Delaware Motorcycle Insurance Requirements | 25/50/10 Plus PIP

Quick Answer: Delaware Motorcycle Insurance Minimums

Delaware requires every registered motorcycle to carry the same security as a car, under 21 Del. C. § 2118:

The liability minimum is written as 25/50/10.

• PIP applies to motorcycles. A motorcycle owner may elect to exclude only two kinds of injury: those that happen while not on a highway, and those where no other vehicle was involved by actual collision or contact.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is included in every policy unless the named insured rejects it in writing.
• Helmets must be worn by riders up to age 19 and by newly endorsed riders for two years. Every other rider must carry one, and every rider must wear eye protection.

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What Delaware Law Requires for Motorcycle Riders

Section 2118 of Title 21 applies to every "owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State", and motorcycles are included. The owner must:

1. Carry 25/50/10 liability coverage, plus PIP, for as long as the motorcycle is registered
2. Carry proof of insurance while riding and present it on request
3. Maintain continuous coverage. Operating without the required insurance is an offence under § 2118 (see penalties below).

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Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Motorcycles Are Not Excluded

Delaware requires PIP on every registered motor vehicle. PIP pays medical expenses and lost earnings after a crash regardless of fault, with minimum limits of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Delaware is not a "no-fault" state in the sense of restricting lawsuits: injured people can still sue the at-fault driver. PIP is a first-party benefit on top of that right.

For motorcycles, the statute gives the owner a choice rather than an exemption. Under § 2118(a)(2)(f), the owner "may elect to exclude" PIP coverage for:

• injury to anyone riding the motorcycle while not on a highway; and
• injury in any case where no other vehicle was involved by actual collision or contact.

So a Delaware motorcycle policy includes PIP. If the owner makes that election, PIP will not pay for single-vehicle crashes or off-road riding. Ask your insurer whether the exclusion has been applied to your policy. If it has, Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, where offered, can fill part of that gap.

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Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Under 18 Del. C. § 3902, every Delaware motor vehicle policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless the named insured rejects it in writing on a form from the insurer. If it is included, the limits cannot be lower than the state liability minimums.

UM/UIM protects you when you are hit by a driver with no insurance, a hit-and-run driver, or a driver whose liability limits are too low to cover your losses.

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Delaware Helmet and Eye Protection Rules

Delaware does not have a universal helmet law. Under 21 Del. C. § 4185(b):

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Understanding Delaware's 25/50/10 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability — $25,000/$50,000

Pays for injuries you cause to others when you are at fault, up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. It does not cover your own injuries.

Property Damage Liability — $10,000

Pays for damage you cause to other people's property, up to $10,000. Delaware's $10,000 property damage minimum is low compared with the cost of many vehicles, so a serious at-fault crash can leave you paying the difference yourself.

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Riding Across State Lines

Delaware is bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and many riders cross state lines regularly. Minimum liability limits in each state:

Most auto and motorcycle policies adjust to meet another state's minimum liability requirement while you are riding there. Confirm this with your insurer if you ride out of state often.

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Penalties for Riding Without Insurance in Delaware

Under 21 Del. C. § 2118(s)(1):

The court may suspend the minimum fine if the defendant obtains the required insurance between the charge and sentencing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is motorcycle insurance required in Delaware?

Yes. Every registered motorcycle must carry 25/50/10 liability coverage plus $15,000/$30,000 PIP under 21 Del. C. § 2118.

Do motorcycles need PIP in Delaware?

Yes. PIP applies to motorcycles. The owner may elect to exclude injuries that happen off the highway and injuries where no other vehicle made contact. Motorcycles are not otherwise exempt.

Does Delaware require helmets for motorcycle riders?

Only for some riders. Riders up to age 19, and newly endorsed riders (endorsed on or after July 30, 2023) and their passengers for two years, must wear a helmet. Everyone else must carry one. All riders must wear eye protection.

Does Delaware require uninsured motorist coverage?

It is included in every policy unless the named insured rejects it in writing, under 18 Del. C. § 3902.

What is the fine for riding without insurance in Delaware?

$1,500–$2,000 for a first offense and $3,000–$4,000 for a repeat within three years, plus a 6-month license suspension in each case.

Is Delaware's $10,000 property damage limit enough?

It is the legal minimum, but it is low compared with the cost of many vehicles. Damage above your limit is your personal responsibility.

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Key Takeaways

• Delaware requires 25/50/10 liability plus $15,000/$30,000 PIP on every registered motorcycle
• PIP applies to motorcycles. The owner may exclude only off-highway and no-contact injuries
• UM/UIM is included unless you reject it in writing (18 Del. C. § 3902)
• No universal helmet law. Helmets are required up to age 19 and for newly endorsed riders for two years; everyone else must carry one; eye protection is required for all
• Riding uninsured: a $1,500–$2,000 fine and a 6-month suspension for a first offense

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Delaware motorcycle insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and the Delaware Department of Insurance, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: April 2026

Sources: 21 Del. C. § 2118 (security requirement, PIP, penalties); 18 Del. C. § 3902 (uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage); 21 Del. C. § 4185 (helmet and eye protection); Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles; Delaware Department of Insurance