West Virginia Homeowners Insurance Quotes (2024)

State Auto and Liberty Mutual offer some of the best homeowners insurance policies in West Virginia.

Choncé Maddox
Written byChoncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox
  • 7+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

  • Certified financial education instructor (CFEI)

Choncé was a licensed life insurance agent before becoming a freelance personal finance writer. She’s passionate about helping people learn to protect themselves with insurance.

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Chris Schafer
Edited byChris Schafer
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Andrew Huang
Data reviewed byAndrew Huang
Headshot of Andrew Huang, Directory of Analytics at Insurify
Andrew HuangVice President, Performance Marketing
  • Chartered financial analyst

  • 12+ years in data analysis and marketing

Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.

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Updated April 10, 2023

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Residents of West Virginia know their proximity to the Appalachian Mountains can leave their homes exposed to several region-specific weather conditions. Because of this, West Virginia’s average cost of homeowners insurance sits slightly higher than the national average, at $203 per month.

If you’re shopping around for the best home insurance policy for your needs, it’s important to compare quotes from individual insurance providers and decide on a policy that fits your budget and coverage requirements. The insights gained from this article can help you make an insurance-coverage decision with confidence.

Best home insurance companies in West Virginia

Many quality home insurance companies serve homeowners in West Virginia, and the best insurance company for you will depend on your individual situation and needs. Below are some of the top insurers to consider based on different factors.

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Best large insurer: Nationwide

Nationwide is a large insurer with a J.D. Power score of 816 out of 1,000 points.[1] This insurer provides West Virginia homeowners with comprehensive coverage at an average cost of $175 per month. A standard home insurance policy with Nationwide protects you and your home against theft, fire, lawsuits, and weather damage. It also protects your personal belongings.

Nationwide provides premium discounts for bundling insurance and an optional smart home program to help keep you safe from water damage, break-ins, fires, and more.

Pros
  • Can request a quote online

  • Discounts for bundling insurance

  • Optional smart home program

Cons
  • Not the cheapest insurance rates in West Virginia

  • Coverage for high-value items not included in basic coverage

  • Must add coverage for roof replacement with more modern materials

Best insurer for cheap rates: State Auto

State Auto is the cheapest home insurance provider in West Virginia, with an average monthly rate of $102. Homeowners can choose from three main levels of coverage: standard, protection plus, and premier. You can expect higher costs if you need more than basic coverage.

State Auto also provides discount options for getting an advanced quote, having a fortified home, and owning anti-theft devices.

Pros
  • Three levels of coverage to choose from

  • Provides several discount options

  • Has a self-guided property inspection app

Cons
  • No option to get a quote online (must speak with an agent)

  • No J.D. Power score

  • Earthquake coverage not included in basic plan

Best for water backup coverage: Hippo

Some of the most common hazards for homes in West Virginia include flooding, landslides, and groundwater buildup.[2] Unfortunately, standard home insurance policies don’t typically cover flood damage. However, Hippo is an insurance option that provides coverage for water backup and overflow from drains and sewers.

Hippo is a startup insurance company looking to provide modern coverage options to homeowners and simplify the process of obtaining insurance. This company provides a 60-second free quote and a premium discount for anyone who uses its free smart home-monitoring system.

Homeowners pay an average of $200 per month for coverage through Hippo.

Pros
  • Covers water backup

  • Free 60-second online quote

  • Free smart home-monitoring system for West Virginia homeowners

Cons
  • No J.D. Power score

  • Lack of a long-standing industry reputation

  • Tech-forward focus may not appeal to everyone

Best insurer for high-value homes: Foremost

Foremost is an insurance company that’s been around for more than 70 years and allows policyholders to customize their coverages, limits, and deductibles. Foremost offers comprehensive home insurance for primary residences, seasonal and secondary homes, and high-value homes.

This insurer also offers extended replacement cost coverage, where you can receive up to an additional 50% of the insured amount to replace your home in the event of a total loss. Homeowners can qualify for discounts for any home security devices they have, being claims-free, or bundling home insurance with another policy option.

