Delaware Car Insurance Coverage: What’s Required by Law

Driving in Delaware requires proof of financial responsibility—minimum liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and often UM/UIM coverage. Non-compliance leads to steep fines, suspensions, and other penalties enforced directly through the state’s Insurance Verification System.

Minimum Required Coverage in Delaware

As of 2025, the state mandates:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $10,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident (covers medical bills, lost wages, and funeral costs)

Often cited as “25/50/10 liability + 15/30 PIP.”

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

Delaware insurers are required to offer UM/UIM coverage, which you can reject by signing a waiver:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 per accident

This coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Optional Coverages to Consider in Delaware

Delaware law requires liability and personal injury protection (PIP), but many drivers add extra coverages for broader financial protection. These optional policies can help with common risks faced by Delaware drivers, such as coastal storm damage, highway crashes, or unexpected breakdowns.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects your vehicle from non-collision losses like theft, vandalism, or flooding — an important consideration given Delaware’s exposure to hurricanes and coastal storms.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your own car after a crash, whether it’s on busy I-95 through Wilmington or a minor accident on a back road.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. In Delaware, it can work alongside your required PIP coverage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
• Rental Reimbursement: Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim, so you’re not left without transportation.
• Roadside Assistance: Provides services like towing, jump-starts, or fuel delivery — especially helpful if you commute long distances between Delaware’s smaller towns and cities.

Note: If your car is leased or financed in Delaware, your lender will almost always require both comprehensive and collision coverage.

Proof of Insurance Requirements

You must carry proof of insurance at all times. Acceptable documents include:

• Insurance ID card (paper or digital)
• Certificate of insurance
• FR-19 form (filed by your insurer when required)

You may be asked to show proof during traffic stops, after accidents, or through DMV audits.

How Delaware Enforces Insurance

Delaware uses an electronic Insurance Verification System (IVS) tied to DMV records. If your policy is canceled or lapses, the system flags it automatically. The DMV will then mail you a notice requiring an FR-19 form directly from your insurer.

Even if your vehicle is parked and not driven, your registration can be suspended until proof is provided or the tags are surrendered.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

• First offense: $1,500–$2,000 fine, 6-month suspension of license and registration, FR-19 required
• Repeat offenses within 3 years: $3,000–$4,000 fine, another 6-month suspension
• Lapse penalty: $100 for the first 30 days + $5/day afterward
• Reinstatement fees: $50–$200 depending on the infraction

At-Fault (Tort) State

Delaware uses a fault-based system for car accidents. The driver who causes the crash is legally responsible for damages and injuries.

High Insurance Costs & Real-World Context

Delaware drivers often pay higher-than-average premiums—over $1,000 per 6 months—even with clean records. Factors include:

• Frequent claims and DMV audits
• Strict enforcement and penalties
• Costly medical and legal expenses

Many drivers reduce costs by taking state-approved defensive driving courses, which can qualify for premium discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions