Delaware SR22 Insurance Quotes & SR22 Information
In Delaware there are numerous offenses that might require you to carry an SR22 insurance policy for the minimum period of 3-years. A conviction of just one of these offenses may require the driver to carry an SR22 policy, while a combination of smaller offenses, like speeding, reckless driving and no insurance coverage, might also require a person to obtain SR22 coverage.
The following provides information, on which crimes result in a license revocation/cancellation or suspension, a general license reinstatement procedure for many of these offenses, as the specifics of these license reinstatement procedures vary depending on the crime committed, and which convictions may require the driver to obtain SR22 insurance.
What violations will result in a mandatory license revocation in Delaware?
This is by no means a complete list and just reflects what the Delaware DMV has published as violations that will result in a license revocation. There may be other offenses that might result in a license revocation/cancellation or a suspension, upon which you may be required to carry an SR22 Insurance policy for the minimum period of 3-years:
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Hit-and-run driving involving death or injury to another person
• Attempting to flee from a police officer after having received a visual or audible signal to stop your vehicle
• Three convictions for reckless driving in a period of twelve consecutive months
• Contributing to the death of anyone by operating a vehicle
• The crime of assault in which a death occurs from operating a vehicle
• Using a motor vehicle in committing any serious crime
• Making a false statement or using fraudulent information
• 21 years of age and under possession/consumption of alcohol
• Any drug offense which results in a conviction (Source: Delaware DMV)
Important: If after you post bond for any of the above offenses and you fail to appear in court, your license could be revoked for the same period of time as if you had been convicted of that crime.
Important: The Division (DMV) will suspend or revoke/cancel the license of any Delaware resident that has been convicted of a violation in another state, for which if that crime was committed in Delaware would be grounds for suspension or revocation/cancellation of their license. A person's driving record includes all convictions, even those committed in other states. (Delaware DMV)
How many convictions in Delaware can I have before I am considered a habitual offender?
To be considered a habitual offender in Delaware, a driver must be convicted of a combination of 3 of the following offenses, but not limited to the offenses listed below, in a 5-year period:
- Manslaughter
- Use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a license
- Driving during suspension or revocation
- Reckless driving
- Failing to stop at the scene of an accident
- Failing to identify yourself at the scene of an accident
- Making a false statement to the Division of Motor Vehicles
- Violation of an occupational license
- Failing to stop on the command of a police officer. (Source: Delaware DMV)
Important: According to the Delaware DMV no work or hardship licenses will be issued to a driver who has been convicted of being a habitual offender. Also if a driver has any lesser convictions, such as speeding, that when combined with the above offenses result in 10 convictions in a 3-year period, that driver may be convicted as a habitual offender.
What do I have to do to get my license reinstated?
The State of Delaware requires a fee of $25 to reinstate a suspended license and a fee of $143.75 to reinstate a revoked or cancelled license. There may be other requirements such as having to carry SR22 insurance, or being required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. Additionally a driver may be required to complete a written, driving (road), and eye test before having their license reinstated.
If you have additional questions about license suspension reinstatement requirements please call 302-744-2509
Additional questions about license revocation requirements please call 302-744-2508
For questions regarding serious medical conditions please call 302-744-2507
How long do I have to schedule an administrative hearing?
In Delaware you have 15 days to schedule an administrative hearing or your license may be lost for 3-months or more.
If you were arrested for a DUI offense you may request an administrative hearing online.
Here is a complete list of the DMV offices in the state of Delaware including addresses and phone numbers.
What happens at a Delaware Administrative Hearing?
An administrative hearing will be held to determine if the police officer had enough probable cause to suspect/believe that the driver was driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both; and that the quality of evidence exists that the driver was under the influence. Such as a chemical test of .08% or greater, or conclusive evidence that the driver was under the influence of drugs, and also if the driver refused a chemical test, even after being informed of the consequences of refusing a test.
At an administrative hearing you will have the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses in your favor to rebut the evidence being presented against you. If you are bringing witnesses to this hearing with you, they will have to be subpoenaed prior to arriving at the administrative hearing in order to testify on your behalf. An experienced attorney in your area can provide valuable information on the proceedings, as well as informing you of your rights at these hearings.
If the administrative hearing is ruled against you, your driver’s license may be revoked for a period of 3-months to 18-months for a DUI offense with a BAC of .08% or greater and 1-year to 2-years for a chemical test refusal.
Why would I have to request an administrative hearing?
If at the time during the police stop your driver’s license was taken (confiscated) and a 15-day temporary license was issued to you by the officer; the driver has 15 days to request an administrative hearing. This request can be done online, in writing by mail or fax, or in person at a Delaware DMV office.
An administrative hearing is your chance to challenge the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. If you fail to request an administrative hearing within 15 days of the issuance of the temporary license, the suspension or revocation of your driver's license will stand and you will not be granted an administrative hearing after this time period.
What is an SR22 insurance policy?
An SR22 insurance policy, also called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility or high-risk insurance, is a document filed by an insurance company that may be submitted by them or by the driver, to the Delaware DMV. Basically it states that the driver is financially responsible for the minimum liability requirements set forth by the State of Delaware and will be continuously covered for a specified period without any lapse in coverage.
What are the minimum liability insurance requirements in Delaware?
- $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident.
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident.
- $10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
Some forms that are acceptable when showing proof of insurance are:
- A Delaware insurance identification card
- A current (valid) insurance policy
- A written binder, which is a written agreement enforceable in court, from the issuing insurance company on the insurance company's letterhead
Important: The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles randomly audits for proof of insurance on active registrations. The penalty for being uninsured is $100 for 1-30 days and an additional $5 per day until insurance is obtained, tags are surrendered, or the registration expires. In addition, suspensions are imposed on the registration and on the driver's license of all owners who fail to respond to the request. Once suspended, reinstatement fees are $25.00 for driver's license and $50.00 per registration. (Delaware DMV)
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Delaware?
Upon conviction of driving without insurance you will have to pay $1,500 - $2,000 for a first time offense and $3,000 – $4,000 for each subsequent offense that occur within 3 years of a previous offense.
Your driving privileges (license) may also be suspended for 6 months.
If you provide false proof of insurance, you may be subject to an additional fine of $500 and/or 30 days in jail and a driver’s license suspension of 6 months.
Additionally if you were required to carry an SR22 Insurance policy you may be subject to additional fines and be required to carry an SR22 policy for longer periods and/or be required to start the period over from the beginning.
What is Delaware’s Alcohol Program?
If the DMV is requiring you to complete a state approved DUI program as a condition of reinstating your driver's license, please follow the link and contact an Alcohol Program Provider in your jurisdiction (area) for more information.
What is Delaware’s Aggressive Driver Program?
Delaware has in place an aggressive driver program or Behavioral Modification/Attitudinal-Driving Course, to assist those that have been convicted of aggressive driving. Aggressive driving offenders are required to start and complete this program within 90 days or face a suspension of their driving privileges. It is a minimum 8-hour course and upon completion the offender is required to present the DMV with a copy of the proof of compliance certificate.
For more information please call 302-744-2509
What is Delaware Ignition Interlock Program?
Currently Delaware has 2 programs available for an IID (Ignition Interlock Devices:
First Offense Election-Ignition Interlock Device (FOE-IID) Diversion
A valid Delaware licensed driver, upon arraignment (call) in court, as a first time offender of DUI may apply for enrollment in the FOE-IID program, which will constitute a waiver of their right to a speedy trial. You will be required to remain on the first offense election program for a period of 5-months from the date of issuance. Once you successfully complete the program, the IID will be removed from your vehicle and you will be required to pay a license reinstatement fee of $143.75 to the DMV to have your license reinstated.
Voluntary Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program
The Voluntary IID program was designed for any person who has refused a chemical test or has been convicted of a 2nd or subsequent DUI charge and may have the right to voluntarily enroll in Delaware’s Ignition Interlock Device Program. You will also be required to show proof of financial responsibility in the form of an SR22 insurance policy before being admitted into either program.
Additional Delaware Resources:
Licensing fees
Office Locations Driver Services Laws of Delaware Online Services Vehicle Services
Register of Regulations Transportation Services
Forms and Manuals Teen Drivers
DMV Programs
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