Delaware Hardship License After DUI
Delaware requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteDelaware 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
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Delaware
Delaware operates under a tort-based liability system and does not offer hardship, restricted, or occupational licenses for drivers suspended due to DUI convictions. After a DUI suspension, you must serve the full suspension period before applying for reinstatement. During reinstatement, you must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for 3 years.
SR-22 Insurance
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Delaware
$412–$545/mo
Typical monthly rate in Delaware, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Wilmington zip codes see higher SR-22 rates than Sussex County due to population density, theft rates, and accident frequency.
- BAC level at arrest impacts some carrier underwriting — BAC above 0.15 is classified as aggravated DUI in Delaware and triggers higher surcharges or declination from standard carriers.
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteIf 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
Does Delaware offer hardship licenses for DUI offenders?
No. Delaware does not offer hardship, restricted, occupational, or work licenses for drivers suspended due to DUI convictions. You must serve the full suspension period — typically 12 months for a first offense — before you can apply for reinstatement.
How long is SR-22 required after a DUI in Delaware?
Delaware requires SR-22 filing for 3 years following DUI conviction. The 3-year period begins when you reinstate your license, not when the DUI occurred. If your SR-22 policy lapses at any point during those 3 years, your license is re-suspended and the clock resets.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses in Delaware?
Your insurer notifies the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles electronically within 24 hours of policy cancellation or lapse. The DMV suspends your license immediately — no grace period is provided. Reinstatement requires a new SR-22 filing, reinstatement fee, and in some cases a new suspension period.
Which insurance companies write SR-22 policies after DUI in Delaware?
Non-standard carriers like The General, Acceptance Insurance, Bristol West, and Dairyland actively write SR-22 policies for Delaware DUI offenders. Most standard carriers including State Farm, Allstate, and Nationwide either decline new DUI applicants or offer renewal only at significantly increased rates.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance filing required by Delaware DMV for 3 years after DUI conviction. Your insurer files electronically and notifies DMV immediately if coverage lapses.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to reinstate their Delaware license after DUI suspension.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage from non-standard carriers that specialize in insuring drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions, or multiple violations.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Optional coverage that pays your medical bills and lost wages if you're hit by an uninsured driver in Delaware.