Finding the right and cheap auto insurance in Charleston, WV, at the same time can be very challenging. For this purpose, you need to assess the different services of all insurance companies in your area. For getting the best rates, you need to be very selective when choosing any policy.
None of us wants to pay for services that we don’t need at all. Therefore, first of all, you must be familiar with the required and optional insurance policies in your area. Required insurance policies are the legal requirements of the state. Therefore, it’s mandatory to purchase required insurance policies to bring your vehicle on the road.
If your budget allows you, you must get some of the optional car insurance policies. There are many best car insurance companies in Charleston, WV, that offer various insurance plans. So it becomes very difficult for drivers to buy the right and cheap auto insurance in Charleston, WV.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Charleston WV car insurance. After reading this guide, you will be able to get cheap car insurance in Charleston, WV. Let’s get started.
The Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Charleston WV
West Virginia is a state in which you can only run insured vehicles on the road. Therefore, you will have to carry the minimum liability insurance policies for your vehicle in Charleston.
Whatever insurer you choose, you will have to obtain $25K in liability insurance for bodily injury per person as minimum coverage. Similarly, you will have to carry $50K and $25K liability insurance for bodily injury per incident and property damage, respectively.
However, you can purchase some optional policies to reduce the risk of being financially responsible in case of an accident. The rate of optional insurance policies is a deciding factor when choosing an insurance company. There is a huge difference between the rates of optional policies from one insurer to another. Here are some of the cheapest and best auto insurance companies in Charleston, WV:
| Rank | Company | Annual Payment |
| 1 | USAA | $782 |
| 2 | Geico | $869 |
| 3 | Erie | $981 |
| 4 | Plymouth Rock Assurance | $1,175 |
| 5 | Allstate | $1,241 |
| 6 | Travelers | $1,289 |
| 7 | CSAA | $1,365 |
| 8 | The Hartford | $1,473 |
| 9 | Progressive | $1,538 |
| 10 | New Jersey Manufacturers | $1,579 |
| 11 | Plymouth Rock Assurance | $1,684 |
| 12 | Nationwide | $1,782 |
| 13 | Liberty Mutual | $1,895 |
| 14 | Farmers | $2,164 |
The USAA is the cheapest insurance company in Charleston, with a $782 annual cost. Geico and Erie are other cheaper insurers with $869 and $981, respectively. All the above rates are only estimates. You can get the exact quotes based on your specific need and driving record.
Insurers calculate insurance costs based on different factors like age, sex, driving record, etc. Therefore, your rates might vary from the aforementioned rates in the table. It’s best to shop around for your coverage to get the right insurance policy with the best price.
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Charleston WV
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, the highest number of car accidents involving pedestrians in the city. That’s why it’s important to get a significant amount of bodily injury liability coverage. If you only cover the minimum coverage, you may have to pay much more for injured pedestrian’s medical bills than your insurance coverage.
Due to this reason, some people in Charleston get some optional insurance policies for their safety in case of an accident. However, many people still pay for the minimum coverage. The average auto insurance cost is around $158 monthly in Charleston. You might have to pay much more or less than the average cost based on different factors.
For example, if you are an experienced driver, you will have to pay much less than inexperienced drivers. Similarly, insurers consider drivers with bad driving history a liability. As a result, such drivers have to pay much more than the average cost.
Charleston Auto Insurance Requirements
Auto insurance is a legal requirement in Charleston. Therefore, all drivers need to fulfill at least the minimum auto insurance requirements in order to bring the vehicle on the road. Here are two mandatory auto insurance coverage all drivers have to carry in Charleston:
Bodily Injury Coverage
Bodily injury coverage covers all the expenses of medical bills and other treatment expenditures of injured pedestrians, passengers, and other drivers. Most of the time, your minimum coverage would be insufficient to pay for injuries in case of an accident. In such a case, higher insurance limits will be very helpful to protect you in a serious crash.
Here are minimum Charleston WV auto insurance requirements for bodily injury include:
- Insurers will pay $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injuries or the death of passengers in an accident.
