Back to all states

West Virginia Car Insurance Information

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in West Virginia . Drivers must have a minimum of liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability, and uninsured motorist coverage is required:

    • $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
    • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
    • $25,000 for property damage per accident.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party.
    • $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
    • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
    • $25,000 for property damage per accident.
  • * While you’re required to have minimum uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50/25, insurance providers are required to offer you the maximum limits of:
    • $100,000 for bodily injury to one person.
    • $300,000 for bodily injury per accident.
    • $50,000 for property damage per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability, and uninsured coverage is the only requirements for West Virginia motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

  • Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
  • Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
  • Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.
  • Roadside assistance/towing coverage – Typically adds coverage for towing, tire changes, lockout services, and more.
  • Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include: There are no alternative forms of financial responsibility. West Virginia requires all drivers to have minimum coverage.

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times.  

Valid forms of proof of financial responsibility include:

  • Insurance card.
  • Policy binder.
  • Self-certification.
  • Policy declaration page.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

  • Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
    • $200 – 5,000 fine for first offense.
      • 30 day suspension of driver’s license.
      • Revocation of vehicle registration until proof of insurance is furnished.
    • $200 – 5,000 fine for first offense.
      • 15 to 1 year in jail.

  Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All West Virginia drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers should try to find a provider that specializes in high-risk, non-standard drivers.

  

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

  • Credit history
  • Driving history
  • Deductible
  • Marital status
  • Year, make, model of vehicle
  • Neighborhood, city of residence

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in West Virginia:

  • Low-mileage discount.
  • Good driver discount.
  • Good student discount.
  • Homeowner discount.
  • Multi-vehicle discount.

Cellphone Use:

Drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using their cellphones while driving; hand-held or wireless. All drivers are prohibited from using a hand-held cellphone while driving. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting violations are considered primary offenses. West Virginia has a hand-held band, drivers are prohibited from holding a device while driving. Violators face a $100 fine for first offense, $200 fine for second offense, $300 fine and 3 points against driver’s license for all subsequent offenses.


West Virginia Minimum Coverage Laws

Carriers in West Virginia

Recent Quotes in West Virginia

Full Insurance Laws for West Virginia

None