Car Insurance in Charleston, WV
Compare, shop and customize quotes from top-rated insurance carriers.
Getting Around Charleston, WV
The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority operates 21 bus routes throughout Charleston with more than 100 combined stops. So, no matter where in the city you want to go, there's probably a bus to get you close. However, many of the city's residents choose to commute to work in their own cars.
According to BestPlaces, 75.6% of Charleston workers drive alone in their own car to and from work, while another 9.4% carpool. The average commute time is only 16.2 minutes each way, significantly lower than the national average.
Five highways cross through Charleston, yet traffic remains relatively low on the city's roadways. However, you should still have comprehensive car insurance in Charleston, WV to protect yourself in case of an accident.
Understanding West Virginia Car Insurance Requirements
West Virginia drivers must purchase auto insurance that meets the following minimum requirements:
- Liability insurance: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage coverage: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage: $25,000 per accident
Additionally, insurance providers must also offer the following optional coverages to all drivers:
- Maximum uninsured motorist
- Bodily injury: $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident
- Property damage: $50,000 per accident
- Minimum underinsured motorist coverage
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage: $25,000 per accident
Purchasing a policy that meets state minimums may not be sufficient to protect you in case of an accident. Many drivers also choose to include collisions and comprehensive coverage to their car insurance in Charleston, WV. These pay for damages to your vehicle after a covered event, such as an auto accident or theft. Comprehensive insurance also pays for flood damage, which is a serious concern in the city.
Comp and collision coverage pays for repairs once you meet the policy's deductible. A higher deductible usually translates to lower premiums, but you must be prepared to pay the total amount out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. A couple of other types of car insurance you might want to consider are:
- Rental car reimbursement: pays all or part of the cost of a rental car while your car is repaired after an accident
- Roadside assistance: pays for towing, lockout service, tire changes and other related services
Paying for Your Charleston, WV Car Insurance
West Virginia drivers enjoy relatively low auto insurance rates, and Charleston's are close to the state average. Drivers can expect to pay an average of $1,576 per year for full coverage car insurance in Charleston, WV, and about a third of that for a policy with the minimum required coverage.
It is helpful to keep in mind that the amount you pay for car insurance can vary significantly based on several factors. For example, a poor credit score can significantly increase how much you pay. However, there are plenty of ways to save on auto insurance.
Tips to Help You Save
Don't settle for paying more than you must for car insurance. You can save a significant amount of money with very little effort. A few things you can do include:
- Reducing the amount of driving you do, such as by using public transportation to commute
- Practice safe driving to avoid tickets and accidents
- Take advantage of available discounts
You can save even more by contacting VIU by HUB to request multiple quotes from different companies. Then, compare them to see which one offers the right combination of coverage and affordability for your needs.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.