1. Auto Insurance
Overview & Requirements
Delaware law mandates minimum coverage for all registered vehicles, as per 21 Del. C. statute. For those unable to find coverage in the voluntary market, the Delaware Automobile Insurance Plan (DAIP) provides a safety net. Delaware Insurance Department
The state recognizes six main vehicle insurance types:
- Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
- Motorcycle
- Non‑Standard Risk Automobile
- Recreational Vehicle (RV)
- Standard Risk Automobile
- Travel Trailer Delaware Insurance Department
Cost & Community Insights
Premiums in Delaware are notably high. For example, residents report six-month premiums nearing $1,000, a substantial increase from ~$800 just a few years prior. Reasons cited include rising car values, inflation, mandatory PIP coverage, and traffic congestion.
For shopping around:
“Just recently shopped around and
found Progressive to be significantly lower than others.”
“I second progressive—they were significantly cheaper than Geico…”
Resources
The Delaware Department of Insurance provides a straightforward guide to auto insurance, lists of licensed carriers, and tools to verify a company's financial stability.
2. Health & Medical Insurance
Group vs. Individual Plans
Delaware offers a robust selection of health plans:
Group/Employer Plans:
- ACA-compliant major medical (covers pre-existing conditions, maternity, preventive services)
- Non-ACA group plans (may exclude pre-existing conditions)
- Group disability, dental, vision, and miscellaneous © supplemental offerings Delaware Insurance Department
Individual Plans:
- ACA-compliant individual plans
- Non-ACA individual plans (with limitations)
- Individual disability, dental, vision, and miscellaneous supplemental coverage Delaware Insurance Department
Marketplace Options
Delawareans access plans via HealthCare.gov. In recent years, consumer options have expanded:
- 2024 offerings: four insurers (Highmark BCBS, Aetna CVS Health, AmeriHealth Caritas, Celtic/Ambetter) offering 55 plans across bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and catastrophic tiers. Dental coverage comes from Delta Dental and Dominion Dental. State of Delaware News
- 2023 offerings: similar metal-tier structure and essential benefits coverage. Delaware Health and Social Services
Mandatory Benefits
All ACA-compliant plans must include ten core benefits (e.g., hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health). Delaware further mandates extras like hearing aids, reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy, diabetes care, and clinical trial coverage
Delaware Automobile Insurance Plan (DAIP) USA Health & Medical Insurance
Public Programs & Assistance
- Medicaid & CHIP: Multiple programs such as Medicaid (DMMA) and the Healthy Children Program serve low-income individuals and families. That Health Insurance Guy
- Short-Term Health Insurance: Available for temporary needs, although they typically exclude pre-existing conditions and don't meet ACA standards. That Health Insurance Guy
- Other options: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) through the Delaware Medicare Assistance Bureau (DMAB) Delaware Insurance Department
3. Life Insurance & Related Products
Delaware offers standard life and annuity products:
- Life Insurance: Includes term and permanent (whole, universal life), often with death benefits triggered upon death, terminal illness, or critical illness.
- Annuities: Serve as retirement income vehicles. Delaware Insurance Department+1
The Department publishes a helpful Life Insurance Guide, breaking down key types and how they fit your needs. Delaware Insurance Department
4. Property Insurance (Home, Renters, FAIR Plan)
Coverage Types
Delaware's property insurance offerings include:
- Homeowners (standard, high-risk, beach properties)
- Rental property (landlord)
- Renters
- Mobile/manufactured homes
- Condominiums
- Flat roof homes
- Older homes
- Boats Delaware Insurance Department
Special Options
- If standard homeowners or commercial property insurance isn’t available, the Delaware FAIR Plan serves as a last-resort option. Surplus lines insurance provides alternate placement for higher-risk properties. Delaware Insurance Department
5. Long-Term Care & Medicare Supplement Plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Provides coverage for services related to chronic needs, cognitive disorders, or disabling conditions. Shopper’s guides are available via the Insurance Commissioner’s Office.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Offers alternatives for those seeking to augment Medicare benefits.
6. Other Categories & Specialty Insurance
The state also addresses:
- Miscellaneous Health Plans: Accident-only, specified disease, critical illness coverages
- Credit Insurance: Includes credit life or credit accident/health insurance Delaware Insurance Department
- Pet Insurance: Mentioned as available through private sources, though not regulated by the state government.[Note: specifics are limited in official literature, but are acknowledged by third-party consumer sources.]
Summary Table
Category |
Key Coverage & Highlights |
Auto Insurance |
6 vehicle types; mandatory minimums and DAIP; high premiums common; shopping matters |
Health Insurance |
Group/individual ACA and non-ACA plans; marketplace metals; Medicaid/CHIP/short-term |
Life Insurance & Annuities |
Term, whole, universal—aided by state guides |
Property Insurance |
Homeowners, renters, mobile, boat; FAIR Plan for high-risk properties |
Long-Term Care & Medicare Supplement |
Coverage for chronic care needs; Medigap assistance available |
Specialty Coverage |
Includes accident, critical illness, credit, and pet insurance |
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