Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia, has roots dating back to the late 1700s. Though it’s the most populous city in the Mountain State, Charleston has a population of only about 47,000.^[1] Drivers in Charleston pay $150 per month for car insurance, on average. That’s slightly higher than the state’s average cost of car insurance of $133.

The cost of car insurance in West Virginia is a little less than the overall national average of $139 per month. In less populated areas, drivers typically face a decreased risk of traffic accidents and property damage because fewer drivers are on the road. This may decrease the overall cost of car insurance for drivers in the area.

Here’s what you should know about finding cheap car insurance coverage in Charleston, West Virginia.

Quick Facts

Charleston drivers pay $83 per month for liability-only coverage and $218 for full coverage, on average.
West Virginia is an at-fault state, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for the damage and injury they cause in an accident.^[2]
Car insurance companies in West Virginia can consider your credit history when determining premiums.^[3]

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Best car insurance companies in Charleston

Insurance companies take many factors into account when determining your premiums, including your age, ZIP code, vehicle type, and driving record.

Every company takes a slightly different approach to calculating premiums and assessing the risk you pose, which means you may get significantly different quotes across companies. Shopping around can help you lock in the best coverage for your situation.

Find more information below about three of the top insurance companies in Charleston that consistently offer low average rates and quality coverage.

Best insurer for cheap rates: State Farm

Cheap RatesState Farm

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IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.4
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	842
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$37/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$61/mo

Overview

State Farm offers some of the cheapest rates for Charleston drivers looking for affordable car insurance policies. Policyholders can save more money from one or more of the company’s 10 advertised discounts. The company earned an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best.

Pros and cons

Pros

Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Offers rideshare insurance

Cons

Gap insurance not available
Accident forgiveness not available

Reviews

Friendly; knowledgeable; cares for customer needs

Phyllis - February 1, 2023

Verified

Premiums jump every six months

Kenneth - January 31, 2023

Verified

They are great; prompt, polite, very educated

Angela - January 31, 2023

Verified

Read our State Farm review

Best insurer for veterans: USAA

VeteransUSAA

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IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.3
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	880
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$45/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$73/mo

Overview

USAA provides affordable rates for Charleston drivers. The company only works with and sells coverage to active and reserve military members, veterans, and qualified family members. USAA tailors coverage to benefit military members, with discounts for storing your car during deployment or simply garaging your car on a military base. The company earned an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best.

Pros and cons

Pros

SafePilot program rewards safe drivers with a discount of up to 30%
Variety of discounts

Cons

Coverage only available for active and former military members and their families
No 24/7 customer service

Reviews

Overall poor service, took a safe driving discount away because I wasn’t driving enough.

Kenneth - September 9, 2023

Verified

They Serve The Veteran.

Jack - September 7, 2023

Verified

Raised rates nearly 43%.

Jan - June 19, 2023

Verified

Read our USAA review

Best insurer for families: Erie

FamiliesErie Insurance

Compare personalized, real-time quotes

IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.4
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	870
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$45/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$74/mo

Overview

Erie has affordable average car insurance rates for Charleston drivers. Families can benefit from a number of savings opportunities, including the company’s Rate Lock feature and youthful driver, college student, and multi-policy discounts. The company boasts an A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best.

Pros and cons

Pros

Offers other insurance products, like life insurance, renters insurance, and home insurance
Top J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region

Cons

Limited online services for customers
No usage-based insurance policies

Reviews

Over the years, they have always gone over and above what I would have expected. They are fair and prompt in customer service issues. They have always tailored my policy to meet my needs at a very fair price.

linda - August 9, 2023

Verified

My agent was always there for me.

Dinah - December 4, 2022

Verified

They treat me well.

Jordan - October 25, 2022

Verified

Read our Erie Insurance review

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Charleston

Liability car insurance covers any property damage and bodily injury you cause the other driver during an accident. This type of insurance won’t cover your own vehicle repair costs or medical expenses. Liability-only car insurance is generally the cheapest coverage option. But the lack of protection for your vehicle repairs could lead to an expensive bill after an accident.^[4]

Here are some of the cheapest car insurance options for liability coverage in Charleston.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
State Farm	37
Erie	45
USAA	45
GEICO	68
Liberty Mutual	73
State Auto	76
Progressive	80
Allstate	95
Direct Auto	99
Dairyland	100
Clearcover	103
Midvale Home & Auto	103
Foremost	112
CSAA	129

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Charleston

Full-coverage car insurance provides more financial protection than a liability-only policy. On top of liability coverage, a full-coverage auto insurance policy includes collision and comprehensive coverage. After an incident, this type of policy can help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle.

Most auto lenders require drivers with an auto loan or lease to carry this coverage, but it’s a good idea for any driver who wants to avoid out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.

