Updated: December 3, 2024
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Finding the best car insurance in West Virginia depends on your specific needs. MoneyGeek's top recommendation is Erie, which excels overall. Those seeking minimum coverage may find Westfield optimal, while Nationwide suits families with teen drivers.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.
In West Virginia, Erie is the best overall car insurance provider with a high MoneyGeek score of 92 and an annual premium of $1,013, while State Farm serves as the runner-up.
In West Virginia, Westfield is the top car insurance provider for minimum coverage, with an annual premium of $446.
In West Virginia, the best car insurance provider for customer service is Westfield, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100, while Erie follows closely as the runner-up with a score of 85 out of 100, illustrating both companies' commitment to high satisfaction and reliable claims handling, despite Westfield's slightly higher premium.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in West Virginia based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in West Virginia.
Erie Insurance emerges as the premier car insurance provider in West Virginia with an impressive MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. The comparison range among scored companies extends from a high of 92 to a low of 62, showcasing the variation in insurer performance based on MoneyGeek's baseline scoring system. These scores reflect a general assessment, and different types of drivers may have varying MoneyGeek scores for each insurer.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
When assessing insurance providers, MoneyGeek places significant emphasis on non-claims customer satisfaction and affordability. Yet, it also considers claims experience and offered coverages crucial factors. These elements collectively impact the overall MoneyGeek scores. Insurers are thereby ranked to assist consumers in making an informed decision by identifying a balance between cost and service quality.
| Erie | 92 | $1,013 |
| Westfield | 88 | $1,144 |
| Nationwide | 75 | $1,289 |
| State Farm | 75 | $1,291 |
| Progressive | 73 | $1,318 |
| GEICO | 72 | $1,213 |
| Allstate | 62 | $1,619 |
Erie is the best option in West Virginia for best full coverage car insurance. This superior ranking is reflected in these top two companies based on their MoneyGeek scores:
Erie stands out due to its excellent blend of high claims handling score and exceptional affordability.
A variety of companies offer car insurance with different levels of cost and service experiences. If you're looking to save, MoneyGeek has also analyzed the companies that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in West Virginia.
Ranks 2nd for customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Leads in affordability with the lowest cost; $1,013 annual premium.
Offers rare coverages like Better Car Replacement and Glass Deductible Modification.
Does not offer Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement or Gap Insurance.
Erie Insurance leads with outstanding satisfaction (33 out of 35) and top-notch affordability (30 out of 30) scores, which are pivotal to its impressive MoneyGeek Score of 92. While Erie does offer common coverages like Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, it falls slightly short by not providing Gap Insurance, a reasonably common coverage. However, its varied offerings like Better Car Replacement and Accident Forgiveness still make it a top contender.
Erie stands out with Better Car Replacement — this unique option ensures you get back on the road with a better vehicle than you had. Glass Deductible Modification, another rare and valuable offering, could mean significant cost savings in the event of windshield or glass damage. Personal Property Insurance is also available, safeguarding against losses or damage to personal items in your car, a coverage many drivers will find beneficial.
Westfield is the best car insurance option in West Virginia for customer service.
Westfield has high satisfaction and claims handling scores. But its annual premium is slightly higher, meaning that West Virginians would be paying for a more consistent service experience.
Excellent customer service and a reliable claims process are fundamental for any insurance company to succeed, because how an insurer supports its customers during times of need — such as after an accident — is a testament to its value and reliability. High-quality customer service ensures that policyholders feel valued and trust that their concerns and claims will be handled efficiently and fairly.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Offers rare coverages and common coverages.
Ranks 1st for key coverages.
Does not offer OEM coverage.
Westfield's high MoneyGeek Score is boosted considerably by its satisfaction and coverage, indicating robust customer experiences and comprehensive policies. A minor drawback is its lack of Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement Coverage, though it does offer Roadside Assistance, a common and valuable assurance for drivers. Among reasonably common coverages, Westfield provides Gap Insurance, offering financial protection against car value depreciation in the event of a total loss.
