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Delaware Home Insurance: Costs, Coverage and How to Save
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Delaware faces unique flood and storm risks that directly affect home insurance, including tropical cyclones and winter storms. The state’s coastal exposure makes smart coverage choices especially important for homeowners in the First State.
Bundling your home and car insurance is easy with Jerry. It’s free to compare quotes and we’ll help you switch insurers once you’re ready, all online. Plus, our licensed agents are just a call away if you’d rather talk to a real person.
Based on cheapest quotes shown for all Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Bundle home + car and save up to 40%.
What Delaware homeowners pay right now
Home insurance costs in Delaware vary widely based on your home’s age and rebuild cost, your claims history and other factors, like your property’s proximity to the coast and its vulnerability to tropical storms and flooding.
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Jerry can help you find competitive prices and strong coverage, regardless of those factors. Here are some recent examples of real customers who saved by bundling their home insurance with Jerry:
Recent bundling quotes
Based on Jerry customers who found savings in the past 45 days. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Key takeaway: Home insurance rates in Delaware depend on factors like your home’s age, rebuild costs and proximity to the coast, but comparing quotes can help you save.
Mix and match home and car insurance with Jerry
Bundling discounts typically range from 5%-25%, depending on the insurer. But bundling your car insurance with the same home carrier isn’t always the cheapest option overall. Sometimes exploring different carrier combinations can cost less. Over the past year, customers who switched through Jerry saved an average of 40% compared to their previous policy.
Here’s what makes Jerry different: You don’t have to use the same insurer for both.
Jerry’s mix-and-match approach lets you pair the best home insurance rate with the best auto insurance rate, even from different carriers. That way, you’re not stuck overpaying on one policy just to get a bundle discount on the other.
Mix and match with Jerry to build your perfect bundle.
Best home insurance in Delaware
There’s no single “best” home insurance company in Delaware. It depends on your home, your budget and what kind of coverage you need. For example, homeowners in coastal Sussex County near Rehoboth Beach or Bethany Beach may need carriers that offer competitive wind coverage, while those in Wilmington or Dover may focus more on finding the lowest overall premium.
Here is the most popular home insurance company Jerry customers choose:
Based on home insurance quotes for Jerry customers in the last 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.
Delaware homeowners prioritize different things. Some want the lowest premium, many care most about a smooth claims process, and others look for strong digital tools or local agent support. Coastal homeowners may also need carriers that specialize in wind and storm coverage for properties near the shore.
Also check: The best car insurance in Delaware
Jerry recommends: The easiest way to find the right coverage is to compare home insurance quotes in the Jerry app. We find competitive quotes from top carriers in minutes, so you can find the best coverage at the right price.
Factors that affect home insurance costs in Delaware
From hurricane season along the coast to nor’easters in the winter, where you live and what you own in Delaware plays a big role in what you pay. Here are the biggest factors driving home insurance costs in the First State and how to stay protected.
🌀 Coastal storms and hurricanes
Delaware’s Atlantic coastline and low elevation make it highly vulnerable to tropical storms, hurricanes and nor’easters. Coastal communities in Sussex County, including Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island, face the greatest wind and storm surge risk. Many coastal policies include separate wind or hurricane deductibles that can be significantly higher than your standard deductible.
🌊 Flood risk
Delaware is the lowest-lying state in the country, making flooding a serious concern statewide, not just along the coast. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, flooding can happen almost any time due to heavy rain, coastal storm surge and rising sea levels. A separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer is strongly recommended.
⚡ Severe storms and tornadoes
While tornadoes are uncommon in Delaware, severe thunderstorms with damaging wind and hail are a regular occurrence during the spring and summer months. Standard homeowners policies generally cover wind and hail damage, but the frequency of severe storms in your area can affect your premium.
❄️ Winter storms and nor’easters
Nor’easters can bring heavy snow, ice, coastal flooding and high winds to all three of Delaware’s counties. Ice and snow can lead to roof damage, fallen trees and frozen pipes. Insurers factor your property’s exposure to winter storm damage into your rate, especially for coastal and older homes.
🏠 Older homes and historic properties
Delaware’s history dates to the Colonial era, and the state has many older homes in Wilmington, Dover and New Castle. Properties with outdated electrical wiring, plumbing or heating systems can cost more to insure due to a higher risk of fire and water damage. Updating these systems can help lower your premium and open up more carrier options.
Key takeaway: Delaware’s low elevation, coastal storm exposure and older housing stock all factor into your rate. Understanding what drives your premium helps you find the right coverage.
Get bundling quotes in minutes, no calls needed.
Get the right coverage without overpaying
For Delaware homeowners, choosing the right coverage levels can save you money while making sure you’re protected when it counts.
Dwelling coverage is the foundation of your home insurance policy. It pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure if it’s damaged by things like fire, wind, hail, lightning or vandalism.
Your dwelling coverage amount is based on your home’s rebuild cost – not its market value – as calculated by your insurer. In Delaware, where beachfront property values can be much higher than rebuild costs, this distinction matters. Jerry can estimate your replacement cost right in the app, so you’ll know you’re covered for the right amount.
Here’s what Delaware homeowners typically pay based on their home’s rebuild value:
$150-299k
dwelling coverage
Typical for smaller homes, condos or older properties.
$300-499k
dwelling coverage
Covers most mid-range homes.
$500-749k
dwelling coverage
Typical for larger or newer homes.
$750k-1M
dwelling coverage
Common for high-value properties.
Key takeaway: Your dwelling coverage should match your home’s rebuild cost, not its market value. Jerry shows you real-time pricing at every level so you can find the right balance.
