Driving without insurance in Delaware
Car insurance is a legal requirement in Delaware for all drivers. You could face a number of serious financial consequences and risks if you do not have it. Every state has different minimum car insurance requirements, so whether you live in Delaware now or are planning a move, it is critical to understand the specific car insurance laws so you are financially prepared and protected.
Minimum insurance required in Delaware
Drivers in Delaware are required to have minimum levels of personal liability insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage. The minimum insurance requirements are 25/50/10, and they include the following amounts:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
Furthermore, Delaware is not technically a no-fault state. Personal injury protection (PIP) is required, however, and pays for a driver's medical expenses following an accident, regardless of fault. In Delaware, the following are the minimum requirements for PIP:
- $15,000 in PIP per person
- $30,000 in PIP per accident
Self-insurance may also be available to individuals who own and register more than 15 vehicles.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Delaware
Driving without insurance is a serious offense in Delaware. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could face a $1,500 fine on your first offense. You could be fined $3,000 for each subsequent offense committed within three years. If you commit two or more offenses, your driver's license may be suspended for up to six months.
Fees from Delaware’s online insurance verification system
Delaware uses an online verification system to audit vehicles at random to ensure that drivers have adequate insurance coverage. This makes it easier to catch uninsured drivers and, as a result, reduces the number of uninsured drivers on the road.
If you are audited and discovered to be driving without proper insurance coverage, you will almost certainly be fined. When you do obtain the necessary coverage, a prior lapse will almost certainly result in higher premiums, and you may be classified as a high-risk driver, which will cost you more in the long run. The fines for some of the most common violations are listed in the table below:
Reason for fee | Fee amount |
Driving without insurance (first offense) | $1,500 |
Driving without insurance (second offense) | $3,000 |
Lapse in insurance coverage | $100 |
Outdated registration | $50 |
Getting into an accident without insurance in Delaware
If you cause an accident in Delaware and do not have insurance, the consequences can be complicated. An at-fault driver must reimburse the other involved driver for vehicle repairs as well as any medical expenses not covered by their PIP policy. Delaware also allows drivers to sue, even if they have PIP, which means you could be liable for legal fees and a settlement if you are found guilty.
Although some states require drivers to obtain an SR-22 if they cause an accident while driving without insurance or if they receive another serious moving violation, Delaware is one of the few states that does not. However, you will still be required to purchase the state's minimum requirements.