With its impressive satisfaction (45 out of 45) and claims handling (20 out of 30) scores, Westfield presents a formidable option for insurance. The company's rare coverage package, which bundles home and auto policies, can be particularly advantageous for comprehensive asset protection. Furthermore, the added security of Gap Insurance ensures customers are shielded from the financial discrepancies that can occur between an owed amount on a car and its actual cash value after an accident. These offerings underscore Westfield's commitment to offering tailored, customer-centric solutions.
Westfield is the best option in West Virginia for drivers looking for minimum coverage car insurance.
Westfield stands out with its high MoneyGeek score, including a perfect score in coverage options. The overall score suggests that Westfield not only offers affordable policies at roughly $446 annually for the minimum insurance required by law in West Virginia, but also excels in customer satisfaction and claims handling.
Many companies in West Virginia may offer cheap minimum coverage car insurance. But opting for only the minimum required can end up costing you more in the long run. Minimum coverage may not sufficiently protect you financially in the event of a significant accident, potentially exposing you to hefty out-of-pocket costs.
Offers reasonably rare coverage package.
Ranks 2nd for affordability, with an average annual premium of $446.
Ranks 1st for non-claims customer satisfaction.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Westfield leads with stellar scores in satisfaction and affordability. On average, drivers pay just $446 annually for Westfield's coverage, spotlighting exceptional value for money.
Westfield's high MoneyGeek score is anchored by an affordability score of 39 (out of 40) and a perfect satisfaction score of 25 (out of 25), coupled with full marks in coverage (10 out of 10) and strong scores in claims handling (14 out of 20) and stability (3 out of 5). Westfield provides a robust and reliable service for insurance seekers, cementing its position as a top choice for consumers prioritizing cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
In West Virginia, driver age significantly impacts car insurance rates due to cost variation and tailored coverages and discounts. Nationwide, with a MoneyGeek score of 91, is the best option for teen drivers at an annual premium of $1,146. For young adults, Erie leads with a score of 92 and an annual cost of $1,251. Erie is also the top pick for seniors, scoring 92, with the lowest annual premium of $998, making it a consistently strong choice across various age groups.
Best for teens: Nationwide
Best for seniors: Erie
Best for young adults: Erie
Nationwide is the best option in West Virginia for families seeking car insurance for their teenage drivers. Noteworthy providers based on MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system are:
Nationwide stands out primarily due to its exceptional affordability and claims handling scores. particularly important for families with teenage drivers, which may be more price-sensitive. The annual cost of a Nationwide policy for a teen is $1,146, exemplifying that to get cheap car insurance for a teen in West Virginia, adding them to a family policy is considerably more cost-effective than obtaining a separate policy for them.
Car insurance for teens in West Virginia, as in other states, is much more expensive because young drivers are statistically more prone to accidents, leading insurers to view them as higher risk. This greater likelihood of filing claims translates to higher premiums to offset the risk. Being informed on the cost-efficient options can be critical for families looking for ways to manage these increased expenses.
Offers Good Student discount.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 1st for key coverages.
Ranks 1st for affordability with an average annual premium of $1,146 for full coverage.
Ranks 5th for customer satisfaction.
Missing Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
Nationwide leads the pack with strong MoneyGeek scores in Affordability (30 out of 30) and Satisfaction (28 out of 35), establishing itself as the insurer of choice for those valuing cost efficiency and customer service. For families with young drivers, Nationwide's addition of the Good Student discount serves as an added bonus, although it does not offer the Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
Nationwide offers practical protections, such as Identity Theft Coverage, an increasingly valuable tool in safeguarding personal information for the whole household. The Total Loss Deductible Waiver is another rare coverage offered with your policy, ensuring that financial impacts are mitigated if your vehicle is deemed a total loss. With these bespoke coverages, Nationwide demonstrates its commitment to comprehensive and tailored insurance options for drivers.
Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for seniors, offering not just high ratings but also competitive pricing.
Erie stands out due to its excellent balance of satisfaction, affordability and claims handling, which are significant factors contributing to its near-perfect MoneyGeek score. For seniors seeking quality coverage at a reasonable cost, Erie presents a practical option at an annual premium of $998, underlining the possibility of obtaining cheap car insurance for a senior in West Virginia.
