Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for 2025 [Compare the Top 10 Companies]
The best car insurance in West Virginia starts at $25/mo with State Farm, Geico, and Allstate. State Farm lets you save up to $1273 on one bill for multiple policies. Geico is known for its budget-wise rate of $89/mo, and Allstate offers cash reimbursement as part of the accident protection program.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Mar 13, 2025
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Company Facts
Full Coverage in West Virginia
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage in West Virginia
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage in West Virginia
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
State Farm, Geico, and Allstate offer the best car insurance in West Virginia. They offer bundle savings, affordable rates, and the most reliable accident protection that every driver is looking for.
Additionally, State Farm is the top overall pick for its one-bill multiple policy that lets you save up to $1273, Geico for its affordable rates of $89 a month, and Allstate has a unique accident protection program where cash reimbursements are provided that match or are even higher than what you spent.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Car Insurance in West Virginia
Company | Rank | Bundling Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 17% | B | Overall Coverage | State Farm | |
#2 | 25% | A++ | Budget Drivers | Geico | |
#3 | 25% | A+ | Accident Protection | Allstate | |
#4 | 20% | A+ | Comprehensive Plans | Nationwide | |
#5 | 10% | A+ | Telematics Savings | Progressive | |
#6 | 10% | A++ | Military Families | USAA | |
#7 | 13% | A++ | Policy Customization | Travelers | |
#8 | 20% | A | Tailored Policies | Farmers | |
#9 | 25% | A | New Car Owners | Liberty Mutual | |
#10 | 25% | A | Young Families | American Family |
This car insurance guide is here to ensure you get the best offer and plan. Enter your ZIP code below to get started.
- State Farm offers savings of up to $1273 for one bill multipolicy purchase
- The best car insurance companies in WV has a B to A++ AM Best rate
- The bundle discounts could save you 10% to 25% off your premiums
#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Bundle Savings: One bill for multiple policy purchases such as car and home, car and condo, and two or more car insurance in the household to save up to $1273.
- Strong State Presence: The State Farm insurance review mentioned the 19,000 agents ready to help if you need assistance with your policy.
- Excellent Client Satisfaction: Its J.D. Power rate shows high client approval, with a claims satisfaction score of 891 out of 1,000.
Cons
- Higher Premiums: For some drivers in West Virginia, the entire coverage rate may be more expensive, which could cost $111.
- Fewer Discounts: Discounts are available but not as extensive as competitors, making premiums challenging to lower costs.
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#2 – Geico: Best for Budget Drivers
Pros
- Affordable Rates: Geico’s insurance review shows that full coverage auto insurance in West Virginia costs just $89, which could be lowered with different discounts.
- Extensive Discounts: There are premium reductions and exclusive discounts, such as vehicle equipment discounts, driver’s education discounts, and more.
- User-Friendly digital apps: Online tools like Geico Express, Virtual Assistant (Kate), and Accident Assistance proved beneficial for assistance at any time.
Cons
- Limited Local Agent: Geico had limited local agents to help customers who prefer in-person assistance as it primarily operates online.
- Fewer Coverage Add-Ons: It offers fewer add-ons than competitors. Gap insurance and custom equipment coverage are not offered.
#3 – Allstate: Best for Accident Protection
Pros
- Long List of Coverage Options: The Allstate company review has all types of coverage, from comprehensive to rental reimbursement coverage.
- Unique Accident Protection Program: Cash benefits for accidental injury, including ambulance services, physical therapy, and more.
- Strong Local Agent Networks: Allstate customer service is top-notch in West Virginia, with in-person agents to respond quickly to customers’ concerns.
Cons
- Expensive Premiums: The average car insurance cost in West Virginia is $167 monthly, but Allstate is $261 per month.
- Claims Processing Issue: Even with local agents, there are still delays in the accident claims.
#4 – Nationwide: Best for Comprehensive Plans
Pros
- Extensive Plans and Programs: Nationwide provides an On Your Side Auto Repair Network® facility and Your Side Claims® Service
- Vanishing Deductibles: Safe driving rewards $100-$500 off your deductible each year until your deductibles vanish completely, as explained in the Nationwide insurance Review.
- Convenient Online Tools: You can control your policies, payments, and claims with a few clicks on your online account.
Cons
- Low-Mileage High Rates: Driving less may not lower your rates, making it less cost-efficient for West Virginia drivers.
- Limited In-Person Assistant: With their digital tools in place, the local agents are not as wide as competitors.
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#5 – Progressive: Best for Telematics Savings
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Customizable coverage from liability to Progressive Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and wide add-on options for Custom parts and equipment value (CPE).
- Drive Safe and Save More: The snapshot program rewards up to $20 monthly for safe driving habits as stated in the Progressive insurance review.
- Convenient Online Tools: Used to manage all transactions online, from filing claims to policy management.
Cons
- Inconsistent Claim Handling: Representatives from Progressive are difficult to reach during high-traffic periods and complex claims situations.
- Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Drivers with violations, DUIs, tickets, and bad driving histories often pay higher premiums.
#6 – USAA: Best for Military Families
Pros
- Affordable and Exclusive Insurance: USAA insurance review highlights the products and services exclusive to the military or those who have honorably served.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: 10% off for insurance bundling of other insurance, such as car and home or car and renters.
- Travel Privileges: Exclusive travel discounts of up to 25% for hotels and accommodations.
Cons
- Limited Availability: USAA doesn’t offer all services and products in all states, so some insurance types may not be offered in West Virginia.
- Higher Premiums for Some Members: Some customers particularly those with less-than-ideal credit or driving records, may find that their premiums are higher.
