To file an insurance claim in Delaware, notify your insurer immediately after the loss, document all damage thoroughly, file a police report if required, and track every communication and expense. Delaware law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 10 business days and resolve it within 45 days. If you haven't yet, make sure you've followed our guide on what to do after an accident in Delaware to ensure your claim is protected.
Delaware Claim Timeline Requirements
Under Delaware insurance regulations, your insurer must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 10 business days, and must accept or deny the claim within 45 days of receiving all required documentation. If they fail to meet these deadlines, contact the Delaware Department of Insurance.
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Delaware
Auto claims follow a clear process. Moving through each step promptly and with complete documentation improves your outcome.
- 1
Notify your insurer immediately
Call your insurance company or use their mobile app to report the claim as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Provide your policy number, the date and location of the accident, a description of what happened, and contact information for any other drivers involved.
- 2
Provide documentation
Submit your photos of the scene and damage, the police report number, the other driver's insurance information, witness names, and any medical bills or records if injuries are involved.
- 3
Schedule a vehicle inspection
Your insurer will assign an adjuster who will inspect the vehicle to assess damage and estimate repair costs. You can choose to have your vehicle inspected at an approved shop or have a mobile adjuster come to you.
- 4
Get your vehicle repaired
You have the right to choose your own repair shop in Delaware. The insurer will provide a repair estimate. If your shop finds additional damage during repairs, they should contact your insurer for a supplement before proceeding.
- 5
File a PIP claim for medical expenses
If you have injuries, file a separate PIP claim with your own insurer. Provide medical bills, records, and documentation of any lost wages. PIP pays regardless of fault and does not require waiting for a fault determination.
- 6
Receive payment or settlement
Once the claim is approved, you will receive payment for repairs minus your deductible. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, you will receive the actual cash value of the vehicle minus your deductible.
How to File a Home Insurance Claim in Delaware
Home insurance claims follow a similar process but involve additional steps for property valuation and contractor coordination.
- 1
Secure the property and prevent further damage
Your policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. This may mean tarping a damaged roof, boarding broken windows, or shutting off water to stop an ongoing leak. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
- 2
File a police report if applicable
For theft, vandalism, or break-ins, file a police report before contacting your insurer. Provide the police report number when you file your claim.
- 3
Notify your insurer and open a claim
Contact your insurer to report the loss. Describe what happened, when it occurred, and the scope of the damage. An adjuster will be assigned to your claim.
- 4
Document all damage before cleanup
Photograph and video all damage to structures and personal property before starting any cleanup. Create an inventory list of damaged or destroyed personal property with estimated values and purchase dates if possible.
- 5
Meet with the insurance adjuster
The adjuster will inspect the property to assess the scope and cost of damage. You have the right to have your own contractor or public adjuster present during this inspection. If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, you can get independent contractor estimates and present them to your insurer.
- 6
Track additional living expenses
If your home is uninhabitable during repairs, your loss-of-use coverage pays for temporary housing and increased living costs. Keep all receipts for hotels, meals, laundry, and other expenses. Submit these to your insurer for reimbursement.
What Insurance Adjusters Look For
Understanding how adjusters evaluate claims helps you present yours effectively.
For auto claims
- Whether the damage matches the reported cause
- Pre-existing damage vs. new damage
- Parts availability and repair vs. replace decisions
- Total loss valuation based on comparable vehicle prices
For home claims
- Whether the cause is a covered peril under your policy
- Evidence of pre-existing maintenance issues
- Age and condition of damaged materials
- Scope of structural vs. cosmetic damage
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied in Delaware
Understanding common denial reasons helps you avoid them and prepare a stronger claim.
Policy exclusions: The cause of loss is specifically excluded from your policy (flood under a standard homeowners policy, for example).
Coverage lapse: Your policy was not active at the time of the loss due to non-payment.
Delayed notification: You waited too long to file and the insurer argues the delay prejudiced their ability to investigate.
Material misrepresentation: Information on your application was inaccurate, such as your primary driver or vehicle use.
Lack of documentation: Insufficient evidence of the cause or extent of damage to support the claim amount.
How to Dispute a Denied Claim in Delaware
If your claim is denied or you believe the settlement offer is too low, you have options. Start by requesting a written explanation of the denial and reviewing it against your policy language. Then consider these steps:
- 1
Submit a formal written dispute to your insurer with supporting documentation
- 2
Request an appraisal process if you disagree with a property valuation (most policies have an appraisal clause)
- 3
File a complaint with the Delaware Department of Insurance if you believe the denial is improper
- 4
Consult a public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance disputes for larger or complex claims
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an insurance claim take in Delaware?
Delaware law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 10 business days and resolve them within 45 days of receiving all required information. Simple auto claims are often resolved in 7 to 14 days. Complex or disputed claims can take longer.
Does filing a claim raise my insurance rates?
At-fault auto claims typically raise your rate at renewal. Home insurance claims can also affect your rate, especially if you have multiple claims in a short period. For very minor damage close to your deductible, it may be worth paying out of pocket to preserve your claim-free discount. Ask your agent to run the numbers before filing.
What documents do I need to file an insurance claim?
For an auto claim: policy number, police report, photos of damage, other driver's insurance information, and medical bills if injuries occurred. For a home claim: policy number, police report (if theft or vandalism), photos of all damage, a written inventory of damaged property, contractor estimates, and receipts for any emergency repairs or additional living expenses.
Can I choose my own repair shop in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware law gives you the right to choose your own licensed auto repair shop. Your insurer may have a preferred network of shops, but you are not required to use them. Using a network shop may speed up the process, but the choice is yours.
What is a public adjuster and do I need one?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents policyholders (not insurance companies) in the claims process. They assess damage, prepare claim documentation, and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. They typically charge 10 to 15 percent of the claim settlement. For large or complex home claims, a public adjuster can be worth the cost if the initial settlement offer seems low.
Need Help with Your Delaware Insurance Claim?
A to Z Insurance advocates for our clients through the claims process. If you have questions about coverage, a pending claim, or your renewal after a loss, call us. We serve drivers and homeowners across Wilmington, Dover, Milford, and Georgetown.
Written by the A to Z Insurance team
Published February 19, 2026