- Each injured person will receive $25,000 of bodily injury liability per accident.
Property Damage Coverage
As the name suggests, property damage coverage pays for the damages of the vehicle in an accident. It is also a legal requirement for drivers to carry in Charleston. The minimum requirement for property damage coverage for drivers is $25,000 per accident.
Liability coverage will also pay for liabilities if any of your family members or someone else with your permission is driving your vehicle. Remember that this coverage will only pay for injuries or damages to the other party. It won’t pay for your own injuries or vehicle damage after a car accident.
Therefore, you will have to get some additional coverage like collision coverage for repairing your own vehicle. You will learn different types of additional coverages in the upcoming section.
How To Get Cheap Charleston WV Car Insurance Quotes?
Insurers use multiple factors to calculate the insurance costs for each driver. The factors include driving history, age, experience, marital status, etc. However, driving record is the most important factor for getting cheap car insurance in Charleston, WV.
For getting affordable car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV, follow the points given below:
1. Opt For Less Car Insurance Coverage
Opting for less car insurance coverage will undoubtedly reduce your monthly premiums. However, you must be very careful when going with this option. You might save a little bit amount with this method at the start. But in case of an accident, if you are found guilty, you may have to face overwhelming debt if you have insufficient coverage.
Purchasing liability coverage that exceeds the minimum limit of your state is a good idea. However, you should consult an expert to get the necessary coverages. If you save a few dollars each month using this tip, you will end up with good savings over time.
2. Maintain a Clean Driving Record For Several Consecutive Years
This is the most effective way to get affordable car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV. Maintaining a clean driving record can reduce your annual premiums significantly. Insurers don’t consider a driver with a clean driving record a liability. As a result, good drivers get good offers from insurers.
On the other hand, drivers who have DUI, traffic infractions, and collisions in their driving history are a greater liability for insurers. Such drivers have to pay more for insurance coverage. Follow the tips below to maintain a good driving record…
- Don’t break any traffic law ever.
- Avoid driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Maintain your car properly because a properly maintained car has very rare chances of crashing.
- Try to reduce your time behind the wheel as much as possible. Because it will reduce the chances of car crashing.
3. Increase Your Deductible
The deductible is the amount that you have to pay for covered health care services before insurance starts to pay. The amount of deductible depends on the policy but usually, it ranges from $250 to $1,000. If you increase your deductible, you will have to pay lower annual premiums and vice versa.
You should raise your deductible by consulting the agent to reduce the premiums. Raising the deductible amount may put some money back in your pocket by improving premiums. Increasing the deductible is the best move for those who are reluctant to file smaller claims to avoid the risk of raising the premium.
4. Consider Switching
You must get multiple affordable car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV, from different insurers whenever intending to renew the plan. In this way, you will get different rates because each insurance company may have a different formula to calculate the premium.
Over time, a company that is offering the cheapest rate might increase the annual premium. And, an expensive insurance company may offer the cheapest rate over time. Mostly, insurers suddenly increase the cost after an accident or a DUI conviction. Therefore, get quotes from different companies when renewing your insurance plan. If you notice a sudden rise in the price, switch the insurers.
5. Ask About Discounts
Almost all insurance companies offer good discounts to attract customers. Knowing what the company offers what type of discount is very important for getting cheap auto insurance in Charleston, WV. Here are some important tips for getting awesome discounts from different insurers:
- Try to maintain your driving record as clean as possible. You will get a good discount if you have a clean driving record.
- Insurers offer a good discount to those drivers who spend less time behind the wheel because such drivers are less prone to accidents.
- You can get a good discount if you pay your entire annual or six-month premium at once.
- Insurers offer a good discount for vehicles with good safety and security features.
- Always receive documents online.
- If you are a member of any particular organization, you can get a good discount.
- Ensure your multiple vehicles from the same company with one policy.
- Bundle auto insurance with some other policies like homeowner insurance.
