Table of contents
How much is car insurance in Charleston?
| Area | Average Monthly Car Insurance Premium |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $80 |
| WV | $83 |
| United States | $80 |
Looking at the chart above, you can see that the average monthly price in Charleston is in line with pricing for the rest of West Virginia.
Drivers relocating from out of state may enjoy some cost savings in Charleston. It's about $0 cheaper than the national average to insure your vehicle in Charleston.
Although these are the average rates for auto insurance in Charleston, that doesn't mean it's exactly what you'll pay. Insurance companies weigh a variety of factors when determining how much to charge you for car insurance. Variables like age, gender, vehicle make and model, driving record, and even credit score (depending on your area) can all be taken into consideration when determining your monthly premium.
But don't worry, we've broken down average rates for Charleston residents so that you can get a more accurate idea of what you might pay. And if you're not sure if you're getting the cheapest rate, simply enter your ZIP below to learn more about rates in your area!
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age
| Age Range | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | $216 |
| 18-24 | $125 |
| 25-34 | $66 |
| 35-44 | $73 |
| 45-54 | $68 |
| 55-64 | $58 |
| 65+ | $52 |
The more time you've spent on the road, the more experience you have. When it comes to auto insurance premiums, that experience pays off. In this case, 18-24-year-olds pay two times as much as someone who is at retirement age.
You can expect to see a decrease in your monthly premium drop about once a decade or so. Having said that, once you approach retirement your rates may start to rise again in Charleston.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Gender
| Gender | Average |
|---|---|
| Male | $74 |
| Female | $88 |
Although women typically pay less than men do for car insurance, this is not the case in Charleston, where female drivers pay around $88 per month while male drivers pay about $74.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Infractions | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 1 Accident | $143 |
| Multiple Accidents | $192 |
| 1 Ticket | $336 |
| Multiple Tickets | Not Enough Data |
Rates can change drastically depending on your driving record. Those with fewer accidents and tickets will pay less than those with multiple infractions, while those with clean driving records will obviously pay the least. Drivers in Charleston with a single accident on their record will usually see rates around $143 a month. In addition, drivers with a single ticket on their record can expect to pay around $336 a month on average.
Accidents, tickets, and other driving infractions can really add up when it comes to how much you pay. In order to reduce your monthly bill and get the cheapest car insurance possible, keep your record clean and drive carefully.
Average Insurance Rates by Vehicle
| Vehicle Age | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | $66 |
| 2-3 Years | $170 |
| 4-5 Years | $79 |
| 6-7 Years | $68 |
| 8-10 Years | $80 |
| 11-14 Years | $67 |
| 15 Years or Older | $87 |
The most affordable vehicles to insure in Charleston are usually trucks and vans, which run about $66 per month.
Meanwhile, Charleston drivers who own a car or SUV can expect to pay about $81 for insurance coverage.
Vehicle age can also affect your monthly bill. Generally, newer vehicles are going to be the most expensive to insure. However, if your car is a few years old, you can expect to see your rates start dropping back down. In Charleston, the most expensive vehicles to insure are vehicles two-to -three years old.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Relationship Status
| Relationship | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Single (never married) | $88 |
| Married | $57 |
| Divorced | $73 |
| Widowed | $56 |
On average, those who have settled down into marriage will pay slightly less to insure their vehicle. This occurs because insurance companies commonly award special discounts to policyholders with multiple vehicles that are on the same policy.
At a national level, single drivers usually pay more than married couples do for auto insurance. Charleston follows that pattern, with the difference totaling to around $31 a month.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Housing Situation
| Housing Status | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Own | $69 |
| Rent | $73 |
Another factor taken into consideration is your living situation. Drivers who own property in Charleston can expect to pay around $4 a month less than those who rent. But those who live at home with their parents can expect to pay significantly more.
Many companies, however, will offer you a discount to bundle your home or rental insurance with your auto insurance policy, which can help reduce your average costs.
Car Insurance Companies in Charleston, WV
Recent trends in car insurance for Charleston drivers
Since average rates are constantly changing, it's a smart move to research the local trends in your area before choosing when and where to shop.
The cost of car insurance in Charleston declined from 2016-2019, before leveling out in 2020. Car insurance rates finished down in 2021, at $54 a month
How does Charleston compare to neighboring areas?
Why are car insurance rates in Charleston different from other areas?
There are a variety of factors car insurance companies take into consideration when deciding how much to charge for coverage. Your insurance policy will depend largely on where you live and will be influenced by things such as:
- Regional laws
- Number of drivers
- Availability of off-street parking
- Crime
- General road safety (how many accidents each locality has)
You'll be hard pressed to change any of these factors yourself, but they're worth considering when thinking about the purchase of a new policy or a move. Different cities and towns will each have different rates, so guides like these are a handy way to learn more.
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Charleston?
Familiarizing yourself with patterns in the average costs of drivers like you will give you a leg up in conversations with insurance companies. Ultimately, the only way to know exactly what your rate will be is by requesting a quote from those car insurance companies.
Fortunately, Compare.com has you covered. Enter your ZIP Code below, answer a few questions, and you'll be comparing the cheapest quotes from loads of the car insurance companies providing policies in Charleston in no time.
Charleston Insurance FAQs
What factors affect car insurance quotes in Charleston?
Auto insurance companies take a wide array of factors into consideration when calculating your monthly payment. These include things like your vehicle's year, make and model, your age and gender, as well as your address, driving record, credit score, and marital status.
Why is the cost of car insurance in Charleston different from other neighboring cities?
Car insurance companies take local factors into consideration when determining how much to charge for coverage. Things like local laws, crime rates, and parking situations -- which can vary from city to city -- can significantly affect your rate.
Which car insurance company will offer me the cheapest rate in Charleston?
No one insurance company is guaranteed to offer the cheapest rate across the board. Since companies base their rates on factors that differ from person to person, such as driving record, number of drivers on the policy, vehicle make and model, and many more, it's a good idea to use sites like Compare.com to compare multiple quotes at once.
Do I need to change my insurance if I move to Charleston?
Any time you experience a major life event, whether it's moving to a new area, getting married, finding a new job, or other notable events, it's always a good idea to re-evaluate your current insurance. Certain companies offer cheaper insurance in certain cities, so even if you were getting the cheapest rate at your old address, it doesn't mean it'll still be the cheapest at your new home. That's why it's always good to use services like Compare.com to compare quotes from dozens of companies side-by-side.
Do I need to wait for my policy to expire to switch to a different car insurance company?
No. Regardless of how much time is left on your current policy, you can switch companies at any time. So, whether you're considering moving to Charleston or just curious if you're getting the best rates, why not take 10 minutes and see if Compare.com can save you some extra cash?