It may be the second smallest state in the nation in terms of size, but Delaware packs a punch—literally. Crime rates in Delaware are some of the highest, putting this little state in the Top 10 for violent crimes and robbery, and the Top 20 for larceny and vehicle theft.
If you live in Delaware, you know this probably doesn't bode well for your insurance costs. One of the factors that affects both home and auto insurance costs is the crime rate in the area. Because insurance costs all boil down to risk, the higher your risk of having your home burglarized or your car stolen, the higher your Delaware insurance rates will be.
Luckily, there is plenty you can do to save on your Delaware insurance and still keep you safe in the process.
Delaware Insurance for Autos
If you want to drive in Delaware, you must be insured. This tort state requires liability coverage of $15,000/30,000 for bodily damage and $10,000 for property damage. But this only covers costs of the car you hit if you are found at fault.
Complete coverage for your car should include:
- Collision insurance, which covers repair or replacement costs to your vehicle in the event of an accident
- Comprehensive insurance, which covers repair and replacement costs not related to a crash. This includes theft, weather damage like hail or flooding, and vandalism.
Adding comprehensive and collision coverage will increase your rates, but you can save in a number of ways, including:
- Park in a garage. If you have access to a covered parking spot or a garage, mention this when shopping for Delaware insurance quotes. It will lower your rates as well as your risk of getting hit while parked in the street or having your car stolen.
- Get anti-theft devices. It's not a bad idea to invest in an anti-theft device for your car, even if it's just a car alarm. This will lower your rates and decrease your chances of getting your car stolen or burglarized.
Delaware Insurance for Homes
Homeowners insurance in Delaware averages $633 a year, which is a little lower than the national average. You can still save on your homeowners insurance by:
- Increasing security. You can safeguard your home and lower your rates by nearly 20% if you install a burglar alarm, deadbolt locks, or motion lighting.
- Enhancing fire protection. If you live close to a fire hydrant or fire department or have fire extinguishers, sprinklers, or smoke detectors in your home, you can also save a large percentage on your rates.
It's also important to note that renters make up 46% of residents in Delaware, so if you rent you should purchase renter's insurance. Many renters mistakenly believe that their landlord's insurance covers their belongings, but this isn't the case. A renter's policy runs just $175 a year on average and will cover the replacement or repair costs of your belongings in the event of fire, theft, vandalism, and other perils. It's well worth the money.
How to Find the Best Delaware Insurance Rates
Shopping around and comparing quotes from different companies is the best way to ensure you are getting the lowest rates possible. Many people don't do this simply because it is time consuming. Localinsurance.com, however, takes the hassle out of shopping around for rates. With this site, you can research insurance requirements and coverage types, then compare Delaware insurance rates in your area so you know which company can offer you the best rates.