#7 – Travelers: Best for Policy Customization
Pros
- Extra Coverage Options: Wide options for drivers such as Extended Transportation Expenses Coverage, Medical Payments Coverage, and Loan/Lease Gap Coverage.
- Strong Financial Stability: Travelers insurance review has a robust financial framework that settles each claim promptly, and it has an A++ rate from AM Best.
- More Discounts: There are various discounts, such as multicar discounts, driving training discounts, early quote discounts, and more.
Cons
- Expensive Premium Rates: Rural areas in West Virginia receive increased premiums due to a higher risk of accident winding and higher rates of uninsured drivers.
- Few Available Agents: Remote regions of West Virginia had limited access to local agents, which made it difficult for drivers to get customized service or claims assistance.
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#8 – Farmers Insurance: Best for Tailored Policies
Pros
- Signal® Telematics Program: Farmers provides a smartphone app called Signal® that monitors driving habits and offers safe drivers up to 15% off their auto insurance in WV.
- Declining Deductibles: As stated in the Farmers insurance review, policyholders can receive $50 off their deductible each year they remain claim-free.
- Specialized Coverage: They offer specialized insurance for items like hobby farms, classic autos, pet insurance, and small businesses.
Cons
- Higher Premiums: Pricing is more costly than rivals like GEICO or USAA. Their house and vehicle insurance premiums can be higher than the industry average.
- Diverse Customer Service Reviews: Some policyholders complain about sluggish claims processing and trouble getting through to agents, which can be annoying in an emergency.
#9 – Liberty Mutual: Best for New Car Owners
Pros
- Numerous Coverage Choices: Liberty Mutual review offers many add-ons to tailor your policy, such as accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and better car replacement.
- Multi-Policy Savings: Intended to lower your premiums through bundling policies in home/renter/life with car insurance of up to 25%.
- New Car Replacement Policy: In the first year, cars that are stolen or totaled get replacement money for the exact model, not a depreciable value.
Cons
- Cost Variations: Drivers with less-than-perfect driving records are higher than other insurers.
- Limited Coverage on Repairs: Standard coverage may not fully cover all repairs, especially those on high-end or specialized vehicles.
#10 – American Families: Best for Young Families
Pros
- Exciting Discounts: All discounts you need, like bundle savings, safe driving, and anti-theft installation, significantly lower your premiums; check the list in the American Family review.
- Customizable Add-Ons: Offers better car replacement that ensures reimbursement of a similar car’s make and model rather than just a depreciated value.
- Roadside Assistance and Claims Support: A 24/7 claims support and roadside assistance for drivers in case of flat tires, dead batteries, or accident claims.
Cons
- Few Available Coverage: West Virginia does not offer coverage for new car replacements or accident forgiveness due to its location.
- Higher Premiums for Some Members: Some people particularly those with less-than-ideal credit or driving records, may find their premiums higher.
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Car Insurance Coverage and Rates in WV
The median household income in West Virginia in 2022 was over $54,329, and drivers, on average, paid over $1,378 for car insurance. West Virginians’ income on car insurance remains important as it is proportioned to the increase in income for the past years.
However, you can always look for options to decrease your spending on car insurance. Here is the list of discounts you can avail yourself of at your state’s top providers.
Car Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers in West Virginia
Insurance Company | Available Discounts |
---|---|
Safe Driver, Bundling, New Car, Good Student | |
Bundling, Good Student, Low Mileage, Early Signing | |
Bundling, Good Driver, Multi-Car | |
Good Driver, Military, Multi-Car, Federal Employee | |
Bundling, New Car, Safe Driver, Paying In Full | |
Bundling, Safe Driver, Good Student, UBI Through SmartRide | |
Bundling, Good Student, Safe Driver | |
Safe Driver, Bundling, Good Student, Safety Features | |
Bundling, Safe Driver, Paying In Full | |
Military Family, Bundling, Safe Driver, Low Mileage |
You can contact the list of car insurance companies above and validate their discounts if you fit in any of these. Surely, if you take a step, you can bring down your charges and save!
Car Insurance Monthly Rates in West Virginia
Is the rising cost of car insurance the main concern of almost every West Virginia motorist? The table below shows data provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an agency dedicated to keeping up with changing car insurance costs.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Type
Insurance Company | Collision | Comprehensive |
---|---|---|
$130 | $55 | |
$115 | $47 | |
$125 | $48 | |
$95 | $40 | |
$135 | $52 | |
$105 | $42 | |
$120 | $50 | |
$110 | $45 | |
$118 | $49 | |
$90 | $38 |
This other table is for monthly rates based on different providers in West Virginia.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
$60 | $162 | |
$43 | $115 | |
$51 | $139 | |
$31 | $83 | |
$72 | $196 | |
$39 | $104 | |
$41 | $110 | |
$29 | $79 | |
$38 | $102 | |
$25 | $67 |
The cheapest car insurance in West Virginia are USAA, State Farm, Geico, and Travelers, with rates of $25, $29, %31, and $38, respectively. If you are still confused about all of the requirements and what to get, you can always ask a car insurance broker for assistance.
Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Age & Gender
Inc.com wrote an article that says women pay $100,000 more for the same products as men do. In fact, gender discrimination in auto insurance rates is such a problem that California and other states banned gender discrimination and created gender-neutral insurance plans.