All these ways are incredible ways to get a good discount. By getting a good discount, you can significantly reduce your annual premium. However, you will have to shop around to get good quotes. Try to get a quote from all insurers in your area. Then, compare the rates and go with a company that offers good coverage at a reasonable price.
6. Purchase A Vehicle That is Cheap To Insure
The rate of insurance varies from one vehicle to another. It means you might have to pay more for one vehicle for the same coverage than another one. The year, make, and model of your vehicle are also some important factors to calculate the premium.
For example, if you have a vehicle with plenty of safety and security features. Then, you will have to pay less premium as compared to a vehicle with no such features. Because insurers consider a vehicle with no security features a liability to insure.
You should buy a vehicle with less horsepower because vehicles with less HP are less likely to be involved in speed-related collisions. As a result, insurers charge less for such vehicles.
Charleston WV Car Insurance For Drivers With A Good Record
Insurers always evaluate your driving history to calculate premiums. Your driving history can be a deciding factor for calculating the overall rate. You can significantly reduce the premium by having a good driving record.
For a good driving record, follow all traffic laws and obey the speed limit and road signs. Always wear a seat belt and keep your vehicle well-maintained. Here are some of the best car insurance companies in Charleston, WV, that offers the best rate to drivers with a good driving record:
| Insurance Company | Full Coverage |
| Geico | $1,892 |
| MetLife | $1,975 |
| Progressive | $2,163 |
| Erie | $2,271 |
| The Hartford | $2,385 |
| CSAA | $2,469 |
| State Farm | $2,584 |
| Dairyland | $2,671 |
| Amica Mutual | $2,735 |
| National General | $2,782 |
Geico is the best company for Charleston WV Car insurance that offers the cheapest rates for having good credit. MetLife and Progressive are other best auto insurance companies in Charleston, WV, for drivers with good driving history. All the above rates are only estimates. You can get the exact quotes based on your specific need and budget.
Charleston WV Cheap Car Insurance Quotes For Young Drivers
Young or new drivers don’t have good driving experience. According to different studies, young drivers usually drive very fast too. These things make young drivers very risk-prone on the road. That’s why all insurance companies consider such drivers a liability and charge them more.
Fortunately, here are a few best auto insurance companies in Charleston, WV, that offer good insurance rates for young drivers:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| State Farm | $2,389 |
| Erie | $2,461 |
| The Hartford | $2,572 |
| Progressive | $2,684 |
| Nationwide | $2,753 |
| Travelers | $2,892 |
| Allstate | $2,965 |
| CSAA | $3,174 |
| Encompass | $3,287 |
State Farm and Erie are the best companies for young drivers that offer an annual premium of $2,389 and $2,461, respectively. The prices for drivers in their 20s are sky-high. So they will have to get a lot of quotes to find cheap Charleston WV auto insurance.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage For Young Good Drivers In Charleston WV
Drivers with an excellent driving record, whether they are young or old, have to pay the lowest annual premiums. Instead of paying attention to age, some insurance companies look at the driving record to calculate an annual premium.
For example, Encompass charges only $1,133 annually or $94 monthly to good young drivers for a minimum liability policy. Here are some best auto insurance companies in Charleston, WV, for good young drivers:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Encompass | $1,133 |
| Progressive | $1,189 |
| Nationwide | $1,275 |
| MetLife | $1,382 |
| Travelers | $1,451 |
| CSAA | $1,495 |
| Erie | $1,563 |
| Geico | $1,641 |
| Westfield | $1,679 |
Cheap Car Insurance In Charleston WV After A Speeding Ticket
Speeding tickets in your driving history can significantly increase your insurance rates. Because insurance providers consider the drivers with distracted driving and speeding infractions in driving history. The rates can vary from one insurance provider to another.
It is important to note that if you get only a speeding ticket but you were not involved in an accident. Then, your providers can still increase your premium. Similarly, any traffic violation can have a significant impact on your rates if you don’t cause an accident.
Distracted driving or speeding ticket is a clear indicator that you are a riskier driver. For getting good rates, you don’t have had any traffic violations for the last three years. If you have any tickets in your record, you should shop around to get good rates.
