Key Takeaways
- Delaware requires passing a combined Property & Casualty exam with 70% or higher to obtain a P&C license
- The Delaware P&C exam consists of 150 total questions: 110 national questions and 40 Delaware state-specific questions
- Exam time limit is 3 hours (180 minutes) for the combined P&C exam
- The exam costs $49 and is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers or online
- Delaware has NO pre-licensing education requirements for P&C insurance
- Background check with fingerprinting is required before licensure
Delaware Property & Casualty Insurance Exam 2026
Welcome to your FREE Delaware Property & Casualty (P&C) Insurance exam preparation guide. This comprehensive study resource covers Delaware-specific insurance laws, regulations, and requirements you need to pass your state licensing exam.
Note: This guide covers Delaware state-specific content. You should also study national Property & Casualty insurance concepts, as approximately 73% of the exam tests general insurance knowledge.
Why Get Licensed in Delaware?
Delaware is a unique insurance market with distinct opportunities:
- Insurance Haven: Delaware is home to thousands of insurance companies due to favorable incorporation laws
- Strategic Location: Mid-Atlantic location provides access to major markets (Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC)
- Coastal Risks: Atlantic Ocean exposure creates unique property insurance opportunities
- No Pre-License Education: Lower barrier to entry compared to many states
- Growing Market: Wilmington and coastal communities driving insurance demand
- Business-Friendly: Delaware's business environment attracts diverse insurance operations
What This Guide Covers
This FREE study guide includes:
✓ Delaware Insurance Law & Regulations - Delaware Department of Insurance, Commissioner authority, producer licensing ✓ Property Insurance - Homeowners, dwelling, commercial property, coastal/hurricane/flood risks ✓ Auto & Casualty Insurance - Delaware's 25/50/10 liability requirements, UM/UIM coverage ✓ Delaware-Specific Topics - Coastal insurance issues, state regulations, consumer protections ✓ Practice Questions - Quiz questions in each chapter to test your knowledge
Exam Format & Requirements
Exam Structure
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Combined Property & Casualty |
| Total Questions | 150 (all scored) |
| National Questions | 110 (73% of exam) |
| Delaware State Questions | 40 (27% of exam) |
| Time Limit | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct answers out of 150) |
| Question Format | Multiple choice with 4 answer options |
| Testing Provider | Pearson VUE (in-person or online) |
Exam Costs
- P&C Exam Fee: $49 (Pearson VUE)
- Fingerprinting/Background Check: $60 (required before licensing)
- License Application Fee: $165
- Biennial Renewal Fee: $165 (every 2 years)
Pre-License Education
Delaware has NO mandatory pre-license education requirement for Property & Casualty insurance. However, most successful candidates spend 40-60 hours studying exam content and taking practice tests.
Exam Tip: While Delaware doesn't require pre-license courses, the exam is comprehensive. Plan to study both national P&C concepts AND Delaware-specific laws thoroughly.
Exam Content Areas
National Content (73% of exam - 110 questions)
The national portion covers general P&C insurance principles:
-
General Insurance Principles (15-20%)
- Risk and insurance fundamentals
- Policy structure and provisions
- Insurable interest and indemnity
- Insurance companies and operations
-
Property Insurance (25-30%)
- Homeowners policies (HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, HO-6, HO-8)
- Dwelling policies (DP-1, DP-2, DP-3)
- Commercial property (BPP, BOP)
- Inland marine and personal articles
-
Casualty Insurance (25-30%)
- Auto insurance coverage types
- General liability insurance
- Commercial liability policies
- Workers' compensation basics
-
Other Insurance Lines (20-25%)
- Professional liability
- Commercial lines overview
- Bonds and surety
- Risk management
Delaware State Content (27% of exam - 40 questions)
The Delaware-specific portion covers:
-
Delaware Insurance Regulations (30-35% of state portion)
- Delaware Department of Insurance authority
- Producer licensing requirements
- Continuing education (24 CE hours/2 years with 3 in ethics)
- Commissioner appointment and powers
-
Delaware-Specific Insurance Laws (25-30% of state portion)
- Delaware Insurance Code (Title 18)
- Unfair trade practices
- Producer responsibilities
- Consumer protection laws
-
Delaware Auto Insurance Requirements (20-25% of state portion)
- Minimum liability: 25/50/10
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) provisions
- SR-22 requirements
-
Delaware Property & Casualty Provisions (15-20% of state portion)
- Delaware Insurance Guaranty Association
- Policy cancellation and non-renewal rules
- Coastal property insurance considerations
- State-mandated disclosures
How to Use This Study Guide
Recommended Study Plan
Week 1-2: General Insurance & Property
- Study general insurance principles and property insurance
- Focus on policy types, coverage, and exclusions
- Complete all practice questions
- Review key takeaways and summaries
Week 3-4: Casualty & Auto Insurance
- Study casualty insurance and auto coverage
- Master liability concepts and workers' compensation
- Complete all practice questions
- Understand claims processes
Week 5-6: Delaware-Specific Laws
- Study Delaware Department of Insurance
- Master Delaware insurance laws and regulations
- Review Delaware auto insurance requirements (25/50/10 + UM/UIM)
- Complete all Delaware-focused practice questions
Week 7: Review & Practice Tests
- Review all key takeaways and summaries
- Retake all practice questions
- Focus on weak areas
- Take full-length practice exams
Study Tips for Success
1. Master Delaware-Specific Content
- 40 questions (27% of exam) test Delaware law
- Know Delaware minimum auto limits: 25/50/10
- Understand UM/UIM requirements (mandatory coverage)
- Memorize continuing education: 24 hours every 2 years, 3 in ethics
2. Focus on Policy Details
- Know what each policy covers and excludes
- Understand coverage limits and deductibles
- Study policy forms (HO-3, DP-3, etc.)