Here is Quadrant Information Services, which shows you rates that various folks in West Virginia pay for car insurance.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider, Age, & Gender
Insurance Company | Age: 17 Female | Age: 17 Male | Age: 25 Female | Age: 25 Male | Age: 35 Female | Age: 35 Male | Age: 60 Female | Age: 60 Male |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$320 | $350 | $180 | $195 | $140 | $150 | $110 | $115 | |
$305 | $335 | $170 | $185 | $135 | $145 | $105 | $110 | |
$318 | $348 | $178 | $198 | $142 | $148 | $108 | $113 | |
$290 | $310 | $160 | $175 | $125 | $135 | $95 | $100 | |
$340 | $370 | $190 | $205 | $150 | $160 | $120 | $125 | |
$310 | $330 | $165 | $180 | $130 | $140 | $100 | $105 | |
$325 | $355 | $185 | $200 | $145 | $155 | $115 | $120 | |
$300 | $320 | $170 | $185 | $135 | $145 | $105 | $110 | |
$315 | $340 | $180 | $195 | $140 | $150 | $110 | $115 | |
$280 | $295 | $150 | $160 | $120 | $125 | $90 | $95 |
As you can see from the data, teen drivers pay thousands more than older drivers do for car insurance. Among the major carriers, State Farm has the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia when it comes to teen drivers. Meanwhile, Nationwide has the lowest increase in drivers from young to older.
Therefore, your rates may differ depending on your location and other circumstances. Check out all the other indicators that make up your car insurance rates.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by City
Drivers in Charleston, which is the capital of West Virginia, pay about $1,070 yearly for car insurance. Meanwhile, motorists in smaller cities like Parkersburg pay $1,031. For even smaller cities and towns, your rates could be less.
How does ZIP code affect auto insurance companies in WV? Factors like traffic, crime, and claim frequency in your area all matter.
As you can see, the car insurance rates by city are quite high, ranging from $300 to $420. But here is a guide for you to keep up with the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia.
Car Insurance Financial Rating
Loss ratios play a large part in determining a company’s financial security. That’s why we want to include AM Best ratings, which look at loss ratios to determine a company’s solid financial security.
We’ve included the AM Best ratings for each of the 10 largest companies in West Virginia to assess their performance.
West Virginia Car insurance Financial Rating by Provider
Insurance Company | A.M. Best |
---|---|
A++ | |
A++ | |
A++ | |
A+ | |
A+ | |
A+ | |
A | |
A | |
A | |
B |
On the brighter side, despite the high rates of car insurance companies, they also performed well in terms of providing customer claims and other services since all of them had A to A++ ratings from A.M. Best.
Like Geico, it is known for its affordable rates but has also had high ratings for its service throughout the years.
A good financial rating means the insurance carrier has the funds available to pay any claims. But customer service is also an important part of any company, from restaurants to car insurance companies. That’s why we’ve looked at the best auto insurance company ratings for overall customer satisfaction.
Check out these ratings from J. D. Power.
USAA and Allstate are listed at the bottom. What could be the reason? A comparison of USAA and Allstate can help you find out.
Cheapest Car Insurance in West Virginia
Nobody likes to be considered cheap, except when it comes to finding cheap car insurance in WV online. To save money, you should shop around to see what’s available. The table below displays the 5 top car insurance companies in West Virginia, their average rate for all drivers, and compares it to the state average of all companies.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider
Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
---|---|
$404 | |
$342 | |
$363 | |
$325 | |
$383 | |
$267 | |
$367 | |
$200 | |
$358 | |
$250 |
Looking at different providers can save a lot of money. For example, State Farm is $1,600 BELOW the state average, which, over time, could add up to thousands of dollars saved.
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Car Insurance Commute Rates by Companies
At some companies, how far you commute daily influences your insurance rates. Beyond age, gender, location, marital status, and carrier, other factors that affect your quoted rates from each carrier are those that are specific to your situation, such as how much coverage you want, credit history, and driving record.
The tables below compare such factors based on each carrier.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Annual Mileage
Insurance Company | 6,000 Miles | 12,000 Miles |
---|---|---|
$150 | $180 | |
$140 | $165 | |
$145 | $170 | |
$130 | $150 | |
$155 | $190 | |
$135 | $160 | |
$148 | $175 | |
$120 | $140 | |
$142 | $168 | |
$125 | $145 |
Most company rates don’t change when the drive shortens to a 10-mile commute, except for State Farm, which offers rate reductions over $125.
Read more: Ways to lower your commute rates while saving money and the planet
Coverage Level Rates by Companies
Do you need better coverage but don’t want to spend more money? You may be surprised to learn that some companies offer more coverage with only small increases in rates.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level
Insurance Company | Low | Medium | High |
---|---|---|---|
$120 | $150 | $180 | |
$110 | $135 | $160 | |
$115 | $140 | $170 | |
$100 | $125 | $150 | |
$130 | $160 | $190 | |
$105 | $130 | $155 | |
$118 | $145 | $175 | |
$90 | $110 | $140 | |
$112 | $138 | $165 | |
$95 | $115 | $135 |
For example, the data above shows that State Farm and Nationwide have had less than $300 increases in coverage, from low to high. You might think of saving money through getting the lowest coverage, but hey, read this type of coverage first, and know the reason why rates vary.
Credit History Rates by Companies
The quality of your credit score impacts your insurance rates. In West Virginia, the average credit score is 658, which is well below the nationwide average of 675. This means motorists may have difficulty getting great rates because of their below-average credit scores.