The average monthly premium for Foremost coverage is $211.

Pros
  • Covers high-value homes

  • Offers extended replacement cost coverage

  • Several options for coverage limits and deductible amounts

Cons
  • Doesn’t have a J.D. Power score

  • Higher rates compared to other West Virginia insurers

  • No option to receive an instant quote unless you call or speak to an agent

Best regional insurance company: Erie

Erie provides homeowners insurance in 12 states, including West Virginia. Erie offers standard home insurance along with guaranteed replacement cost coverage and personal property coverage for damage due to several perils.

Homeowners can save around 20% on their policy when they bundle home insurance and hold more than one policy with Erie. The company has a J.D. Power score of 827 out of 1,000.[1]

Pros
  • Offers guaranteed replacement cost on standard policies

  • Provides multi-policy discounts to save you 16% to 25% on insurance premiums

  • 24/7 online claim support

Cons
  • Must work with a local agent to get a quote or buy a policy

  • Low standard coverage amounts for cash and precious metals

  • Not many add-on coverage options

Methodology

Insurify’s team of data scientists analyze millions of home insurance quotes, and weigh publicly available reviews, claims payout rates, complaint indexes, financial strength scores, company reputations, and proprietary quoting data. Our editorial team applies this insight to inform our unbiased reviews and recommendations.

How much is homeowners insurance in West Virginia?

Your cost will depend on several factors, including home insurance prices, your location, previous claims history, and the type of home insurance policy you select. Everyone’s policy needs are unique, so continue reading to learn what’s included in basic home insurance policies and how different types of policies can affect your rate.

How your policy choices affect home insurance rates in West Virginia

Here’s how your policy choices influence the premiums you pay for your home insurance.

Your policy form

Home insurance policies cover perils, which are events that cause damage to your property or personal belongings. Covered perils generally include wind, hail, lightning, fire, tornadoes, and hurricanes, as well as falling objects.

Different types of home insurance policies cover certain perils differently or exclude them. 

  • HO-2 policy: HO-2 policies have more coverage limitations than HO-3. 

  • HO-3 policy: The most common type of insurance policy is an HO-3. HO-3 policies cover 16 different perils but exclude flood damage

  • HO-5 policy: An HO-5 policy is also referred to as an all-perils policy. It’s usually more expensive, but this is because an HO-5 covers all perils except those specifically excluded in your policy.

Since each policy is different, always check your perils to confirm what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

Learn More: Types of Homeowners Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Your coverage level

The higher your coverage level, the more you can expect to pay for your premium. That said, you want to make sure you have enough coverage to replace your home in the event of a total loss.

You should also understand whether the insurance company pays out claims based on your home’s actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value represents your home’s value minus depreciation. Replacement cost, on the other hand, doesn’t factor depreciation into the value of your home.

Home insurance policies that use replacement cost may be more expensive but can generally provide better coverage should you ever need it.

Your deductible

Before an insurer will pay toward covered damages to your home or personal belongings, you must first pay the deductible. Your deductible amount can vary depending on the insurer and your coverage level, but it’s a fixed amount you agree to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.

Once you file a claim and your insurer agrees to cover your loss, you must pay the deductible before repair work can begin. Having a higher deductible could decrease your insurance premium, but this also means you’ll pay more up front if you need to file a claim.

Whatever deductible you choose, be sure it’s an amount you can afford to pay if you need to file a claim.

How location affects home insurance rates in West Virginia

Each state, and even different ZIP codes within a state, can have different home insurance prices. Some factors that affect home insurance rates include location, weather events, the cost to rebuild or repair homes, and the rate of vandalism and theft in a community.

The table below shows the average cost of home insurance in a few West Virginia cities.

CityAverage Monthly Quote
Beckley$271
Charleston$215
Martinsburg$159
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.

What are the cheapest home insurance companies in West Virginia?

The cheapest companies for home insurance in West Virginia are State Auto, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide. Among these three insurers, the average monthly quotes range from $102 to $175, compared to the state average cost of $203.