- Review endorsements and additional coverages
3. Use Active Recall
- Don't just read—test yourself frequently
- Complete all quiz questions multiple times
- Explain concepts out loud
- Create flashcards for key terms
4. Understand Concepts, Not Just Memorize
- The exam tests application of knowledge
- Scenario-based questions require understanding
- Focus on "why" not just "what"
- Connect related concepts
5. Time Management
- 3 hours for 150 questions = 72 seconds per question
- Don't spend too long on any single question
- Mark difficult questions and return later
- Leave time to review answers
Delaware Department of Insurance
Agency Overview
The Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) regulates the insurance industry in Delaware under Title 18 of the Delaware Code. The Department protects consumers while ensuring a healthy insurance marketplace.
Insurance Commissioner
The Delaware Insurance Commissioner is:
- Appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation
- Serves at the pleasure of the Governor (no fixed term)
- Chief regulator of Delaware's insurance industry
- Authorized to adopt regulations, examine companies, and discipline licensees
- Supported by the Delaware DOI staff
Commissioner Powers
| Power | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Issue, suspend, and revoke producer and company licenses |
| Examination | Examine insurance companies and producers |
| Rulemaking | Adopt regulations implementing Delaware insurance law |
| Enforcement | Investigate and prosecute violations of insurance law |
| Consumer Protection | Handle complaints and protect policyholders |
| Financial Oversight | Monitor insurer solvency and financial condition |
Delaware Licensing Overview
Producer License Requirements
To obtain a Delaware P&C producer license, you must:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old
- Residency: Be a Delaware resident OR licensed in your home state (non-resident license)
- Exam: Pass the P&C exam with 70% or higher
- Background Check: Complete state and federal criminal history reports dated within 90 days
- Application: Submit license application through NIPR or Delaware DOI
- Fees: Pay licensing fees ($165 initial license fee)
No Pre-Licensing Education
Delaware does NOT require pre-licensing education courses for P&C insurance. However, you must:
- Study insurance principles and Delaware law independently
- Prepare thoroughly for the comprehensive exam
- Consider optional exam prep courses (recommended but not required)
Continuing Education Requirements
Once licensed, Delaware producers must complete:
- 24 hours of approved CE every 2 years (biennial requirement)
- 3 hours must be in ethics
- 21 hours of general or specialized content
- Special requirements: 2 hours in flood insurance for homeowners/personal lines producers
License Renewal
- Delaware licenses renew biennially (every 2 years)
- Renewal deadline: February 28 of even-numbered years
- Must complete 24 CE hours (including 3 ethics) before renewal
- Renewal fee: $165
Exam Registration Process
Step 1: Create Pearson VUE Account
- Visit Pearson VUE website
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Delaware Property & Casualty" exam
Step 2: Schedule Your Exam
- Choose testing format:
- In-Person: At Pearson VUE testing center
- Online Proctored: Take exam from home with webcam monitoring
- Select date and time
- Pay $49 exam fee
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
For exam day, bring:
- Primary ID: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Secondary ID: Additional ID with signature (if required)
- Confirmation: Exam confirmation email
Step 4: Take the Exam
- Arrive 30 minutes early (in-person) or start on time (online)
- No study materials, calculators, or electronics allowed
- Use provided scratch paper and basic calculator
- 180 minutes to complete 150 questions
Step 5: Receive Results
- Results provided immediately after completing exam
- Pass (70%+) or Fail notification
- Score report with performance by content area
- Passing score valid for 12 months for licensing application
Step 6: Apply for License (if you pass)
- Complete criminal background check (state and FBI reports within 90 days)
- Submit license application through NIPR or Delaware DOI
- Pay $165 license fee
- Await approval (typically 2-4 weeks)
- Receive Delaware P&C producer license
Delaware Insurance Market Overview
Market Characteristics
