West Virginia Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

Known as "The Mountain State," West Virginia is often referred to as the "Switzerland of the U.S." Besides the mountains, it's also known for its Civil War history and manufacturing of fine glass.

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.