SR22 Coverage Info
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Delaware SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

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

$50

State license reinstatement fee

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

State Requirements

Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or license suspensions face SR-22 filing requirements that add another layer of compliance. SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Delaware DMV proving you carry continuous coverage at or above state minimums for the required period.

Bodily Injury Liability

Delaware's 25/50 minimums cover medical costs and lost wages when you injure someone in an at-fault accident. For high-risk drivers with DUI or violation history, courts and victims may pursue assets beyond policy limits, making minimums risky. Delaware is a tort state, so injured parties can sue directly for damages exceeding your coverage.

Property Damage Liability

Covers damage to other vehicles and property when you're at fault. High-risk drivers with at-fault accidents already on record face greater financial exposure in subsequent claims, as a second incident can trigger policy non-renewal or surcharges that push premiums even higher.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Delaware mandates UM/UIM at 15/30 minimums to protect you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. You can reject UM/UIM in writing, but doing so leaves you personally responsible for medical bills and lost income if an uninsured driver causes your injuries.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

SR-22 is not insurance itself but a certificate your carrier files electronically with the Delaware DMV to verify you maintain continuous coverage. The filing is required after DUI convictions, certain license suspensions, uninsured accidents, or multiple violations within a set period. Any lapse in coverage during the 3-year requirement triggers automatic license suspension, and you must restart the entire filing period.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Delaware offers optional PIP coverage that pays your own medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of fault. While not required, PIP provides immediate coverage without needing to prove the other driver's liability—helpful for high-risk drivers who may face slower claims processing or disputes due to their driving record. Coverage applies even if you're hit by an uninsured driver or injured as a pedestrian.

Cost Overview

$436–$545/mo

Typical monthly rate in Delaware, drivers with an SR-22 after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and NerdWallet, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Time since violation—rates decrease as incidents age beyond 3–5 years, though DUIs remain surchargeable for up to 10 years with some carriers
  • Number of incidents—multiple violations or accidents within 3 years push drivers into non-standard carrier markets with fewer discounts
  • Location within Delaware—Wilmington and Newark see higher rates due to accident frequency and theft rates compared to rural Sussex County
  • Vehicle type and age—older vehicles with liability-only coverage cost less than financed newer models requiring full coverage
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If your license is suspended

Occupational License (§2733); separate IID conditional license for DUI

application fee $10.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 in Delaware after a DUI?

Delaware requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of conviction for DUI or DWI offenses. The requirement runs continuously—any lapse in coverage restarts the entire 3-year period and triggers immediate license suspension. You cannot reduce the filing period, but maintaining continuous coverage and avoiding new violations ensures you complete it on schedule.

Coverage Types

SR-22 Insurance

Certificate filed by your insurer proving continuous coverage to the Delaware DMV. Required after DUI, license suspension, or uninsured accidents for 3 years without lapse.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Non-standard policies designed for drivers with DUI, multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or coverage lapses. Offered by specialized carriers when standard insurers decline coverage.

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Delaware requires 25/50/10 minimums, but high-risk drivers benefit from higher limits to protect assets in tort lawsuits.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Delaware mandates 15/30 UM/UIM minimums, but you can purchase higher limits or reject coverage in writing.

Collision Coverage

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident, regardless of who's responsible. Required by lenders but optional if you own your car outright.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle—theft, vandalism, weather, falling objects, or animal strikes. Typically paired with collision in full coverage policies.

Find Your City in Delaware

Wilmington

urban

Dover

suburban

Newark

suburban

Middletown

suburban

Smyrna

suburban