Delaware's P&C insurance market is influenced by several factors:
Geographic Factors:
- Coastal Exposure: Atlantic Ocean shoreline creates hurricane and flood risks
- Population Centers: Wilmington (largest city), Dover (capital), coastal resort towns
- Commuter Market: Many residents commute to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or DC
- Beach Communities: Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach drive seasonal property risks
Economic Factors:
- Insurance Domicile: Thousands of insurance companies incorporated in Delaware
- Financial Services: Strong banking and financial services sector
- Small State: Only Rhode Island is smaller—concentrated market
- Tourism: Significant coastal tourism impacts seasonal property exposures
Climate Factors:
- Hurricane Risk: Atlantic coastal exposure to tropical storms and hurricanes
- Flood Risk: Coastal flooding and inland flooding from heavy rain
- Nor'easters: Winter storms bringing wind and coastal flooding
- Moderate Climate: Four-season climate with relatively mild winters
Key Insurance Issues in Delaware
-
Coastal Property Insurance
- Hurricane and windstorm damage
- Flood insurance (National Flood Insurance Program)
- Beach erosion and storm surge
- High property values in coastal areas
-
Auto Insurance
- Minimum liability: 25/50/10
- Mandatory UM/UIM coverage
- High traffic volume on I-95 corridor
- Commuter patterns affecting coverage needs
-
Workers' Compensation
- Mandatory for most employers
- Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau rate filings
- Focus on workplace safety and loss control
-
Commercial Insurance
- Financial services and insurance company risks
- Tourism and hospitality industry exposures
- Small business market (Delaware is business-friendly)
Study Resources
Official Resources
Delaware Department of Insurance
- Website: insurance.delaware.gov
- Phone: (302) 674-7300
- Address: 1351 W. North Street, Suite 101, Dover, DE 19904
Pearson VUE Delaware Insurance
- Website: home.pearsonvue.com/de/insurance
- Phone: (800) 274-8399
- Exam registration and scheduling
National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR)
- Website: nipr.com
- License application portal
- Multi-state licensing information
Study Materials
This FREE Study Guide
- Comprehensive Delaware P&C content
- Delaware-specific laws and regulations
- Practice questions with explanations
- Key takeaways and summaries
Recommended Additional Study:
- National P&C insurance textbooks
- Delaware Insurance Code (Title 18)
- Pearson VUE exam content outline
- Practice exams (multiple sources recommended)
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Get good sleep the night before (7-8 hours)
- Eat breakfast for sustained energy and focus
- Arrive early (30 minutes for in-person, log in early for online)
- Review key facts but don't cram new information
- Stay calm and confident in your preparation
During the Exam
- Read carefully: Every word matters in insurance questions
- Eliminate wrong answers: Narrow down to 2 choices, then select best
- Watch for qualifiers: "always," "never," "must," "may" change meaning
- Manage time: 72 seconds per question average—don't linger
- Mark and return: Flag difficult questions, answer easier ones first
- Trust your preparation: Your first instinct is usually correct
After the Exam
- Review results: Note content areas where you performed weakly
- If you pass: Celebrate! Then complete licensing requirements
- If you don't pass: You can retake after waiting period (check Pearson VUE)
- Learn from the attempt: Focus study on weak areas for retake
Your Path to Success
This FREE comprehensive study guide gives you everything you need to pass the Delaware P&C insurance exam. Study thoroughly, complete all practice questions, focus on Delaware-specific content, and trust your preparation.
Remember:
- Master Delaware auto minimums: 25/50/10 + UM/UIM
- Know continuing education: 24 hours/2 years, 3 in ethics
- Understand Delaware coastal property risks
- Study both national AND Delaware-specific content
- Practice with quiz questions throughout this guide
Good luck on your Delaware Property & Casualty insurance exam!
What is the minimum passing score for the Delaware Property & Casualty insurance exam?
How many questions on the Delaware P&C exam test Delaware state-specific content?
What is the pre-licensing education requirement for Delaware Property & Casualty insurance?