Here are the best auto insurance companies in Charleston, WV, for a speeding ticket:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Nationwide | $1,371 |
| Erie | $1,489 |
| Allstate | $1,564 |
| Geico | $1,635 |
| Travelers | $1,689 |
| Progressive | $1,745 |
| CSAA | $1,792 |
| State Farm | $1,861 |
| Westfield | $1,973 |
Drivers with tickets have to pay almost $300 more than those with no tickets in their driving record. Therefore, you must be very careful even from minor violations on the road to reduce insurance rates.
Cheap Car Insurance In Charleston WV After A Car Accident
A car accident is another important factor that increases the premium by hundred dollars. A single-car accident in your driving history makes you a higher-risk driver.
It is a very tedious job to find a cheap insurance company for those involved in any kind of road accident. Whether you were at fault or not in an accident, insurers consider you a liability. Therefore, you must try your best to keep your record as clean as possible. But what to do if you still involve in an accident?
State Farm and Westfield are the two best insurance companies for those with an accident history. Both insurers offer 27% fewer rates than other companies in the state. Here are some companies where you can get affordable car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV:
| Company | Average Rate |
| State Farm | $2,165 |
| Westfield | $2,271 |
| Erie | $2,345 |
| MetLife | $2,389 |
| Travelers | $2,471 |
| Progressive | $2,563 |
| CSAA | $2,679 |
| Nationwide | $2,736 |
| Encompass | $2,792 |
| Allstate | $2,895 |
Drivers with an at-fault accident in their record have to pay the highest insurance rates. In most cases, insurers cancel the policy of such drivers. Because insurers don’t take risks of such risky drivers, always try to drive carefully for your safety and to reduce the insurance cost as well.
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Charleston WV After A DUI
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a serious traffic violation. Insurers consider such drivers very irresponsible and charge them more. Drivers after a DUI have to pay almost $400 more than those without DUI in their driving history.
Here are some companies that offer cheap rates to drivers after a DUI:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Progressive | $1,895 |
| Allstate | $1,941 |
| Nationwide | $2,165 |
| Geico | $2,237 |
| Travelers | $2,289 |
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $2,371 |
| State Farm | $2,468 |
| Erie | $2,523 |
| MetLife | $2,587 |
The rates mentioned above are just estimates because companies will calculate your premiums based on your situation. Some companies may charge you more than $3,000 after a DUI.
Above all, there is no exact time to expunge the DUI-related stuff from your driving record. It might stay in your record permanently. In such a case, you won’t be eligible for any type of discount. However, you can still get good rates from companies like Progressive and Allstate.
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In Charleston WV For Minimum Coverage
Insurance is a legal requirement to bring your vehicle on the road in Charleston, WV. If you drive a vehicle without minimum insurance coverage, you will be committing a crime. Then, authorities will take legal action against you. As a result, you may have to pay a huge fine.
So you must have to carry minimum coverage to bring your vehicle on the road legally. Here are the best Charleston WV car insurance companies for minimum liability coverage:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Geico | $482 |
| Progressive | $561 |
| Nationwide | $642 |
| Travelers | $689 |
| Erie | $735 |
| The Hartford | $792 |
| USAA | $841 |
| MetLife | $895 |
| State Farm | $971 |
According to the stats above, Geico is offering the cheapest rate for minimum coverage. However, these rates are only estimates. You should shop around to get multiple quotes from different companies to find affordable insurance prices.
Many drivers only pay for the minimum coverage to drive the vehicle on the road legally. However, you can get some additional coverage like comprehensive coverage for your safety.
Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Charleston WV For Drivers With Bad Credit Score
In some states, credit score has no impact on the insurance premium. However, it does have an impact on the premium in Charleston, WV. Drivers with good credit scores have to pay less as compared to those with bad credit scores.
The average cost for drivers with good credit scores is around $1,139. But drivers with bad credit scores have to pay around $1,561 on average. It means you will have to pay almost $455 more with a bad credit score.
