Whether you reside in Dover, Wilmington, Georgetown, or anywhere else in The Diamond State, you're likely paying a pretty penny for your auto insurance. In 2007, First Staters were paying an average of $1,012 for insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Needless to say, it's good to seek savings when you can. But, believe it or not, your Delaware auto insurance rates can be significantly reduced if you just shop around. Most of us know that things like age, marital status and the type of insurance you require will affect your rates, but there are other factors that Delaware auto insurance companies will use to determine your premium.

DART First State
In a 2010 press release, the American Public Transportation Association reported, "Individuals who ride public transportation can save on average $9,330 annually based on the June 16, 2010 national average gas price and the national unreserved monthly parking rate." Needless to say, taking advantage of the DART First State bus and commuter rail services adds bucks to your bank account. Auto insurance premiums can shrink by using public transportation as well. Your premium is based on factors such as where you drive, how often you drive and the annual mileage added to your car. Using public transportation reduces your chances of being involved in a car accident and having your car stolen or vandalized, all of which can account for increased Delaware auto insurance rates.

Defensive Driving Discounts
As of Jan. 1, 2010, Delaware auto insurance agencies are required to provide a 10 percent discount on liability and personal protection premiums to policyholders who take a defensive driving course. This discount stays in effect for three years. When those three years end you can take another refresher course and receive a minimum 15 percent discount for the next three years. Hooray for savings!

Stay Clear of Hot Numbers
Some might believe that expensive cars are the most likely vehicles to be stolen, but that's not necessarily the case. The most stolen vehicle in the United States in 2008 was the 1994 Honda Accord, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The top three most stolen cars in the Corporate Capital were the 1995 Honda Civic, the 1997 Honda Accord and the 1995 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee. As a matter of fact, there were only two vehicles manufactured this century that made the list: the 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup (number eight) and the 2003 Toyota Corolla (number 10). There is an average of 2,650 vehicles stolen every day in the United States, or one every 33 seconds, according to the NICB. Scary figures indeed. No matter what type of car you drive, arming it with anti-theft and tracking devices will greatly reduce the risk of your vehicle becoming a statistic which in turn will afford you discounts on your Delaware auto insurance rates.

Delegate Your Search
Most insurance companies will discount your premium if you combine your auto insurance policy with your homeowners policy. Senior citizens and good students are also likely to save a little cash on their Delaware auto insurance rates. No matter your income bracket, it's important to save money when you can. Find high quality coverage at an affordable price simply by filling out a quick and easy form on LocalInsurance.com. This free service takes away the hassle of researching and cold calling insurance companies on your own leaving you with more time to enjoy the finer things in life.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in Delaware, visit these useful links: