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Delaware DUI & Violation Insurance Guide

Delaware requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Delaware at a Glance

25/50/10

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

PIP coverage must be on every policy

Vision test

Required at license renewal; no separate rule by age

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Delaware

When you're convicted of a DUI or serious traffic violation in Delaware, your current insurance carrier will typically send a non-renewal notice — not an immediate cancellation. This gives you until your policy term ends to find new coverage, usually 30–60 days. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles requires you to carry an SR-22 filing for three years, which means only carriers that offer SR-22 service can insure you. Most standard carriers like GEICO and State Farm do not offer SR-22 filings, so you'll need to work with a non-standard or high-risk insurer.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it's a certificate your insurer files electronically with the Delaware DMV proving you carry the state's required minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filings; you must work with a carrier licensed to provide this service in Delaware.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, major violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. These carriers charge higher premiums to offset the increased risk, but they're often the only option after a serious violation. In Delaware, carriers like The General, Progressive's non-standard division, and regional specialists write policies for drivers who need SR-22 filings.

Liability Insurance

While this is the legal minimum, many drivers — especially seniors with assets to protect — carry higher limits like 100/300/100 to reduce personal financial exposure in a serious accident.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is the category of coverage available to drivers classified as high-risk due to DUIs, multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or license suspensions. In Delaware, securing high-risk coverage quickly is critical — any lapse during your SR-22 filing period resets the three-year clock.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver without insurance or with inadequate coverage. Delaware does not require this coverage, but it's especially valuable for seniors on fixed incomes who cannot afford out-of-pocket medical expenses or vehicle repairs after an accident caused by an uninsured driver.

What Drivers Pay in Delaware

$194–$227/mo

Typical monthly rate in Delaware, drivers 65 and over

Rate data: MoneyGeek and Insure.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Age and driving history (seniors with one isolated violation often qualify for better rates than younger drivers with similar records)
  • Time since violation (rates begin to decrease after 3–5 years if no additional violations occur)
  • Carrier availability (Delaware has fewer non-standard carriers than neighboring states, limiting competition)
  • SR-22 filing requirement duration (3 years of continuous coverage with no lapses)
  • Vehicle type and value (older paid-off vehicles allow you to drop collision/comprehensive and significantly lower premiums)
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Mature-driver discount

Required by state law

18 Del.C. 2503(a)(6) (age-neutral, Commissioner-required reduction, no floor)

Source: state statutes and insurance departments, verified July 2026