Here are some Charleston WV car insurance companies that offer cheap rates for bad credit scores:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Erie | $1,589 |
| Allstate | $1,672 |
| Nationwide | $1,781 |
| MetLife | $1,895 |
| Travelers | $1,973 |
| State Farm | $2,134 |
| USAA | $2,189 |
| Geico | $2,275 |
Car insurance companies in West Virginia consider drivers with bad credit as a poor financial responsibility. As a result, they increase the annual premium to protect themselves. Therefore, you must shop around to find that how bad a credit score can impact your annual premiums. Then, you should take some steps to improve your credit score.
After improving your credit score, you can get cheap car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV. Some companies like Erie and Allstate still offer good rates to drivers with bad credit scores.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Charleston WV For Seniors
According to different studies, teenagers and seniors are more risk-prone to road accidents. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that drivers with age more than 65 were behind the 16.1% of fatal accidents in West Virginia in 2017.
The ratio of accidents increases in seniors due to different reasons like slower reflexes and vision impairment. That’s why all insurance companies increase the insurance premium for seniors. Here are some Charleston WV auto insurance companies that offer good rates to seniors:
| Company | Annual Payment |
| State Farm | $782 |
| Westfield | $869 |
| Encompass | $1,285 |
| MetLife | $1,374 |
| Travelers | $1,461 |
| Progressive | $1,587 |
| Nationwide | $1,672 |
| Erie | $1,751 |
| Geico | $1,796 |
The insurance rates go down as the age increases from 18 to upward. And, it again starts increasing when age goes up after the age 60. The seniors can drive in Charleston with full driving privileges. However, they have to pass a vision screening test in order to renew their license.
Companies like StateFarm and Westfield offer good insurance rates to seniors. Seniors can further reduce their premiums by owning a vehicle with plenty of safety and security features. Take multiple affordable car insurance quotes in Charleston, WV, from different insurers. Compare the rate before purchasing any plan.
Who Offers A Cheap Car Insurance In Charleston WV For Married Couples?
Married couples usually pay more premium on average as compared to single people. Why? It’s because married couples most often have teen drivers to ensure. Teenagers are more risk-prone to the accident. As a result, insurers charge more to married couples.
In Charleston, married couples pay almost $55 per month more than single drivers. However, you can still get some good quotes by shopping around from the following companies:
| Company | Married Couple Rates |
| Allstate Insurance | $2,289 |
| Erie Insurance Group | $2,365 |
| Westfield | $2,471 |
| Progressive | $2,689 |
| Travelers | $2,746 |
| Plymouth Rock Assurance | $2,789 |
| Geico | $2,891 |
| Nationwide | $3,165 |
| State Farm | $3,279 |
Most married couples have more than one vehicle to ensure. They can save some dollars by purchasing multi-policy from a single insurance company. In this way, they can get a good discount. All the above stats are only estimates. For the exact quotes, you can contact the aforementioned companies.
What Are The Different Types Of Charleston WV Auto Insurance Coverage?
In order to get cheap auto insurance in Charleston, WV, you should know different types of auto insurance coverage. It will not only help you to get cheap rates but also help you to get the right policy for you.
After knowing all types of coverage, you will be able to personalize the coverage according to your need and budget. You should personalize coverage according to your need because the coverage that is right for your friend will not necessarily be the best for you.
Here are a few most popular types of coverage you can get in Charleston, WV:
1. Collision Insurance
Collision insurance pays for repairing or replacing your car in the event of a road accident with a car. It also helps you to pay for the damages if your vehicle hits any other object like a tree or fence. This coverage also covers a single-car accident like rolling over, etc.
It is important to note that collision insurance only covers the expenses the damages of your vehicle. But it won’t pay even a single penny for the third-party vehicle. Plus, it will only pay for damages if you will be at fault. If you are not at fault, the liability coverage of the at-fault driver will pay for expenses.
2. Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is coverage that covers all types of expenses to repair or replace your damaged or stolen vehicle. But, in case of a collision with another vehicle, it won’t pay for damages (but collision coverage will pay instead of it).
