Homeowners in Delaware may encounter regional risks such as dam breaks, storms, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes and other hazards, according to the Delaware Geological Survey. Each of these hazards has the potential to cause damage to your dwelling. If you own a home in Delaware, homeowners insurance may be a necessary form of financial protection if you experience a covered loss.
To help you find the best home insurance company in Delaware for your needs, Reviews analyzed dozens of insurance companies writing policies in the state. We researched each company’s performance in the following categories: J.D. Power customer satisfaction score, AM Best financial strength score, available coverage options, available discounts and average annual premiums. Based on these criteria, we found Allstate, Nationwide, Travelers, and State Farm to be among the best home insurance providers in Delaware. These companies may appeal to specific types of homeowners, as well.
The 4 Best Home Insurance Companies in Delaware
- Allstate: Best for Non-standard Coverage Types
- Nationwide: Best for Budget-Conscious Policyholders
- State Farm: Best Digital Experience
- Travelers: Best for Eco-Friendly Homeowners
Compare the Best Home Insurance Companies in Delaware
To help you find and compare the best home insurance companies in Delaware, we gathered data from Bankrate.com on providers for average premiums, AM Best financial strength rating, J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating, coverage offerings, and discount options. Based on this objective process, here’s a look at how our picks for the best home insurance companies in Delaware compare.
| Average Annual Premium for $250K in Dwelling Coverage* | AM Best AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score** | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Allstate | $838 | A+ (Superior) | 829/1,000 | |
| Pin Nationwide | $485 | A+ (Superior) | 812/1,000 | |
| Pin State Farm | $739 | A++ (Superior) | 835/1,000 | |
| Pin Travelers | $917 | A+ (Superior) | 800/1,000 |
Information accurate as of 2/22/2022
*Premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Home Insurance Study rating. Based on a 1,000-point scale.
Allstate
Best for Non-standard Coverage Types
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Non-standard coverage options available
- Informative website and digital tools
- Above-average customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power
Cons
- More than average complaints filed with the NAIC
- Not the most competitive rates compared to other top companies in this review
Other policies offered
- Business insurance
- Consumer household insurance (motorcycle, boat, renters, condominium)
- Auto dealers insurance
Standout Discounts Available
- Early signing discount
- Home buyer discount
- Hail-resistant roof discount
Nationwide
Best for Budget-Conscious Policyholders
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Lowest average annual rates among reviewed companies
- Certain coverage options target high-value homes
- Superior AM Best financial strength ratings
- Several available discounts
Cons
- Ranks below average in the J.D. Power 2021 Homeowners Insurance customer satisfaction study
- Higher than average NAIC complaint index rate
Other Policies Offered
- Auto insurance
- Motorcycle insurance
- Pet insurance
- Farm insurance
- Life insurance
- Commercial insurance
Standout Discounts Available
- Gated community
- Smart home
- Home renovation credit
State Farm
Best Digital Experience
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- High average AM Best financial strength rating
- Abundant digital tools and web resources
- 19,000+ agents nationally
Cons
- Fewer discounts than other top companies reviewed
Other policies offered
- Auto
- Condo
- Renters
- Small business
- Life
- Medicare supplement
- Hospital income
- Pet
Standout Discounts Available
- Multiple line discount
- Home security discount
- Impact-resistant roof discount
Travelers
Best for Eco-Friendly Homeowners
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Green home discount
- Various types of environmental insurance product lines
- Near-nationwide availability
Cons
- Highest average premium on our list
- Company does not offer life insurance
Other Policies Offered
- Environmental liability insurance
- Inland marine insurance
- Ocean marine insurance
- Small business owner’s insurance
- Workers compensation
- Cyber insurance
- Umbrella insurance
Standout Discounts Available
- Green home discount
- Home buyer discounts
Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Delaware
The average cost of home insurance in Delaware is $680 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, much cheaper than the national average of $1,312 per year for the same coverage. By this metric, Nationwide’s average annual premiums for this amount of dwelling coverage is the only rate more affordable than the average for the state. Here’s how the companies stack up compared to the Delaware average cost of homeowners insurance.
Top 2 Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies in Delaware
| Company | Average Annual Premium* |
| Nationwide | $485 |
| State Farm | $739 |
*Data from Bankrate.com for $250,000 in dwelling coverage
Top 2 Most Expensive Homeowners Insurance Companies in Delaware
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium |
| Allstate | $838 |
| Travelers | $917 |
*Data from Bankrate.com for $250,000 in dwelling coverage
Key Things to Know About Homeowners Insurance in Delaware
When choosing the right Delaware home insurance provider for you, it may be helpful to consider what coverage you may need to be financially protected from local hazards or risks. From there, consider researching each company’s available coverage options to make sure the carriers you are considering offer what you need.
Home Insurance Coverage Options
In addition to standard coverage options, Delaware homeowners may want to consider additional coverage options that could help protect your finances against regional hazards. In Delaware, common risks include:
- Dam breaks and storms: These weather events can cause flooding and/or sewer backup. Typically, standard home policies include coverage for some types of water damage; However, sewer backup coverage typically has to be purchased as a rider or endorsement. Flood insurance has to be purchased as a separate policy altogether, either through a government program or a private insurance company.
- Droughts: Droughts can make an area susceptible to wildfires. You may want to check with your insurer to see if your policy includes wildfire coverage or consider increasing coverage limits for greater financial protection if you are in an area at higher risk of fires.
- Earthquakes: Standard home insurance policies typically do not cover losses from earthquakes, so you may have to purchase a separate earthquake endorsement or rider. Depending on your home’s specific ZIP code, your insurance agent may recommend this coverage.
- Sinkholes: Sinkhole coverage is often not included under a standard home insurance policy, so you may have to purchase a separate policy for this hazard. If you live in a high-risk area for sinkholes, you may want to consider purchasing this type of coverage.
Endorsements or additional policies like the ones mentioned above are added on top of your existing standard home policy and may affect the total cost of your premium, for the added financial protection they provide. Most standard home insurance policies provide coverage up to certain limits for your dwelling, personal property, outbuildings and liability. Speaking with a licensed agent is the best way to figure out what type of coverage and which limits provide the right balance of financial protection compared to your budgetary considerations.
Homeowners Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
We evaluated the companies based on their customer rating and experience, financial stability, and coverage to determine the best providers. To compare home insurance companies in Delaware across the board, we considered the following:
- Customer Ratings: Customer ratings are an indication of satisfaction with the process of filing a claim. We measured this using J.D. Power Homeowners Satisfaction ratings.
- Coverage: As there isn’t one company to fit everyone’s needs, we evaluated companies by the amount of coverage options and add-ons available.
- Confidence: It is extremely important for insurance companies to fulfill customers’ claims. Companies with sound financial strength show a history of successfully paying out claims. We measured this using AM Best’s ratings, which specializes in assessing the financial strength of insurance companies.
- Customer Experience: The amount of complaints a company receives is an indicator of the overall customer experience as it expresses dissatisfaction. We have based this measure on the NAIC National Complaint Index.
Rates are based on quoted annual premiums from Bankrate.com. These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
The coverage limits for home insurance rates reflect the following coverage and limits:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $250,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $25,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $125,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $50,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $300,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).
About the Authors
Lizzie Nealon is an insurance writer from Charleston, South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in Spanish and English from Clemson University. Her articles on auto, home and life insurance have been featured in Bankrate and Reviews.com. In her freetime, you can find her cheering on the Tigers or partially completing New Yorker crosswords.