The table below shows what you can expect to pay yearly on car insurance based on your credit history.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score
Insurance Company | Good Credit | Fair Credit | Bad Credit |
---|---|---|---|
$120 | $150 | $180 | |
$110 | $140 | $170 | |
$115 | $145 | $175 | |
$100 | $130 | $160 | |
$130 | $160 | $190 | |
$105 | $135 | $165 | |
$118 | $148 | $178 | |
$90 | $120 | $140 | |
$112 | $138 | $172 | |
$95 | $125 | $150 |
Poor credits make your policy even more expensive, as shown above. A $50 to $65 difference is a huge amount to take out of your pocket.
If you have insurance through Liberty Mutual and have poor credit, you can expect to pay nearly $3000 more for car insurance than someone with good credit.Brad Larson Licensed Insurance Agent
Check out how driving record rates change significantly with just one violation.
West Virginia Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record
Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Ticket | One Accident | One DUI |
---|---|---|---|---|
$120 | $140 | $160 | $200 | |
$110 | $130 | $150 | $190 | |
$115 | $135 | $155 | $195 | |
$100 | $120 | $140 | $180 | |
$130 | $150 | $170 | $210 | |
$105 | $125 | $145 | $185 | |
$118 | $138 | $158 | $198 | |
$90 | $110 | $130 | $160 | |
$112 | $132 | $152 | $192 | |
$95 | $115 | $135 | $175 |
A clean driving record is the easiest way to keep rates down. As you can see from the information above, at Liberty Mutual, just one speeding violation can raise your rate by over $1,200.
A gentle reminder to maintain a good, if not fair, credit score and clean driving records to get more affordable rates from the top insurers. Aside from this factor, here is the list of all the factors that impact your premiums.
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Largest Car Insurance Companies
State Farm Group dominates the West Virginia car insurance market with a 26.62% market share and $329,651 in direct premiums written. Erie Insurance Group and Nationwide Corp Group follow, with 14.71% and 11.78% market shares, respectively, while Geico holds a 10.07% share but has the highest loss ratio at 66.00%.
Largest Car Insurance Companies in West Virginia
Insurance Providers | Direct Premiums Written | Market Share | Loss Ratio |
---|---|---|---|
$92,007 | 7% | 44% | |
$75,400 | 6% | 50% | |
$81,250 | 7% | 48% | |
$124,709 | 10% | 66% | |
$54,356 | 4% | 52% | |
$145,858 | 12% | 48% | |
$84,332 | 7% | 54% | |
$329,651 | 27% | 57% | |
$67,000 | 5% | 49% | |
$48,434 | 4% | 63% |
The loss ratios vary, with Allstate Insurance Group having the lowest at 43.68%, indicating better profitability, while Erie, Geico, and USAA show higher loss ratios, suggesting greater claims payouts.
On the other hand, the insurers mentioned could be classified into two categories: domestic and foreign. In West Virginia, there are 19 domestic insurers and 793 foreign insurers.
Car Insurance Companies with Most Complaints
Keep in mind that a high complaint index doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid a company. You should also look at a company’s customer satisfaction ratings because how a company deals with complaints is also important.
Complaint Numbers of Leading Car Insurers in West Virginia
Insurance Company | Complaint Numbers (2023) |
---|---|
150 | |
40 | |
50 | |
310 | |
210 | |
30 | |
130 | |
1400 | |
60 | |
280 |
State Farm has more complaints than any other provider in the state. Here is a review of State Farm Gap Insurance. Check if it could possibly be the source of the complaint.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
Every state has its own average rates for car insurance. West Virginia is notably in the median, where car insurance usually costs $85 monthly.
As per the law in West Virginia, all auto owners must buy bodily injury liability insurance coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 for one accident. In addition, you must carry property damage liability coverage of $25,000.
West Virginia Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
Coverage | Limits |
---|---|
Bodily Injury Liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property Damage Liability | $25,000 |
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $25,000 |
You must always carry proof of insurance coverage in your car. West Virginia also allows motorists to show electronic proof of insurance on any wireless device.
The above figures are just the minimum requirements for auto insurance. It is in your best interest to invest in additional coverage.Michelle Robbins Licensed Insurance Agent
Of course, it is best to be prepared by getting the insurance that you need because we do not know what will happen on the roads. Having this is like having a backup plan for your pocket so it won’t run dry when risks/accidents occur.
Moreover, financial responsibility is proof that you have West Virginia’s minimum liability coverage. State law requires every driver and vehicle owner to have proof of financial security at all times.
Here are a few acceptable forms of proof of financial security in West Virginia:
- Valid Insurance ID Card
- Electronic proof on a smartphone
- A letter from an insurance agent or insurer on company letterhead.
Lastly, West Virginia’s per capita disposable income is $32,277. On average, residents spend $1,032 a year on car insurance.
To put this amount in perspective, the countrywide annual average for car insurance is $981. This means people in West Virginia are above the countrywide average and pay more than people in neighboring states, Pennsylvania and Virginia, who pay yearly amounts of $950 and $836, respectively.
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Additional Liability in West Virginia
To gauge the financial health of insurance companies, you should look at its loss ratios. Loss ratios are explained as follows: the money insurance companies pay out on claims compared to the money they take in on premiums, which is the loss ratio.
For example, if an auto insurer collects $100,000 of premiums in a given year and pays out $55,000 in claims, the company’s loss ratio is 55 percent ($55,000 incurred losses/$100,000 earned premiums).
Check out the loss ratio for these two types of coverage in West Virginia.
Additional Liability Coverage Loss Ratios in West Virginia
Loss Ratio | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Medical Payments (Med Pay) | 62.50% | 63.10% | 63.85% |
Uninsured/Underinsured | 47.80% | 48.55% | 49.70% |
You may want to consider additional coverage for your insurance plans to avoid paying out of pocket in the event of an accident. Without additional coverage, medical bills and payments could reach well into the thousands of dollars for those affected by an uninsured driver and force some into financial difficulty.