The coverage pays for all types of damages of vehicles due to fire, falling objects, vandalism, and worst weather conditions. If you live in an area where your vehicle quite often becomes a victim of natural disasters, you can go with this coverage.
3. Uninsured Motorist Insurance
What will happen if a driver with no insurance liability coverage hits you on the road? The situation can become worse if he leaves before leaving his information behind. In such a scenario, uninsured motorist insurance will pay for injuries or property damage from crashes you didn’t cause.
In simple words, uninsured motorist coverage fills the gap between the original costs and the third-party driver’s ability to pay. It will only pay you for your own car damages and medical expenses. But it won’t cover the expenses of third-party damages.
4. Underinsured Motorist Insurance
UIM is optional coverage for drivers for their additional safety in Charleston. You need to pair this coverage with Uninsured Motorist Insurance. This type of insurance coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, repairs to your car, etc. if other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
There is a slight difference between uninsured and underinsured coverage. Underinsured coverage will pay if other drivers have insufficient liability coverage. On the other hand, uninsured motorist insurance will pay if other driver doesn’t have any liability insurance coverage at all. That’s why drivers pair both these coverages for their safety.
5. Medical Payments Coverage
MedPay is a part of a car insurance policy that pays for your or your passengers’ medical expenses in an accident. The coverage will pay for all medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
The medical expenses include hospital visits, X-Rays, doctor fees, surgery, and prostheses, etc. It may also pay for some other expenses like nursing services, ambulance, emergency medical technician fees, and funeral costs.
In simple words, if you’re walking, traveling in public transportation, or riding in a friends’ car, it remains active. If you get injured in an accident, it will pay for all your medical expenses.
6. Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Personal injury protection is a popular type of auto insurance that pays for certain expenses related to personal injuries due to an accident. This valuable coverage also defrays all your medical expenses after a severe crash. Such medical expenses include doctor fees, X-Rays, pain and suffering, and funerals.
PIP is one of the legal requirements in many states. Because the coverage can cover almost 80% of all medical expenses depending on the limits of the policy, it will pay for injuries when a car hits you, even while walking or traveling into someone else’s car.
7. Major Parts Replacement Coverage
As the name suggests, the coverage pays for the replacement of some major parts of a vehicle. After buying this coverage, you can replace tires, brakes, and batteries, etc., without any charges.
If you have already purchased original parts replacement coverage, you might no need to get this one. This coverage only ensures major parts replacement, i.e., it will replace old brakes with new brakes. But it doesn’t ensure that you will get the genuine parts during replacement.
8. Gap Insurance
Gap insurance is loan insurance that helps you to pay the loan of your vehicle. What will you do if your vehicle is stolen or totaled and you are to pay more than the depreciated value of the car? In such a case, gap insurance helps you to pay the owe. Gap insurance basically fills the gap between the depreciated value and owe value on the car.
9. Towing and Labor Insurance
This policy protects you against roadside breakdowns. The services of this coverage vary from one insurer to another. Towing and labor insurance covers jump start, towing, tire change, gas or oil delivery, and lockout assistance.
Some insurance companies cover the labor expenses in this coverage. So you will not need to pay any labor charges if you carry this coverage. If you have already purchased roadside assistance coverage, you may no need to get this one.
10. Rental Reimbursement Insurance
Rental reimbursement insurance coverage or rental car coverage pays for all transportation expenses. If your car is being repaired at the workshop under a covered insurance claim, you can rent a car. And, this coverage will pay the rent on your behalf.
However, it won’t pay for any routine vehicle maintenance work. Plus, you won’t get anything from insurers if you rent a car for your vacation. It is not a legal requirement to carry; you can still buy it if you need it.
11. Classic Car Insurance
The main purpose of this coverage is to protect your antique or classic car. Each insurance company might have its own definition of a classic car. But generally, a car falls in the category of classic cars if it is at least 25 to 30 years old.
The coverage also covers many other high-value cars like hot rods, exotic and vintage military vehicles. Insurers consider different parameters like age and mileage to calculate the premiums.
