Cheapest Auto Insurance in Charleston, West Virginia (2024)

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 an overall average of $129 per month for car insurance. That’s slightly higher than the state’s average cost of car insurance of $117.

The cost of car insurance in West Virginia is a little less than the overall national average of $158 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.

3 of the cheapest 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

Best insurer for veterans: USAA

Best insurer for families: Erie

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Charleston

Car insurance is an unavoidable expense. 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 collision and comprehensive deductible often leads to lower auto insurance premiums. If you have the money on hand to cover a higher deductible, consider this option.

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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Charleston: State Farm

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.^[2]

The average cost of liability insurance in the city is $86 per month, and here are some of the cheapest car insurance options in Charleston.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Charleston: State Farm

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 at-fault accident.

The average cost of full coverage is $172 per month, but the table below shows the cheapest companies in Charleston to start your search.

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.

Take a look at the state’s minimum insurance requirements below:^[3]

Many drivers decide to purchase more than the minimum insurance requirements, for a greater level of financial protection. 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, vandalism, fire, or severe weather — damages your vehicle, comprehensive coverage can help you repair or replace your car.

• 

  Collision coverage

  After an at-fault accident, collision coverage will kick in to cover your repair or replacement costs. Collision applies whether you hit another vehicle, or a stationary object such as a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

• 

  Roadside assistance coverage

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

• 

  Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

  Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for damage to your vehicle and your medical expenses if a driver without insurance, or with insufficient insurance, causes an accident with your vehicle. It can also pay if you're the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

• 

  Accident forgiveness

  An optional coverage, accident forgiveness can help keep your car insurance rates low if you buy it before causing an accident. The coverage waives the premium increase you'd otherwise see at renewal following an at-fault accident.

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.^[4] Incidents can affect your car insurance costs for three to five years.

Charleston drivers with an incident pay $192 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: State Farm

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 insurers will likely charge you higher premiums, via a surcharge, for several years following a ticket.

Drivers in Charleston with a speeding ticket pay an overall average of $217 per month for car insurance. Find some of the cheapest options for drivers in this category below, and see how liability-only rates compare to those for drivers with a clean record.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm

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 an overall average of $214 for car insurance.

See how liability rates for a clean driving record compare to rates for drivers with an at-fault accident in the table below.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm

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 an overall average of $240 per month for car insurance.

Here’s a breakdown of average liability quotes for drivers with a DUI in Charleston and how they compare to rates for drivers with a clean record.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: State Farm

Most auto insurance companies consider your age when determining your premiums. Drivers typically pay lower starting around 25, and the downward trend in rates can continue for decades.

But around age 70, senior drivers might face increased car insurance rates because of increased accident risks.

Senior drivers in Charleston pay an overall average of $97 per month for car insurance. Take a look at the average car insurance quotes for older drivers in Charleston below.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: State Farm

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.

Teenagers in Charleston pay an overall average of $264 per month 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.^[5]

Explore the cheapest average quotes for young drivers below.

Charleston car insurance quotes by credit tier

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

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

Is car insurance more expensive in Charleston?

Drivers in Charleston pay an average monthly premium of $129, which is slightly higher than the state average of $117.

Coverage in Charleston is more affordable than some other popular cities in the Mountain State. For example, drivers in Huntington pay an average of $172 per month for full-coverage insurance, while Morgantown drivers pay $151.

Car insurance is generally cheaper in less populated cities like Charleston partially due to lower accident rates and traffic density.

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.

Charleston car insurance FAQs