Read more: All the information you need to get the best car insurance in West Virginia.
Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders in WV
No one wants to have a car wreck, but if you are, do you have enough protection for yourself and your family? Have you considered adding extra coverage to your policy? Do you even know what’s out there? Choosing from a list of options can be daunting, and we know you want the best options for your family at the best price.
To help you decide, we’ve made a list of car insurance options to add to your policy. Check out the selections below:
- Gap insurance
- Umbrella
- Rental reimbursement
- Roadside assistance
- Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)
- Non-owner coverage
- Modified car insurance
- Classic car insurance
Usage-based insurance programs (UBI) are active and available to West Virginia residents. Programs like Drivewise from Allstate or Snapshot from Progressive offer insurance discounts to drivers based on how well and how often they drive.
Any of the above coverages would be beneficial to add to your policy, so make sure to discuss any options you are interested in with your insurance provider.
Car Insurance State Laws in West Virginia
The state legislature determines everything from minimum liability insurance requirements to base premium rates to tort laws to seat belt laws and speed limits. These laws regulate insurers’ functions and keep motorists’ driving behavior in check.
For the use of rates, each state has to follow one of the mechanisms – determined by
Commissioner; prior approval; modified prior approval; flex rating; file and use; use and
file and no file.
In West Virginia, insurance companies need to file rates with the state insurance department which must be approved before being used. If there is no response in 60 days, the deemer provision indicates that the rate stands approved.
Just like rate approval, the state’s financial responsibility laws require motorists to carry minimum liability coverage with limits of 25/50/25 to protect everyone on the roads.
Adhering to the laws means getting car insurance, so here are the summative reasons why you should get car insurance.
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Windshield Coverage in WV
There aren’t any specific laws for windshield coverage in West Virginia. However, there are specifications related to cracks and chips on the windshield.
- Chips and cracks in the area blocking the view (8-1/2 by 11-inch area) of the driver aren’t permitted
- Bigger chips and cracks than one and a half inches along the area that is used by the wipers aren’t permitted
Many companies offer reasonable rates for windshield coverage. Check if Geico, the second-best car insurance company in West Virginia, covers windshields.
Car Insurance Fraud in West Virginia
What is automobile insurance fraud?
- Creating a claim for damages or injuries that NEVER occurred (such as faking an accident)
- Adding “extra” costs onto a legitimate claim
Fraud can happen at any time during the process of buying, selling, underwriting, or claims settlement – and many auto insurers and independent agents are also involved in fraudulent activities.
The cost of these insurance frauds – estimated to be around $30 billion annually – isn’t only dertimental to the operations of an insurer but hurts consumers in the long run as well since the losses are passed on to them.
If you’re ever involved in a fraudulent insurance claim, you might have to face severe penalties and an increase in premiums.
- If the benefit sought for fraudulent activity is lower than $1,000, you might be charged a fine up to $2,500 and face prison time of up to one year
- When the benefit sought for fraudulent activity is $1,000 or above, you might be imprisoned in a correction facility for a period of one to ten years and fined up to $10,000
Reporting any fraudulent activity to the Office of the Inspector General by e-mailing [email protected] or calling 304-558-5241 will always help law enforcement.
You can also send mail a letter to the department – WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Fraud Division, One Players Club Drive, P.O. Box 2901, Charleston, West Virginia 25330-2901.
If you are in a car accident in West Virginia, there is a statute of limitations for filing a claim.
- Property Damage – Two Years
- Bodily Injury Coverage – Two Years
Here is a complete guide to verifying car insurance fraud.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in WV
All drivers are required to carry at least the mandatory liability insurance coverage in West Virginia. If you think you can let your insurance policy lapse, it will be reflected in the state’s monthly insurance verification checks.
The West Virginia Online Verification (WVOLV) was designed to help the DMV in the electronic verification of your auto insurance coverage during citations, crashes, registration, and monthly checks on all vehicles.
Driving without insurance in West Virginia would attract penalties since you’re putting everyone at risk.
- First Offense: During the insurance verification process, if the DMV sends a notice for lack of coverage information on file and you fail to provide proof, your vehicle registration will be suspended. Once you show proof of insurance, you can get your registration reinstated by paying $100. Also, your driving privilege can be suspended.
- Second Offense: If you’re sent a second notice within five years of the first one, your driving privileges will be suspended for much longer.
Drivers who provide false insurance information would face a 90-day suspension of their driver’s license, vehicle revocation, and the possibility of prosecution that could lead to fines of up to $1,000 and prison time of up to one year.
If you are still unsure about getting California insurance or what insurance to get, here is everything you need to know about tailoring your needs and car insurance.
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Teen Driver Laws in West Virginia
Most kids can’t wait to get behind the wheel, but the West Virginia DMV has designed a Graduated Driver’s License program (GDL) to ensure that teens, 15 to 17-year-olds, have enough practice before they can drive on their own.