12. New Car Replacement
As the name suggests, new car replacement coverage pays for a new vehicle if your car is totaled in an accident. If someone steals your vehicle or your vehicle gets totaled in an accident, this coverage will protect you in this situation.
You will receive a check from insures with the value of the same make and model so that you can purchase a new vehicle. This coverage might create a hole in your pocket when you purchase it due to its expensiveness. So double-check if the coverage is right for you before getting it.
13. Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance or breakdown coverage pays for expenses when a vehicle breakdown occurs. You can contact your roadside service provider whenever a roadside breakdown occurs. They will either try to resolve your problem or pay for all types of mechanical labor like locksmith and repairing.
You should get this coverage if you have an old car because there are high chances of roadside breakdowns with an old car. However, if you have a new car, you do not need to get this coverage. Always pay for the coverage that offers maximum benefits.
14. Original Parts Replacement
If you afford this coverage, you should get original parts replacement because you don’t get the original repairing parts most of the time after an accident. Even drivers can’t differentiate between genuine and third-party manufactured parts.
That’s why repairers install third-party parts in the vehicle instead of genuine parts and take the price of genuine parts. This coverage makes sure the installation of genuine parts. In case of genuine parts unavailability, the insurers will provide comparable or reconditioned parts. If you own a very expensive vehicle, the OPR can be very suitable for you.
15. Liability Coverage
Liability coverage is the most popular type of auto insurance coverage. Because it is mandatory to carry this coverage in almost all states, including West Virginia. Drivers have to pay a fine if they bring vehicles on the road without liability coverage.
The coverage offers financial protection if you damage someone else’s property. Remember, it will only pay for the expenses of a third party. And, it won’t pay for your injuries and property damages. To protect yourself, you can buy other coverage like comprehensive or collision.
Is Charleston WV Auto Insurance A No-Fault?
The simple answer is no; it isn’t a no-fault state. West Virginia is an at-fault state in which a driver who causes an accident will pay for other driver’s expenses. The at-fault driver will have to pay for accident injuries, vehicle damage, lost income, etc.
In Charleston, an injured person due to an accident can proceed in one of the three ways:
- One can file a third-party claim directly from the insurers of at-fault drivers.
- An injured person can consult civil court against the at-fault driver by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- By filing a claim with own insurers if his or her loss is covered under the policy.
Ways To Reduce Rates In Charleston WV Car Insurance
If you purchase different types of coverage, it can create a big hole in your pocket. Therefore, you should know how to reduce insurance rates in Charleston, WV car insurance. The most effective way to reduce the premium is by going with the necessary coverage.
Here are a few important tips to reduce your premium:
- You must have a clean driving history in order to get cheap insurance rates.
- You must have an excellent credit score for cheap Charleston WV auto insurance.
- Increasing your deductible can also reduce insurance rates.
- Pay your entire annual or six-month premium at once.
- Own a car with plenty of safety and security measures.
- Avoid purchasing any unnecessary coverage.
- Go with multi-policy if you have more than two vehicles.
You should shop around and get multiple quotes from different companies. Compare the rates and policies. It will help you to choose the right policy at a reasonable price.
Good Drivers Car Insurance Discounts In Charleston WV
All insurance companies offer good discounts to good drivers in Charleston, WV. Insurers consider you a good driver if you have had no accident or any traffic violence for the last three years. Here is some other good discount you can ask about:
- Vehicle safety and security features like anti-lock brake and anti-theft device.
- Multiple cars under the multi-insurance policy.
- Student discount
- Accident-free
- Utility discount
- Resident discount
- Passive restraint
- New car
- Homeownership, etc.
Charleston WV Auto Insurance Rates Per Vehicle
Insurers calculate insurance premiums based on multiple factors. Some factors include the age of the driver, marital status and driving history of the driver, vehicle make and model, etc.
If the driver has a good driving record and good credit score, insurers will charge less. Similarly, if the vehicle has some safety and security features like airbags, an anti-theft system, and automatic braking, you will have to pay fewer premiums.