Explore some of the cheapest insurance options below.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
State Farm	61
USAA	73
Erie	74
Nationwide	87
GEICO	112
Progressive	132
Liberty Mutual	150
Allstate	155
Clearcover	165
State Auto	168
Midvale Home & Auto	177
Direct Auto	210
CSAA	229
Dairyland	266
Foremost	271

Estimate your Charleston car insurance costs

State

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

*Estimate based on a market average of rates provided to other users like you.

Select discounts that apply to you

I’m a good driver

Save 35%

I’m a homeowner

Save 5%

I’m married

Save 23%

I have multiple cars

Save 38%

Car insurance requirements in West Virginia

It’s illegal to drive on public roads in West Virginia without a minimum amount of liability insurance. In addition to property damage and bodily injury liability insurance, you also need to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. And, per West Virginia law, insurance companies must also give you the option to purchase underinsured motorist coverage.^[5]

Take a look at the state’s minimum insurance requirements below:

Coverage	Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability	$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability	$25,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury liability	$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage liability	$25,000 per accident

Many drivers decide to purchase more than the minimum insurance requirements. Here’s a look at some of the optional coverages you can consider:

Comprehensive coverage

If a non-collision incident — like a fallen tree, theft, or severe weather — damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage can help you repair or replace your car.

Collision coverage

After an auto accident, collision coverage will kick in to cover your repair or replacement costs. This coverage even applies if you caused the accident.

Roadside assistance coverage

Specifics vary by insurer, but roadside assistance coverage typically includes towing, jump-starts, tire replacement, gas delivery, and other services.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Making a mistake on the road can have a lasting effect on the cost of your car insurance premiums. In general, drivers with an incident on their record — like a speeding ticket, driving under the influence charge, or at-fault accident — pay more for car insurance than people with a clean driving record.^[6]

Charleston drivers with an incident pay $217 per month for car insurance, on average. How much your premium increases after an incident will depend on the severity of the offense and whether you have prior infractions on your record.

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

You typically need to pay an up-front fine for a speeding ticket. Receiving a speeding ticket is a red flag for insurance companies, so some insurers may charge you higher insurance premiums.

On average, drivers in Charleston with a speeding ticket pay $232 per month for car insurance. Find some of the cheapest options for drivers in this category below.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	94	57
USAA	113	70
Erie	114	70
GEICO	173	105
Progressive	204	124
Liberty Mutual	232	113
Allstate	240	147
Clearcover	255	159
State Auto	260	117
Midvale Home & Auto	274	159
Direct Auto	325	153
CSAA	354	199
Dairyland	411	155
Foremost	419	173

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

Many insurers view a past at-fault accident on record as an indicator of future claims. With this higher risk indicator, drivers with an at-fault accident tend to pay more for car insurance. Each month, drivers in Charleston with a past at-fault accident pay $236 for car insurance.

Find the cheapest average monthly quotes offered by insurers in Charleston below.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	96	58
USAA	115	71
Erie	117	71
GEICO	176	107
Progressive	208	126
Liberty Mutual	236	115
Allstate	244	150
Clearcover	260	162
State Auto	265	120
Midvale Home & Auto	279	162
Direct Auto	331	156
CSAA	361	203
Dairyland	419	158
Foremost	427	176

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

One of the most serious moving violations, a DUI comes with financial consequences. Drivers with a DUI pay significantly higher rates for car insurance than drivers with less serious incidents in their past. In Charleston, drivers with a past DUI pay $266 per month for car insurance.

Here’s a breakdown of average quotes for drivers with a DUI in Charleston.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	108	66
USAA	130	80
Erie	131	80
GEICO	199	121
Progressive	234	142
Liberty Mutual	266	130
Allstate	275	169
Clearcover	293	183
State Auto	298	135
Midvale Home & Auto	314	183
Direct Auto	373	176
CSAA	407	229
Dairyland	472	178
Foremost	481	199

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Most auto insurance companies consider your age when determining your premiums. Most drivers pay lower rates starting between the ages of 25 and 35, and the downward trend in rates can continue for decades. But around the age of 75, senior drivers might face increased car insurance rates because auto insurers account for aging-related risk factors.

Senior drivers in Charleston pay $99 per month for car insurance, on average. Take a look at the average car insurance quotes for older drivers in Charleston below.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	30	18
USAA	35	22
Erie	36	22
GEICO	54	33
Progressive	64	39
Liberty Mutual	73	35
Allstate	75	46
Clearcover	80	50
State Auto	81	37
Midvale Home & Auto	86	50
Direct Auto	102	48
CSAA	111	62
Dairyland	129	48
Foremost	131	54

Cheapest car insurance for teens

Teen drivers lack experience behind the wheel, so they typically pay the highest insurance rates by driver age. Although it’s impossible to change your age, you don’t have to overpay for car insurance.