Learn more: What does home insurance cover?
4 ways to save on home insurance
Bundling your home policy with the cheapest car insurance in Delaware is one of the most effective ways to lower your premium, but it’s not the only one. Delaware homeowners have several options to reduce costs without cutting coverage. Here are four worth looking into.
Jerry Agent Tip 1: Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Every insurer prices coverage differently, which means the same home can cost less to insure depending on who you’re with. This is especially true in Delaware, where a home in Wilmington and a home near the coast will be priced very differently by every carrier. Comparing quotes side-by-side with Jerry is the fastest way to find a better rate.
Recent quotes
Why it matters: Location matters, and two homeowners in Delaware with similar homes can still pay very different rates. Jerry shows you quotes side-by-side to help you find coverage that fits your home and budget.
Jerry Agent Tip 2: Stack discounts for a cheaper rate
From upgrading your home’s safety features to paying your annual premium upfront, most homeowners qualify for at least a few discounts, and stacking them could add up to serious savings. But insurers don’t always apply all of them, which is why Jerry automatically finds the discounts you qualify for.
Besides bundling, here are some common Delaware home insurance discounts:
💨 Wind mitigation discount
In a coastal state like Delaware, roof upgrades, storm shutters and reinforced connections can earn significant credits on your premium. If you live near the shore, this is one of the most impactful discounts available, with some homeowners saving up to 90% off the wind portion of their premium.
🔒 Security system discount
Installing safety devices like alarms, smart home systems and deadbolts can qualify you for a lower rate. Many carriers offer protective device discounts of up to 15% when you combine security systems like advanced burglar protection and automatic water leak valves.
🔧 Home renovation discount
Updated your electrical, plumbing or heating systems? Some carriers offer discounts when these systems have been replaced within the last 10 to 15 years, since modern systems reduce the risk of fire and water damage. For Delaware’s many Colonial-era and mid-century homes, these upgrades can make a real difference in your premium.
🆕 New home discount
Newer homes are less likely to have costly claims, and insurers reward that. Depending on the carrier, homes built within the last 10 to 15 years may qualify for savings of up to 15% for the first year you’re with an insurance company.
🎓 Claims-free discount
The longer you go without filing a claim, the more you save. Most insurers offer this discount after three or more claims-free years, with some offering savings of up to 20%.
🏡 HOA or gated community discount
If your home is in a homeowners association or gated community, you may qualify for a lower premium. Insurers view these properties as lower risk due to added security and regular maintenance.
💳 Pay-in-full discount
Paying your full annual premium upfront instead of in monthly installments can earn you a discount with many carriers, typically between 5-10%.
⏳ Loyalty discount
Staying with the same insurer year after year can lead to increasing savings. Some carriers start rewarding loyalty after just one year, with discounts growing the longer you stay. But it never hurts to shop around when your policy is up for renewal.
📋 Quote-in-advance discount
Shopping early can pay off. Some insurers offer a discount of up to 15% when you get a quote before your previous policy expires.
🚭 Non-smoker discount
Since smoking increases the risk of house fires, some carriers offer lower rates to non-smoking households.
Key takeaway: Most homeowners qualify for multiple discounts, from bundling and wind mitigation to claims-free credits. But insurers don’t always apply them automatically. Jerry can help you find all discounts you’re eligible for to maximize your savings.
Jerry Agent Tip 3: Pick the right deductible
Your deductible – the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in – has a direct impact on your premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10 to 25%, depending on your location, insurer and home’s replacement cost.
The trade-off is simple: a higher deductible means a lower premium, but more out of pocket if you file a claim. To find the right balance:
- Check what you can afford out of pocket. If a $2,000 expense after a storm would be manageable, a higher deductible could save you hundreds a year. If it would strain your budget, stick with a lower one.
- Consider how often you’d actually file a claim. Most homeowners only file a claim once every 8 to 10 years, so the premium savings can add up long before you ever pay that deductible.
- Watch for separate wind or hurricane deductibles. In coastal Delaware, many policies include a percentage-based wind deductible that applies separately from your standard deductible. Make sure you understand your total out-of-pocket exposure in a major storm.
The Jerry difference: Jerry lets you compare quotes for different deductible amounts to see how it affects your home insurance costs.
Jerry Agent Tip 4: Improve your credit score
In Delaware, insurers can use credit-based insurance scores to help set your premium. Homeowners with good or excellent credit often save hundreds compared to those with fair or poor credit. Improving your credit isn’t an overnight fix, but even gradual improvements could lead to a lower rate at your next renewal.
To boost your credit score, focus on paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances below 30% of your limit and avoiding new credit applications before shopping for insurance. Building your credit score could take some time, but most people see meaningful improvement within 3 to 6 months of consistent on-time payments and lower balances.
If your credit isn’t where you want it to be, don’t worry. Some insurers weigh credit less heavily than others, and Jerry can show you which carriers offer the best rates for your situation.
Key takeaway: The better your credit score, the lower your premium typically will be. But regardless of your credit history, shopping around with Jerry can help you find a competitive rate.
Compare home + car bundles in one place, all online.
FAQ
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💰 How much is homeowners insurance in Delaware?
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🌊 Do I need flood insurance in Delaware?
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🌀 Does home insurance cover hurricane damage in Delaware?
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📊 Does my credit score affect home insurance in Delaware?
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🏠 Is home insurance required in Delaware?
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💨 What is a wind deductible and do I need to worry about it?
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❄️ Does home insurance cover frozen pipe damage in Delaware?
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💡 How can I lower my home insurance in Delaware?
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.