Contrary to this, insurers charge more to those drivers with bad driving records and credit scores. Similarly, if your vehicles don’t have any security features, you will have to pay more premiums.
Insurers take the data of all parameters first and then calculate the premiums accordingly. So overall insurance rate can vary based on your specific situation.
Charleston WV Car Insurance Rates By Age
Older and younger drivers have a greater risk of getting an accident on the road. Because teenagers are not only inexperienced but also drive the vehicle very fast. Similarly, older drivers have some problems like slower reflexes and vision impairment. That’s why insurers charge more to older and younger drivers.
As the driver gains experience, insurance premiums go down. When a driver crosses the age of 60, insurance prices again starts going up, as you can see in the table below:
| Age | Avg monthly rate |
| 16 – 20 | $261 |
| 20s | $159 |
| 30s | $109 |
| 40s | $114 |
| 50s | $105 |
| 60s | $107 |
| 70s | $125 |
| Over 80 | $166 |
How Are Car Insurance Rates Calculated In Charleston WV?
Each insurance company uses different factors to calculate the annual premium. These factors include your car’s make and model, credit history, driving record, driving mileage, age, gender, and marital status, etc.
One insurance company gives more weightage to one factor, but another company will give more weightage to another factor. In this way, rates of insurance from one insurer to another vary depending on their insurance calculating formula.
All you need to clean your driving record and maintain a good credit score. In this way, you can get a good discount from all insurance companies.
Liability Vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance In Charleston WV
Liability coverage is the minimum requirement of Charleston, WV. It will cover the expenses of third-party losses if you cause the accident. Full coverage includes collision insurance, comprehensive, PIP, and UM/ UMPD coverage. The coverage will pay for expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
The average cost of liability coverage in Charleston is around $67 per month. But the cost for full coverage is around $128 per month. You should go with full coverage if you can afford it.
Car Insurance Charleston WV Questions And Answered
Why did my car insurance rates go up?
There can be different reasons behind this. Rates go up due to accidents, filing a claim, and adding a new driver to the policy. You can know the exact reason by contacting the insurers. If you notice a significant hike in rates, you should switch the company.
How much will I expect to pay for car insurance?
The average insurance rates in Charleston are around $1,476. You should expect to pay the rate of around $1,500 per year. You may have to pay more due to your bad driving record or bad credit score. However, if you have a good score, the insurance rate should go down.
Do different engine sizes need different types of auto insurance?
No. No type of auto insurance is based on engine size. However, you might have to pay a bit extra amount if your vehicle has a more horsepower engine. Because a vehicle with more HP has more speed-related issues
How do I get car insurance for the first time?
If you are a new or young driver, adding yourself to your parent’s policy may be the most affordable option. Otherwise, you will have to shop around with many companies to get reasonable rates because most companies charge a bit extra to young drivers.
Do you have any accidents or claims on your driving record?
If you have any accident or claim in your record, insurers will ask for every bit of details about it. For example, they will ask for the date and type of accident and how much claim was paid, etc. Some accidents might not affect your premium a lot, but others can affect you. In case of a severe accident, the best car insurance companies in Charleston, WV, will increase your premiums.
Can I really find cheap car insurance online?
Yes, this guide was all about cheap auto insurance. You can easily get cheap car insurance from the best car insurance companies in Charleston, WV. However, you will have to shop around for this purpose. Before visiting the companies physically, you should visit their website and ask for quotes. Compare the services and rates. Then, shortlist some companies and visit them physically to make a final deal.
How Does Car Insurance Determine Car Value?
Each auto insurance company has a different way of determining car value. When you file an insurance claim after an accident, insurers use information from an appraisal company and an adjuster to determine the value of the car. First, they will measure the actual cash value (ACV).
To measure ACV, insurers look at the age of your car mileage, signs of wear and tear, and history of the accident. ACV is the replacement price of the car minus the deductible you have paid for comprehensive or collision coverage. You can contact one of the best car insurance companies in Charleston, WV, to know their exact insurance determining process.
