Charleston Car Insurance

Monthly Average Rates by Country, State, and City

Car insurance rates vary from driver to driver and are based on many factors that include driving history, claims history and where you live. Each city in West Virginia has different rates, and below, you can compare average rates with the national average. According to our data, drivers who live in Charleston typically pay around $119.35 per month compared to the national average of $146.47 per month. The best way to get a low rate is by comparison shopping. SmartFinancial can do that for you at no cost while pairing you with a reputable insurance company so you have no surprises if you have an accident.

Charleston, WV Best Car Insurance Companies

Certain insurers will offer you better rates than others based on a myriad of factors, so you may get a better deal from one insurer over another for various reasons, and that’s why it’s important to compare. According to our data, State Farm generally has the most affordable car insurance in Charleston coming in around $84.91 per month. Other companies to consider if you live in Charleston is Nationwide ThreeSixZero with an average cost of $86.50 per month and Erie which typically runs around $99.95 per month. Check out the full list below. SmartFinancial rates the following insurers as the best insurance companies for drivers in Charleston.

How Much is Car Insurance in Charleston, WV?

Rates can vary from city to city. The residents of Beckley typically pay $129.98 per month while people who live in Bradshaw will pay $78.66 per month on average. See what people pay for car insurance in other cities in West Virginia.

Cheap Car Insurance in Charleston by Zip Codes

Every zip code rates differently with every insurer. Your zip code determines the crime rate in your area as well as other risks. Below, you can see how average rates range across the state of West Virginia. If you live in an area that is rated high in crime, you can make sure to garage your car in a safe place. That ought to save you some money. Covered and gated structures are best. Make sure to tell your insurance agent about the precautions you’re taking.

Car Insurance Rates by Driver's Age Group in Charleston

Generally speaking, you pay more in car insurance the younger you are and the older you are. Teens and young adults often pay around $240.88 per month in Charleston. Compare that to drivers in their 30’s who typically pay around $103.50 per month drivers in their 40s at $111.14 per month. It’s always a good idea to check for discounts that apply at any age. Some discounts include away-at-school discount, safe driver discount, mature driver discount, good student discount as well as multi-policy and bundling discounts.

Cheapest Insurance for Teenage Drivers in Charleston

If you are teen in Charleston you are probably looking for a good deal on car insurance. Since teenage drivers typically pay the highest rates of any other age group, it’s important to compare multiple companies. According to our research, State Farm typically charges around $145.18 per month. This is likely the most affordable option in Charleston. You might also want to consider Erie and Nationwide who also offer good affordable policies for teen drivers.

Cheapest Insurance for 20 Year-olds in Charleston

20 year-olds in Charleston might want to consider State Farm who, on average, offers car insurance rates around $118.83 per month. Erie , Nationwide , Encompass and SAFECO are also in the top 5 cheapest rates available.

Cheapest Insurance for 30 Year-olds in Charleston

If you are in your 30s in Charleston our research has found that State Farm typically has the most affordable coverage coming in around $82.26 per month, followed by Nationwide ThreeSixZero at $86.50 and Erie at $97.18.

Cheapest Insurance for 40 Year-olds in Charleston

On average, State Farm offers car insurance for 40 year-olds in Charleston for around $78.03 per month. If you are looking for affordable coverage, you may also want to consider Erie or SAFECO. The full list of top companies is below.

Cheapest Insurance for 50 Year-olds in Charleston

Oftentimes 50 year-olds enjoy some of the lowest rates of any other age group. In Charleston we found that State Farm generally offers the most affordable coverage at $71.41 per month.

Cheapest Insurance for 60 Year-olds in Charleston

If you live in Charleston and you’re in your 60s, our data indicates that Clearcover usually has the best rates at $59.77 per month. The top 5 list of car insurance companies is below.

Driver's Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in Charleston, WV

Typically, drivers who currently have car insurance coverage will receive a cheaper monthly quote than drivers who do not. Since car insurance is a requirement in all 50 states, companies may question why you don't currently have coverage. Because of this, they may see you as a higher risk driver. In Charleston, the average monthly rate for a driver who is currently insured is $117.61 while drivers who are not currently covered will pay around $121.85.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Charleston

Your vehicle plays a big part in how you rate for car insurance. The more your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate. To lower your monthly premiums, you can set a higher deductible, but you’ll need to pay that deductible if you have an accident. Generally speaking, the newer a car is, the more it’s worth, and you may pay more in premiums, but the latest safety features will earn you a discount. The overall safety ratings of a car are also considered when determining your rate. In Charleston a driver of a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country can expect to pay around $149.43 per month while someone that owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata may pay around $187.84 per month. Check out the list of recent quotes in Charleston below.

FAQ's for Drivers in Charleston, WV

What Is the Minimum Liability Coverage Requirement in Charleston, WV?

Every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. West Virginia drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

• $25,000; Bodily injury coverage per person; Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person
• $50,000; Bodily injury coverage per accident; Coverage for multiple people injured in a single accident
• $25,000; Property damage per accident; Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Automobile insurance policies in West Virginia must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage; $25,000 in property damage liability coverage; $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage; and $25,000 in uninsured motorist property damage coverage.

At a minimum, West Virginia drivers must purchase bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, along with uninsured motorist coverage. These protect you if you cause an accident with another driver or if you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash with an uninsured driver.

What Is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in Charleston, WV?

It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle in West Virginia at the following BAC percentages:

• .08%+ at 21 years old or older
• .04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
• .02%+ at under 21 years old

West Virginia considers BAC levels of 0.15% to be aggravated DUI. This conviction carries harsher penalties than driving with a lower BAC.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

DUI laws in West Virginia have undergone changes in recent years and will continue to do so. Currently, the law states that drivers with a BAC of 0.08% to 0.149% face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of $100 to $500. Jail time is not mandatory and is up to the sentencing court. Additionally, an administrative license suspension will be in effect for 90 days and until the mandatory DUI classes and reinstatement fees have been taken care of.

Aggravated DUI (0.15% or greater) carries a minimum sentence of 48 hours and up to 6 months in jail, plus a fine of $200 to $1,000. License suspension is for 45 days with mandatory participation in the state’s ignition interlock program. Being under 21, a conviction of a second or subsequent DUI charge, and injuring or killing someone while driving under the influence will result in greater penalties.