Here are some of the cheapest insurers in the Mountain State if you’re looking to save money on home insurance. Keep in mind that your coverage needs may result in a more expensive quote.

Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
State Auto$102
Liberty Mutual$145
Nationwide$175
Hippo$200
Safeco$477
Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify’s partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique profile.

How much homeowners insurance do you need in West Virginia?

Home insurance isn’t required by law. However, when you take out a mortgage on your home, your mortgage company will usually require you to purchase a home insurance policy. It’s important to understand exactly what your home insurance policy covers before you buy it. That way, you’ll know you have adequate coverage.

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What home insurance coverages should you buy in West Virginia?

A standard homeowners insurance policy includes the following coverages:

  • Dwelling: This covers structural damage to the home itself, including attached structures. You can choose your own limit for dwelling coverage, and the insurer will either provide actual cash value or replacement cost protection.

  • Other structures: This covers damage to detached structures of your home, like a detached garage or shed.

  • Personal property: This pays to replace personal items in your home damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.

  • Additional living expenses (ALE): Even if your claim gets approved and repairs will be made to your home, this can create an inconvenient situation where you may need to find temporary housing options. ALE covers your temporary living costs if you need to move somewhere while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. This includes costs such as hotel bills and restaurant meals while you’re away from your home.

  • Personal liability: This protects you against financial loss if someone sues you for damages or injuries endured while on your property.

  • Medical expenses: This covers medical bills if someone is hurt in an accident on your property or by one of your pets.

What optional home insurance coverages should you buy in West Virginia?

West Virginia homeowners may want to consider additional coverages since basic home insurance has some exclusions. These are some common optional coverages to explore:

  • Flood insurance: Standard home insurance policies don’t offer flood coverage. But flooding is common in West Virginia, and more than 1,500 floods have been recorded from 2007 to 2022.[3] Homeowners should consider obtaining flood coverage through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program.

  • Sewer drain and backup: This coverage is usually offered as an add-on and pays for damage to your house from a sewer or drain backup.

How much home insurance coverage should you have in West Virginia?

Every home insurance policy is different and has several aspects. To determine how much coverage you may need, consider factors like the value of your home and the weather-related risks or the chance of certain natural disasters occurring in your area.

Then, determine if you’ll need any optional coverage, whether it’s flood insurance or additional sewer drain and water backup coverage. Shop around and gather quotes from different insurers to narrow down your policy options and find the best coverage for your needs.

What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in West Virginia?

Basic home insurance policies don’t cover everything. Knowing what the risks are when owning a home in West Virginia can help you better determine your necessary coverage level.

Here are some of the most common risks homeowners in West Virginia face:

  • Flooding: Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but you can obtain a flood insurance policy through some private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program.

  • Windstorms: Severe wind and weather patterns from nearby hurricanes aren’t uncommon in West Virginia. The state also typically sees tornadoes about two to five times per year, but they usually aren’t very powerful. Still, you’ll want to make sure you have coverage for heavy wind and tornado damage, which most basic home insurance policies provide.

  • Snowstorms: Severe thunderstorms, as well as snowstorms and ice hazards, can affect homes in West Virginia. Luckily, standard home insurance covers all these things, including damage due to the weight of ice, snow, and sleet.

How can you save money on homeowners insurance in West Virginia?

While several factors influence the cost of your home insurance, you have plenty of ways to save money on your premiums and lock in discounts. Here are some of the most common ways to save money on your homeowners insurance in West Virginia.

Bundle home and auto insurance

Most insurance companies give you a discount for bundling home insurance with auto or another type of insurance. This is one of the easiest ways to get a discount without doing much else than keeping the same insurer.

Install anti-theft and safety devices

One basic way to reduce your home insurance premium is to ensure your home meets standard safety requirements.

“Alarms, locks, security lighting, and safes are all wise investments for the security of your property but will also mean you pay significantly less for your insurance,” says Stuart Bensusan, director at Surewise.

Raise your deductible

Raising your deductible is another way to save on homeowners insurance costs because you’re shouldering more of the risk yourself. Just be mindful that you’ll pay more up front before your insurance covers any damage from a claim.