Car insurance premiums for seniors in their 60s in West Virginia don't necessarily surpass those for middle-aged adults. However, as seniors advance into their 70s and 80s, insurance costs are expected to increase, reflecting the additional risks associated with age. This increase is approached considerately, recognizing the value of both safety and affordability in insurance for all stages of life.
Offers roadside assistance, rental car and travel reimbursement.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 1st for affordability, average premium $998 for full coverage.
Erie Insurance leads the pack with an impressive MoneyGeek score of 92, thanks largely to its stellar customer satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35) and perfect affordability score of 30 (out of 30). The company bolsters its offerings with essential services such as Roadside Assistance and Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for those in need of assistance after an accident. Erie demonstrates strong performance across multiple categories, more than compensating for not offering every possible coverage. With an average annual premium of $998, Erie also offers a Senior Driver discount, helping retirees manage their expenses more effectively.
Erie provides its customers with a variety of coverages that can be particularly advantageous for seniors. Its Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement coverage ensures that if you are in an accident, you won't be left stranded or face out-of-pocket costs while your car is being repaired. This service is especially useful for seniors who may need to stay mobile and connected with their routines without interruption.
Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for young adults, excelling with high scores across multiple categories. Here are the top two providers for young adult drivers in the area:
Erie stands out primarily due to its exceptional satisfaction, affordability and claims handling scores that contributed significantly to its overall MoneyGeek score, which is based on data for drivers in their 20s. The annual cost for a young adult's policy with Erie is $1,251, emphasizing that to get cheap car insurance for a young adult in West Virginia, you will generally pay slightly more than older, more experienced drivers.
Insurance for young adults tends to be more expensive due to their lack of driving experience, which statistically correlates with a higher likelihood of accidents and claims. Despite this, young adults in West Virginia can still find competitive rates by comparing insurance providers and considering factors like the MoneyGeek score.
Ranks 2nd for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 1st for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,251 for full coverage.
Offers Good Student, Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
Erie Insurance delivers an exceptional MoneyGeek Score, thanks to robust Satisfaction and Affordability ratings. Although not offering a common Good Student discount, Erie compensates with strong scores in affordability, service and other categories, ensuring value for young drivers. The company does provide both common car insurance coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, enhancing its overall service offering.
Erie provides rare coverages that many drivers will find beneficial. Its Better Car Replacement coverage ensures that if your car is totaled, you can replace it with a car two years newer. The Glass Deductible Modification eliminates the comprehensive deductible for glass repairs, making minor mishaps easier to handle. Additionally, Personal Property Insurance covers the costs if personal items are damaged in your vehicle, a practical option for those who carry valuable items. With these coverages, Erie stands out for delivering peace of mind in various scenarios, backed by a high Satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35), making it a top choice for drivers seeking comprehensive protection and excellent service.
Erie is the best option in West Virginia for drivers with offenses on their record, leading in car insurance with a commendable blend of service, affordability and coverage.
Erie has a superior balance of high satisfaction, claims handling and a strong affordability score. MoneyGeek utilized data involving a mix of drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs to evaluate these insurers. Erie comes out on top with the lowest annual cost for West Virginians with driving offenses, at $1,310. To obtain cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in West Virginia, be prepared to pay more than more seasoned drivers.
Car insurance premiums tend to spike in West Virginia and elsewhere after driving offenses such as tickets, at-fault accidents or DUIs. This is because insurers see such drivers as higher risk and more likely to file claims, leading to increased rates to offset this risk.
Ranks 2nd in general customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st in claims handling.
Ranks 1st for cost, with an average annual premium of $1,310 for full coverage with driving offenses.
Offers roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement and accident forgiveness.
Erie boasts an impressive MoneyGeek Score of 92 out of 100, largely due to exceptional satisfaction (33 out of 35) and maximum affordability (30 out of 30). The company offers a selection of useful coverages for drivers with a poor record, including Roadside Assistance, Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement and Accident Forgiveness. Additionally, its unique Better Car Replacement coverage is an advantage for those wanting extra protection. With an average annual premium of $1,310 and a high affordability score, Erie represents a cost-effective option for motorists with offenses, who typically face higher rates.
