Delaware auto insurance

You need to carry Delaware auto insurance to protect your interests and comply with state law.
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A solid plan for selecting auto insurance in Delaware

Every person who owns a vehicle in Delaware must have auto insurance. Individual needs vary, though, so it helps to come up with a plan that ensures you find the best Delaware auto insurance for your unique lifestyle. An understanding of insurance options allows you to make an informed decision. You can make sure your monthly premiums deliver good value by using our VIU by HUB online tool to compare quotes in an easy-to-use format.

A look at common risks for Delaware drivers

With a population of just over 1 million, Delaware has more than 730,000 licensed drivers and more than 950,000 registered vehicles. While public transportation options exist, automobiles play a central role in life in The First State. With so many vehicles on the road, careful driving remains a necessity. Recent statistics show that more than 29,000 crashes occurred on Delaware roadways, resulting in more than 7,200 injuries and an economic impact of over a billion dollars.

Most vehicle collisions in Delaware come from poor driving practices. This makes defensive driving a priority on the roadways and makes good Delaware auto insurance crucial. The five most common reasons for accidents in the state, according to Delaware State Police information, are as follows:

1.      Driver inattention, distraction or fatigue.

2.      Following too closely.

3.      Driving carelessly or recklessly.

4.      Failure to yield the right of way.

5.      Animal in roadway.

The high density of vehicles on the roads significantly increases the chance of a collision. Alcohol and drug use also contribute to many crashes on Delaware highways and streets.

A breakdown of the costs of Delaware auto insurance

Since each person's requirements for car insurance varies, it helps to look at several key factors when considering premium costs. The number of vehicles you own, the number of miles you drive, the city you live in, your age, driving history and other factors determine how much you pay for a policy. To find the best rates, you should compare Delaware auto insurance quotes. With our VIU by HUB online tool, you can pinpoint the cost of coverage options across multiple insurance carriers.

As an overview, the average cost of Delaware auto insurance comes to $310 a month or $3,720 a year. This ranks as the ninth highest in the nation and $75 higher than the average monthly cost of auto insurance in the United States.

The cost of minimal insurance

While anyone who owns and drives a vehicle in the U.S. must carry auto insurance, each state establishes its minimum requirements. In Delaware, you must carry at least the following levels of liability insurance:

       $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

       $10,000 per accident for property damage.

       $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for personal injury protection.

The average cost for minimum auto insurance coverage in Delaware is $75 per month or $900 a year. If you have prior accidents or traffic violations on your record, you will likely pay more each month. By comparing Delaware auto insurance quotes with VIU by HUB, you increase your chance of finding a good, high-value policy.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

While state law does not require you to purchase Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UIM) coverage, the law requires that every insurance company offer it to their auto insurance clients. This coverage pays for expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who didn’t carry insurance. Insurance companies are required to offer at least $15,000 in Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage per person, up to $30,000 per accident and $10,000 in Uninsured Motorist Property Damage insurance per accident.

The cost of full coverage 

The average cost for full coverage of Delaware auto insurance is $445 a month or $5,340 a year. If you own multiple newer vehicles or if you have outstanding auto loans, you might need a more robust policy. In addition to basic liability, a full coverage policy includes both Collision and Comprehensive Coverage.

Collision Coverage covers both property damage and personal injury in most types of accidents. You will have to pay a deductible, but then your insurance policy pays for many other expenses. In some cases, it even covers damage caused by potholes.

Many drivers consider Comprehensive Coverage a good value to add to their policies. It costs on average a little over $134 a year in the U.S. and covers a wide range of damages resulting from non-collision-related incidents. These include damage from storms and earthquakes, fire and vandalism. Comprehensive Coverage also compensates you in case of vehicle theft and for the repair of a cracked windshield.

A strategy to reduce the cost of Delaware auto insurance

While auto insurance costs are high in Delaware, you do have some control over what you pay for premiums. Maintaining a safe driving record can bring your payments below the state average. A driving history that includes speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs will cause your rates to increase. The type of vehicle you drive also impacts premiums; expensive cars cost more to repair or replace and therefore to insure.

Carrying higher deductibles on your policy can lower premiums by as much as 30% to 40% in some cases. Several additional actions can help keep your premiums in check:

       Maintaining a good credit score.

       Parking your vehicle in a safe location at night.

       Claiming all available discounts from your insurance carrier.

       Reducing coverage on lower-value vehicles.

       Regularly comparing Delaware auto insurance quotes.

When you use VIU by HUB, you can get a better idea of what you will pay for auto insurance with fast access to rates from top-rated insurance carriers. Our site will help you get the insurance features you need while keeping your auto premiums as low as possible.

This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

Sources:

Delaware State Police

Insurance Information Institute

Insurance Information Institute