The best cheap car insurance in Delaware

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Car insurance isn't cheap in Delaware — in fact, it has the eighth-highest cost of car insurance in the US, with the average driver spending $1,221 per year for coverage according to the Insurance Information Institute. 

There are a lot of factors that can go into what you'll pay for auto insurance. Your age, gender, zip code, and even the type of car you drive can all influence your premium greatly, and each company will consider these factors differently.

That said, even in a state where insurance can be pricey like Delaware, there's still a lot to be saved by shopping around and seeing what different lenders have to offer. Here are a few companies that are the best for starting your search, depending on your credit level. 

The most popular car insurance companies in Delaware 

The following are the most popular car insurance companies in Delaware, based on the percentage of insured Delaware drivers who use them:

*USAA is only for active military, veterans, and their families.

Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence

The best car insurance in Delaware based on customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction with car insurance providers may factor into your decision. According to J.D. Power, a consumer research company that surveys customers, these are the top car insurance companies in the Southeast region (which includes Delaware):

1. Farm Bureau Insurance TN
2. Erie Insurance
3. Alfa Insurance
4. GEICO
5. Auto-Owners Insurance
6. North Carolina Farm Bureau
7. Kentucky Farm Bureau
8. Region Average
9. Progressive
10. Allstate 
11. Safeco
12. State Farm
13. Farmers
14. National General
15. Nationwide
16. Travelers
17. Liberty Mutual
18. MetLife

The best cheap car insurance in Delaware based on credit score

Consumer Reports obtained pricing formulas for each state from insurance companies all over the US. It then estimated the average premium for a single adult driver in Delaware based on the formulas, and found that a few companies offer the best cheap car insurance. 

Drivers with excellent credit scores, FICO score 800-850, will see some of the best premiums on their auto insurance. Here are the prices Consumer Reports found these companies would charge the average single driver with a high credit score: 

• USAA car insurance: $684 per year
• State Farm car insurance: $1,287 per year
• Progressive car insurance: $1,416 per year

For drivers in Delaware with good credit, FICO score 670-739, USAA and Progressive tend to offer the lowest premiums. 

• USAA car insurance: $900 per year
• Progressive car insurance: $1,754 per year
• State Farm car insurance: $1,877 per year

Delaware drivers with poor credit, FICO score 300-579, will pay the most for car insurance. 

• GEICO car insurance: $2,088 per year
• USAA car insurance: $2,565 per year
• Nationwide car insurance: $2,851 per year

The best car insurance for drivers with a clean record

For a driver in Delaware age 25 or older with no accidents and one vehicle, the following companies provide the best average rates:

*USAA is only for active military, veterans, and their families.

Above data obtained from Savvy, based on 330 policyholders in the state of Delaware 

Best car insurance for one or more accidents on record

For a driver in Delaware age 25 or older, with one or more accidents and one vehicle, the following companies provide the best average rates:

Above data obtained from Savvy, based on 330 policyholders in the state of Delaware 

Delaware car insurance rates by city

Below is the estimated average annual premium of auto insurance policies per household in Delaware's most populous cities:

Data from S&P Global Market Intelligence

Who gets the best cheap car insurance in Delaware?

When it comes to who gets the best prices on their premium, there are a few factors that can influence your price, including your credit score. But, each insurance company will consider these things and price your policy differently. 

And that's why it's so important to shop around when looking for car insurance. When shopping for car insurance, you'll want to get several quotes from different companies, and compare them to see which companies will offer you the most coverage for your money. 

Don't get hung up on the premium, either — also consider the amount of coverage that's included, and the deductible, or the amount you'll pay out of pocket if you get into an accident. Generally, the lower the premium, the higher the deductible, so make sure that you'll have enough cash on hand. 

The companies listed above are a good place to start your shopping, and checking your credit score can be helpful too. When it comes to getting the best cheap car insurance in Delaware, there's nothing more important than shopping around.

Ronda Lee is an associate editor for insurance at Personal Finance Insider covering life, auto, homeowners, and renters insurance for consumers. She is also a licensed attorney who practiced litigation and insurance defense.