Teen Licensing Eligibility in West Virginia
Licensing Type | Minimum Age | School Enrollment or Completion | Tests | Previous Permit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Instruction Permit (Level 1) | 15 | Must show a Driver's Eligibility Certificate or proof of school enrollment/completion | Pass the written test and vision exam | Get written permission from a parent or legal guardian on form DMV-23 |
Intermediate License (Level 2) | 16 | Must show a Driver's Eligibility Certificate or proof of school enrollment/completion | Pass the road test; Complete 60 hours of practice driving with 15 hours of night driving | Must have held the Level 1 permit without violations for at least six months |
Unrestricted License (Level 3) | 17 | Must show a Driver's Eligibility Certificate or proof of school enrollment/completion | None | Must have held the Level 2 permit for at least one year without violations |
Each level has different eligibility requirements and requires new drivers to abide by certain terms. Let’s look at those requirements:
Restrictions for Teen Drivers in West Virginia
Licensing Type | Passenger Requirements | Passenger Restrictions | Driving Time |
---|---|---|---|
Level 1 | Must drive with an adult licensed driver (above 21) at all times | Along with the supervising adult, you cannot be accompanied by more than one person who isn't a family member | You're allowed to drive between the hours of 6 am and 9 pm only |
Level 2 | During the night hours of 11 pm to 4 am, you can only drive if accompanied by an adult licensed driver (above 21) | First six months - No passengers under 21 who aren't family members; Next six months - No more than one passenger under 21 who isn't a family member | During the hours of 9 pm to 6 am, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver above 21 except when: 1. traveling due to work, school, or religious activity; 2. traveling for an emergency to prevent personal injury or death |
These 2 levels of licensing, along with their requirements and restrictions, are like a defense for teen drivers to be extra careful on the roads.
Read more: Benefits of teaching your teen to drive
Rules of the Road in West Virginia
We all should obey the rules, but if you’re new to the state, you may be unfamiliar with the laws. That’s why we’ve assembled a list of several important laws to help keep you in good standing and on the road.
Is West Virginia at Fault or No-Fault State?
West Virginia follows traditional tort law for determining liability in car accidents. You are responsible for compensating the injured parties if you accidentally hit someone.
West Virginia is an at-fault state which means the party responsible for causing the accident is required to cover the damages sustained by the third party.
If you're the at-fault party, I recommend that you look at options for additional coverage available in car insurance providers like Geico and Allstate.Jeffrey Manola Licensed Insurance Agent
Collision and comprehensive coverage, though not mandatory, are usually included in auto insurance policies and cover damages from collisions or natural events.
Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
Types of Coverage | What it Covers |
---|---|
Collision | Collision Helps to recover the cost of repair or replacement if your car is damaged due to a collision with another object, such as a tree, fence, or another car. |
Comprehensive | Comprehensive Covers damages to your car that happen due to causes out of your control, such as storms, theft, fire, etc. |
Medical Payments | Med Pay helps to cover the medical expenses from injury to you or your passengers in an accident irrespective of the fault. |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | PIP, as the Name suggests, kicks in to cover your personal injury expenses in an accident irrespective of fault. Along with medical expenses, PIP also covers lost wages. |
You can choose Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for personal injuries. As the names suggest, you would get reimbursed for your medical expenses or personal injuries from both of these coverage options.
What Are the Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws?
Many fatalities are prevented in car crashes because of seat belts.
In West Virginia, all front-seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt and failure to do so might result in a fine of $25 along with points on the driving record.
Every motor vehicle driver is also required to properly secure children below the age of eight in a car seat. Children who are above eight or taller than 4 feet 9 inches should wear seat belts.
The West Virginia DMV provides a few guidelines on choosing the right seats for children.
- Until the age of two, children should ride in rear-facing seats
- When they turn two, children can be restricted in a forward-facing seat with a harness
- At age four or when the child weighs 40 pounds, a booster seat can be used
- Children should be restricted in a booster seat until the age of 8 or when they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall
- It’s recommended to keep children in the back seat until the age of 13
Any violations of the car seat law can lead to fines between $10 and $25.
What are the Keep Right and Move Over Laws?
In the state of West Virginia, the laws are as follows, according to AAA:
State law requires drivers approaching and traveling in the same direction as a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, including a tow truck, displaying flashing lights, to change to a non-adjacent lane if safe to do so, or to slow to no more than 15 mph on a non-divided highway or 25 mph on a divided highway.
The left lane is only allowed for passing or turning left. Moreover, maximum speed limits are 70 mph on rural interstates, 55-65 mph on urban interstates, and 65 mph on all other roads.
Ridesharing Policy in West Virginia
Ridesharing has become widespread across the country, and many states have enacted laws to help keep you safe.
As per the ridesharing law of West Virginia, Uber or Lyft drivers must carry liability coverage of:
- $50,000 for bodily injury of one person and $100,000 for one accident while the driver is logged in to the mobile app and waiting to pick a ride. In addition, drivers must carry property damage insurance of $25,000 per incident.
- $1 million combined for bodily injury, death, and property damage when the driver is engaged in a ride through the mobile app
Read more: Ridesharing Insurance Coverage Guide
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Automation on the Road in West Virginia
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),
“Automation is the use of a machine or technology to perform a task or function that was previously carried out by a human. In driving, automation involves using radar, camera and other sensors to gather information about a vehicle’s surroundings, which is then used by computer programs to perform parts or all of the driving task on a sustained basis.”
Until now, West Virginia hasn’t enacted any legislation for autonomous vehicles and doesn’t allow testing on its roads. But we never know how this will change in the future. Read in advance this guide on how automation affects your car insurance policies.
DUI Laws in West Virginia
As per state law, motorists with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of more than 0.08 percent can be convicted of DUI. For those under the age of 21, the BAC threshold is 0.02 percent, and for commercial drivers, it is 0.04 percent.
Penalties for a DUI offense can include both fines and prison time.
DUI Penalties in West Virginia
Offense Type | Prison Time | Fines |
---|---|---|
First | 1 year | $1,000 |
Second | 3 years | $4,000 |
Third | 7 years | $7,000 |
Furthermore, West Virginia is among the few states that have implemented a marijuana-impaired driving law, and those found with a THC of three nanograms after the test can be convicted for impairment.