Young drivers can save on car insurance costs by getting good grades, driving a safe vehicle, increasing their deductible, and looking for discounts. Also, shopping around can help you find the best deal for your needs.^[7]

Teenagers in Charleston pay $304 per month for car insurance. Explore the cheapest average quotes for young adults below:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	123	75
USAA	148	91
Erie	150	91
GEICO	227	138
Progressive	267	162
Liberty Mutual	304	148
Allstate	314	192
Clearcover	334	208
State Auto	340	154
Midvale Home & Auto	358	208
Direct Auto	425	200
CSAA	464	261
Dairyland	538	202
Foremost	549	227

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Charleston

Car insurance is an unavoidable expense for many households. The good news is that you can find ways to save money on your necessary auto coverage.

Here are some different ways to help you save:

Shop around. Different companies offer varying car insurance rates. Shopping around is the best way to lock in the lowest rate for your unique situation.
Look for a discount. Many insurance companies provide a variety of discounts for customers. Take a minute to see if you qualify for any.
Increase your deductible. Setting a higher deductible often leads to lower auto insurance premiums. If you have the money on hand to cover a higher deductible, consider this option.

Shop for Car Insurance in Charleston, WV

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Charleston car insurance quotes by credit tier

Insurance companies in West Virginia can consider your credit score when determining premiums. In general, insurers offer lower rates to drivers with excellent or good credit scores. Drivers with poor credit scores tend to pay more for car insurance.

Here are the average rates for full-coverage car insurance by credit tier:

Rates by Credit Tier

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Is car insurance more expensive in Charleston?

Drivers in Charleston pay an average monthly premium of $150, which is slightly higher than the state average of $133.

Coverage in Charleston is more affordable than some other popular cities in the Mountain State. For example, drivers in Huntington pay an average of $230 per month for full-coverage insurance, while Charleston drivers pay $218.

Car insurance is generally cheaper in less populated cities like Charleston due to lower accident rates and traffic density. Drivers in the city have a relatively low average commute time of about 18 minutes, which could also contribute to lower rates.

More cities in West Virginia

If you live elsewhere in West Virginia, you’ll likely find different car insurance premiums. Charleston drivers typically pay a bit less for coverage than drivers in other West Virginia cities. See how average quotes compare below.

City	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
Huntington	$230	$95
Martinsburg	$205	$76
Morgantown	$170	$79

Charleston car insurance FAQs

Before you start comparing quotes from top insurers, you should determine how much coverage you need. The following information should answer any remaining questions and help you navigate the process of buying cheap auto insurance in Charleston.

How much is car insurance in Charleston, West Virginia?
Charleston drivers pay $218 per month for full-coverage insurance and $83 for liability coverage. The overall cost of car insurance in the state is $150 per month. How much you pay for coverage depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and more.
What are the best car insurance companies in Charleston?
State Farm is the best car insurance company in Charleston. It earned an above-average customer satisfaction rating from J.D. Power and has an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.4 out of 5. Other top insurers include Erie and USAA.
How much is car insurance in West Virginia per month?
The overall cost of car insurance in West Virginia is $133 per month. On average, drivers in the state pay $75 per month for liability coverage and $190 for full-coverage insurance.
What car insurance do you need in West Virginia?
West Virginia drivers must carry the following amounts of minimum coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage liability: $25,000 per accident

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage

Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:

Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

More cities in West Virginia

Popular cities

Sources

United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Charleston city, West Virginia." Accessed September 7, 2023
NOLO. "West Virginia Car Insurance Requirements." Accessed September 7, 2023
State of West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "Insurance Scoring for Personal Lines." Accessed September 7, 2023
Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage." Accessed September 7, 2023
West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "Automobile Mandatory Limits." Accessed September 7, 2023
Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed September 7, 2023
Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers." Accessed September 7, 2023

Sarah SharkeyInsurance Writer

Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer who enjoys helping people make savvy financial decisions. She covered insurance and personal finance topics. You can find her work on Business Insider, Money Under 30, Rocket Mortgage, Bankrate, and more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Learn More

Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor

Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor

Licensed auto and home insurance agent
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Read Editorial Guidelines

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Table of contents

Table of contentsCompare quotes

Find Car Insurance in Charleston, West Virginia

Best car insurance companies in Charleston

Best insurer for cheap rates: State Farm

Cheap RatesState Farm

Best insurer for veterans: USAA

VeteransUSAA

Best insurer for families: Erie

FamiliesErie Insurance

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Charleston

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Charleston

Estimate your Charleston car insurance costs

Select discounts that apply to you

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

Select discounts that apply to you

Car insurance requirements in West Virginia

Comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage

Roadside assistance coverage

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Find Car Insurance After an Incident

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Cheapest car insurance for teens

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Charleston

Shop for Car Insurance in Charleston, WV

Charleston car insurance quotes by credit tier

Rates by Credit Tier

Is car insurance more expensive in Charleston?

More cities in West Virginia

Charleston car insurance FAQs

Methodology

Related articles

More cities in West Virginia

Popular cities

Sources

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