Comparison shop

Comparison shopping helps you gather quotes from different insurers so you can compare them side by side. Most insurers allow you to fill out a form online to receive a quick quote. For smaller or regional insurers, you may need to call directly or reach out to an insurance agent, but it’s worth the effort to ensure you’re not overpaying for home insurance.

Try to gather at least three different quotes for similar policies to help you decide on the policy that matches your coverage needs at the best price.

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Average home replacement cost in West Virginia

With replacement cost coverage, the insurer will cover the costs to reconstruct your home using the same types of building materials. Replacement cost doesn’t deduct depreciation value due to age, wear and tear, and other factors from the payout.

Homeowners with a replacement cost coverage policy will receive funds up to their coverage limit for an approved claim, but you’re responsible for paying the difference if repair costs exceed your coverage amount. With so many different types of homes, the amount of replacement cost coverage necessary for your specific home will be a unique figure, but it’s often tied to location.

Determining your home’s replacement cost early on can help you decide how much coverage you need in order to limit your out-of-pocket costs. Here are the average home values in some West Virginia cities.

CityAverage Home Value
Beckley$223,654
Charleston$231,074
Martinsburg$289,260

West Virginia home insurance FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about home insurance in West Virginia.

  • How much is home insurance a month in West Virginia?

    The average monthly cost of home insurance in West Virginia is $203. Homeowners may also want to consider adding flood insurance, as well as replacement cost coverage for their personal property. While a basic home insurance policy will cover most perils, getting additional coverage may be necessary and will likely raise your premium costs.

  • Is homeowners insurance expensive in West Virginia?

    Not particularly. Home insurance in West Virginia hovers near the national average. It’s important to note that home insurance costs vary by state due to factors like geographical location, weather conditions, the cost of building materials, home values, and the rate of crime in some major cities.

  • What are the three main types of homeowners insurance?

    The three main types of homeowners insurance are:

    • Actual cash value: This represents the dollar amount needed to repair or replace your home, minus depreciation.

    • Replacement cost: This is the amount to repair or replace your home using the same or similar building materials without factoring in depreciation.

    • Extended replacement cost: This coverage pays a certain percentage over your original coverage limit if more is needed to rebuild your home. This usually adds 20% or more to the limit, but it depends on the insurer.

  • Does West Virginia require homeowners insurance?

    In West Virginia, homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, but your mortgage company will usually require you to have it. Even though it’s not legally required, it’s a good idea to get homeowners insurance to protect against costly repairs due to damage from covered perils like severe weather, fire, and theft.

Sources

  1. J.D. Power. "Bundle Fumble? Rising Auto Insurance Premiums are Killing Home Bundles, J.D. Power Finds." Accessed March 27, 2023
  2. West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. "Homeowner's Guide to Geologic Hazards." Accessed March 27, 2023
  3. Pew Research Center. "With Major Flood as Backdrop, Experts Work to Boost Resilience in West Virginia." Accessed March 27, 2023
Choncé Maddox
Choncé Maddox

Choncé Maddox is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and personal finance freelance writer. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Journalism and has been covering personal finance topics surrounding saving, debt payoff, credit, and home insurance for seven years. Chonce briefly held a life insurance license in Illinois where she developed a passion for helping people learn how to protect themselves and their property through insurance coverage. Her work has been featured on LendingTree, Business Insider, RateGenius and more.

Chris Schafer
Edited byChris SchaferSenior Editor
Chris Schafer
Chris SchaferSenior Editor
  • 15+ years in content creation

  • 7+ years in business and financial services content

Chris is a seasoned writer/editor with past experience across myriad industries, including insurance, SAS, finance, Medicare, logistics, marketing/advertising, and many more.

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Andrew Huang
Data reviewed byAndrew HuangVice President, Performance Marketing
Headshot of Andrew Huang, Directory of Analytics at Insurify
Andrew HuangVice President, Performance Marketing
  • Chartered financial analyst

  • 12+ years in data analysis and marketing

Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.

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