Drivers in West Virginia aren’t allowed to text while driving or use an electronic device unless the device is hands-free.
Any violation of the distracted driving law can result in a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense.
Vehicle Theft in West Virginia
When considering your next car purchase, consider that certain vehicles are stolen more frequently and may have higher insurance rates.
Here’s a list of the top ten stolen vehicles in West Virginia.
Car Insurance Thefts in West Virginia by Make and Model
Vehicle Make & Model | Thefts in 2023 |
---|---|
Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 105 |
Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 98 |
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee | 45 |
Dodge Pickup (Full Size) | 40 |
Chevrolet Pickup (Small Size) | 38 |
Chevrolet Impala | 30 |
Toyota Camry | 28 |
Ford Taurus | 25 |
GMC Pickup (Full Size) | 22 |
Chevrolet Cavalier | 20 |
You can also search for your city in the table to see the number of stolen vehicles, data provided by the FBI.
Motor Vehicle in West Virginia Theft by City
City | Motor Vehicle Theft |
---|---|
Alderson | 1 |
Barboursville | 10 |
Beckley | 50 |
Bluefield | 18 |
Bridgeport | 12 |
Buckhannon | 20 |
Ceredo | 3 |
Charleston | 370 |
Charles Town | 2 |
Dunbar | 45 |
Fairmont | 55 |
Fayetteville | 5 |
Glen Dale | 3 |
Grafton | 1 |
Huntington | 200 |
Kenova | 8 |
Lewisburg | 1 |
Madison | 7 |
Martinsburg | 25 |
Mason | 2 |
Moorefield | 4 |
Morgantown | 28 |
Moundsville | 12 |
Mount Hope | 1 |
Nitro | 20 |
Oak Hill | 13 |
Parkersburg | 120 |
Point Pleasant | 6 |
Princeton | 14 |
Ridgeley | 1 |
Ripley | 2 |
Ronceverte | 3 |
South Charleston | 85 |
St. Albans2 | 38 |
Summersville | 7 |
Vienna | 12 |
Weirton | 18 |
Wellsburg | 4 |
Weston | 5 |
Wheeling | 30 |
Williamson | 1 |
As shown in the table, Charleston had 370 incidents of vehicle theft. Vehicle owners, watch out! Check the car insurance companies that cover vehicle theft for your own good.
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Occurrence of Crash Fatalities in West Virginia
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regularly publishes data about crashes, fatalities, and how these crashes happen. Let’s take a look at the numbers.
Fatalities in West Virginia by Weather and Light Condition
Weather Condition | Daylight | Dark, but Lighted | Dark | Dawn or Dusk | Other / Unknown | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 140 | 15 | 80 | 9 | 1 | 245 |
Rain | 25 | 7 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 55 |
Snow/Sleet | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 |
Other | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 10 |
Unknown | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
Total | 170 | 26 | 107 | 17 | 3 | 323 |
Many incidents occur even in broad daylight, so drivers should be extra careful during the day. Here are the West Virginia counties with the most fatalities over the past five years.
Fatalities in West Virginia by County
County | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barbour | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Berkeley | 18 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
Boone | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Braxton | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Brooke | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Cabell | 15 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 20 |
Calhoun | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Clay | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Doddridge | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Fayette | 13 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 17 |
Gilmer | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Grant | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Greenbrier | 13 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 17 |
Hampshire | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Hancock | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Hardy | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Harrison | 14 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Jackson | 11 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
Jefferson | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Kanawha | 28 | 26 | 30 | 32 | 35 |
Lewis | 9 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Lincoln | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Logan | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Marion | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Marshall | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Mason | 6 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Mcdowell | 6 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Mercer | 11 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
Mineral | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Mingo | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Monongalia | 12 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 17 |
Monroe | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Morgan | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Nicholas | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Ohio | 6 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Pendleton | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Pleasants | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Pocahontas | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Preston | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Putnam | 13 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Raleigh | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Randolph | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Ritchie | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Roane | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Summers | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Taylor | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Tucker | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Tyler | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Upshur | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
Wayne | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Webster | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Wetzel | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Wirt | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Wood | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
Wyoming | 4 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Thankfully, these numbers are not so high, considering that they cover a whole year of data. The next table compares traffic fatalities on urban and rural roadways over five years.
Traffic Fatalities in West Virginia (Rural vs. Urban)
Type of Road | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rural | 180 | 190 | 200 | 210 | 220 |
Urban | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 |
The numbers doubled in rural areas despite its lesser traffic and vehicles. It also comes to the consideration that when accidents occur, few immediate responses are given, and hospitals may not be close. Moving on, we have a 5-year comparison of traffic fatalities by Person Type.
Fatalities in West Virginia by Person Type
Person Type | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger Car | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 | 130 |
Light Truck - Pickup | 45 | 48 | 50 | 53 | 55 |
Light Truck - Utility | 60 | 65 | 70 | 75 | 80 |
Light Truck - Van | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
Large Truck | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
Light Truck - Other | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Total Motorcyclists | 28 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 |
Pedestrian | 30 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 |
Bicyclist and Other Cyclist | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Total | 297 | 319 | 340 | 359 | 382 |
The numbers are increasing throughout the year, but to a relief, it isn’t that big of an increase. We are now advancing to the 5-year comparison of traffic fatalities by crash type.
