003 for a Delaware auto insurance policy was $1,062. That is about $150 above the national average. To make sure you are getting your best deal, be sure to choose a company that is qualified to sell insurance in Delaware. Check your insurance every 6 months and shop around at that time to make sure you are still getting the best deal possible while maintaining the coverage you need.

Rates are based on many things. Some things such as the make and model of your vehicle you can control or change. Other things such as your gender or age, you can not change. But this doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. Comparing rates from different companies is still a great way to find a deal.

To compare Delaware auto insurance quotes right now, use the free tool at the top of this page. Just click and compare. Find your best rate on Delaware auto insurance today!