Delaware Car Insurance

If you are a current or future resident of Delaware, take the time to consider the importance of carrying the optimal amount of car insurance. Don't risk your financial future by choosing only the minimum amount of vehicle insurance.

Delaware is the second smallest state in America, yet has a surprisingly dense population of over 850,000 people. Located on the Atlantic coast, Delaware consistently attracts residents and visitors alike due to its numerous water activities as well as its close proximity to Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Minimum requirements

Drivers in Delaware must possess a minimum amount of insurance before they can legally register their vehicles. State law dictates that all Delaware drivers must carry an insurance policy of 15/30/10. The first number in this set represents $15,000 worth of coverage for a single person involved in an accident. The second number represents a maximum of $30,000 for all parties injured in an accident. Finally, the last number represents $10,000 worth of property damage coverage.

While these minimums may cover minor accidents, that certainly do not cover the cost of a major collision. This is why drivers in Delaware choose to raise their financial limits as well as carrying additional coverage. For example, Delaware insurance laws work within the Tort system. After a driver is determined to be legally responsible for an accident, their insurance company pays for the damages incurred after the driver pays their obligated deductible. However, this process can sometimes be a lengthy ordeal. This is exactly why many Delaware drivers choose to carry underinsured/uninsured coverage.

Underinsured/uninsured insurance protects policyholders from fellow drivers who do not carry enough insurance to cover the costs of an accident. For example, if a driver possess $10,000 worth of property damage protection and is found to be at fault in an accident, their insurance company only pays up to $10,000. Unfortunately, damages from a collision can quickly reach and exceed this amount. Of course, due to the Tort system, drivers can take responsible parties to court. However, even if a judge orders a defendant to pay the balance, it can take months or even years to collect the total amount. This is why carrying underinsured/uninsured motorist protection is a wise idea. This form of insurance pays for damages in the event that the responsible party is unable to cover the expenses.

Many drivers in Delaware also choose to carry comprehensive insurance (protection against theft, vandalism, and natural events like fire, wind, and hail), and collision insurance (protection against collision damages and regardless of fault).

Statistics

The state of Delaware reported that in the first five months of 20008, there were only 38 total deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Of that number, ten deaths involved alcohol. A little more than a third of the deaths, 13, involved drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts. Of the 38, eight were pedestrians. These statistics show that even in small state like Delaware drivers need to be as safe as possible, wear their seat belts, and practice defensive driving techniques.

Defensive driving techniques

Using defensive driving techniques not only prevents accidents and motor vehicle related deaths, but also saves drivers from expensive insurance claims, which in turn can raise the cost of the annual premium. Some of the simplest defensive driving techniques include:

Pay attention: This may be the simplest, yet most valuable rule of defensive driving. Driving requires the use of all your senses and assumes you aren't participating in distracting activities like eating, drinking, or talking/texting on the phone. This rule also requires drivers to pay attention to not only the safety signs and signals on the road, but also to pay attention to the other drivers.

Don't trust anyone: Just because a car has a turn signal on, does not mean the driver is actually turning. The same rule applies regarding cars you expect to move over a lane so you can merge.

Let it go: Everyday you drive, you encounter an aggressive driver who puts your life at risk. However, if you act aggressively to another driver even though they put your vehicle or life at risk, you are in turn putting other drivers at risk. Take a deep breath and let it go.

Always be prepared: It is essential that drivers properly maintain their vehicle in order for it to respond in any situation. This includes maintaining proper tires and brakes. Drivers must also be prepared to deal with a vehicle that is hydroplaning or skidding.

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