Fatalities in West Virginia by Crash Type
Crash Type | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Vehicle | 195 | 200 | 210 | 220 | 230 |
Involving a Large Truck | 55 | 58 | 60 | 62 | 65 |
Involving Speeding | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 |
Involving a Rollover | 88 | 90 | 92 | 94 | 96 |
Involving a Roadway Departure | 220 | 225 | 230 | 235 | 240 |
Involving an Intersection (or Related) | 45 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 55 |
Next, we will compare the five-year fatalities involving speeding by county in West Virginia.
Fatalities in West Virginia by County Involving Speeding
County | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barbour | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Berkeley | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Boone | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Braxton | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Brooke | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Cabell | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Calhoun | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Clay | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Doddridge | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Fayette | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Gilmer | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Grant | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Greenbrier | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Hampshire | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Hancock | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Hardy | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Harrison | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Jackson | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Jefferson | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Kanawha | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Lewis | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Lincoln | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Logan | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Marion | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Marshall | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Mason | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Mcdowell | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Mercer | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Mineral | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Mingo | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Monongalia | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Monroe | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Morgan | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Nicholas | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Ohio | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Pendleton | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Pleasants | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Pocahontas | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Preston | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Putnam | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Raleigh | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Randolph | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Ritchie | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Roane | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Summers | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Taylor | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Tucker | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Tyler | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Upshur | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Wayne | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Webster | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Wetzel | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Wirt | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Wood | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Wyoming | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Lastly, we have a 5-year comparison of fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (BAC = .08+) by county in West Virginia.
Fatalities Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver in West Virginia by County
County | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barbour | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Berkeley | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Boone | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Braxton | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Brooke | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Cabell | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Calhoun | X | X | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Clay County | X | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Doddridge County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Fayette County | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Gilmer County | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Grant County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Greenbrier County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Hampshire County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Hancock County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Hardy County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Harrison County | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Jackson County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Jefferson County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Kanawha County | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Lewis County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Lincoln County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Logan County | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Marion County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Marshall County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Mason County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Mcdowell County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Mercer County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Mineral County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Mingo County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Monongalia County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Monroe County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Morgan County | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Nicholas County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Ohio County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Pendleton County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Pleasants County | X | X | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Pocahontas County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Preston County | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Putnam County | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Raleigh County | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
Randolph County | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
Ritchie County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Roane County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Summers County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Taylor County | X | X | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Tucker County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Tyler County | X | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Upshur County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Wayne County | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Webster County | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Wetzel County | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Wirt County | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Wood County | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Wyoming County | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
All these data on fatalities are provided to remind you to take extra caution on the road and get the best car insurance companies to cover in case of accidents and crashes.
Read more: Guides on how to remove distractions while driving
Teen Drinking and Driving Laws in WV
In 2018, West Virginia law enforcement officers arrested 6 out of 3141 teen drivers who are involved in teen drinking and driving.
This number places WestVirginia as the 44th worst state in the U.S. for underage drinking and driving.
Below are the facts concerning underage (under 21 years old) drinking-related fatalities:
- 1.1 fatalities per 100,000 people in West Virginia
- 1.2 fatalities per 100,000 people national average
Now that you’ve read through this comprehensive guide, we hope it is helpful for you in your quest to get or even shift car insurance providers.
We’ve filled this guide with everything you need to know about buying car insurance in West Virginia. Now, it’s time to hit the road. Enter your ZIP code to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is car insurance so expensive in West Virginia?
Car insurance is expensive in West Virginia because of high accident rates, the number of uninsured drivers, the state’s rural terrain, which increases the likelihood of severe crashes, and many old vehicles that lack safety features, mostly leading to higher injury claims.
What is the minimum car insurance in WV?
The minimum requirements for auto insurance in West Virginia are $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for accidents, $25,000 for bodily injury per person, and the same amount for uninsured driver coverage.
What is the cheapest auto insurance in WV?
The USAA car insurance in West Virginia is the cheapest, with monthly rates that start at $25.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in WV?
No, West Virginia requires residents to have car insurance from a company licensed to operate in the state.
Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in WV?
To register an automobile in West Virginia, you need evidence of insurance. You must present a current insurance card or policy declaration page demonstrating the minimum liability coverage required by the state.
How much is car insurance in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, full-coverage auto insurance price ranges from $67 to $196. However, premiums may differ according to location, driving history, and age. What insurance is required in West Virginia?
Does West Virginia have state insurance?
Yes, West Virginia provides Medicaid and WV CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) for qualified citizens. The state also offers government employees the PEIA (Public Employees Insurance Agency). Furthermore, if high-risk drivers have trouble finding insurance elsewhere, the WV Automobile Insurance Plan (WV AIP) assists them in obtaining coverage.
Is Progressive insurance available in West Virginia?
Progressive Insurance is indeed available in West Virginia. They provide competitive rates and discounts, such as Snapshot®, for safe driving for renters, home, auto, and other insurance types in the state. Local agents or the internet can provide you with a quote.
What is the cheapest liability insurance in West Virginia?
USAA car insurance provides the cheapest liability auto insurance in West Virginia, with an average monthly premium of $25. Check more for the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia.
Which is the most expensive form of car insurance?
Full coverage, the priciest type of auto insurance, offers comprehensive collision and liability protection against various hazards. Furthermore, it might be significantly more expensive for drivers with significant infractions to obtain high-risk insurance (SR-22/FR-44).
Which insurance companies deny the most claims?
Liberty Mutual denies the most car insurance claims, with a 25.6% denial rate. Other insurers with high denial rates include State Farm (22.1%), Allstate (20.4%), and Farmers Insurance (19.3%).