Erie's coverages are particularly beneficial for drivers with a less-than-perfect driving history. For instance, its Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement ensures that you're never stranded after an incident, providing crucial support when you need alternate transportation. Accident Forgiveness, which comes into play after three years of being claims-free, can mitigate the financial repercussions of a future accident, granting peace of mind and financial stability.
Moreover, Erie's Better Car Replacement, known as Auto Security, can significantly aid users who experience total losses, providing an avenue to a better replacement vehicle than the one lost—an invaluable feature for maintaining mobility and lifestyle after an accident.
Allstate is the best option in West Virginia for drivers with new cars looking for reliable auto insurance. Allstate has a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($2,492 per year).
Allstate stands out in West Virginia for its exceptional car insurance offerings for new drivers, specifically due to its inclusion of essential coverages like New Car Replacement and/or Better Car Replacement. Its impressive MoneyGeek score reflects the company's commitment to satisfaction, affordability, claims handling, coverage options and financial stability.
The Annual Premium for Allstate is relatively competitive at $2,492, considering that carriers offering New or Better Car Replacement can result in greater savings in the event of an accident. Having this type of coverage ensures that even though premiums may be slightly higher, policyholders could save significantly because they will be compensated for a new vehicle, rather than the depreciated value of their car.
Ranks well in general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims handling.
Ranks 1st in cost for new car owners, $2492 average annual premium.
Offers New Car Replacement coverage.
Does not offer OEM coverage.
Allstate's perfect MoneyGeek score of 100 is due to its top satisfaction (35 out of 35) and affordability scores (30 out of 30), ensuring drivers get excellent value and service. With the availability of New Car Replacement coverage, drivers with new vehicles can benefit from a comparable replacement after a total loss, an invaluable option particularly for the latest models. The average annual premium for Allstate's policyholders is $2,492.
Allstate's New Car Replacement coverage is a standout offering for anyone with a vehicle two model years old or less. It ensures peace of mind, because it pledges to replace a totaled car with a brand-new one, not just the depreciated value. This coverage, alongside common coverages like Roadside Assistance and less common options like Gap Insurance, comprehensively protects a driver's investment in a new car. The addition of rare coverages like Custom Parts Coverage and Portable Electronics and Media Coverage signals Allstate’s commitment to addressing a variety of driver needs.
Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for military personnel, garnering the highest MoneyGeek score.
While USAA is a notable provider catering specifically to those with a military background, it did not top the list in West Virginia based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability.
Erie stands out in West Virginia not only for its high overall MoneyGeek score but also for its excellent client satisfaction and balance between cost and service quality. Erie's annual premium is reasonable at $1,013, marking it as an exceptional value for those seeking both quality service and affordability. For military drivers particularly focused on rates, exploring the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia for military drivers may lead to additional cost savings.
Ranks 2nd for claims handling.
Offers the rare coverages Better Car Replacement and Glass Deductible Modification.
Does not offer Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement or Gap Insurance.
Erie Insurance achieves its high MoneyGeek Score of 87 chiefly due to exceptional satisfaction and affordability scores, reflecting a strong balance between cost and customer happiness. Erie caters exclusively to the insurance needs of its customers with competitive rates, offering an average annual premium of $1,013.
Erie provides unique rare coverages like Better Car Replacement, Glass Deductible Modification and Personal Property Insurance, ensuring extensive protection. Better Car Replacement, also known as Auto Security, is especially valuable because it allows customers to replace a totaled car with a model that is two years newer. Glass Deductible Modification offers the benefit of a waived or reduced deductible for glass repairs, which can mitigate the out-of-pocket costs from common road incidents. Personal Property Insurance covers damages or theft of personal items in your vehicle, which is often invaluable when personal valuables are at risk in the case of vehicular incidents.
These coverages showcase Erie's commitment to comprehensive policies that encompass a wide variety of driver needs, ensuring peace of mind on and off the road. The company's satisfaction score of 32 (out of 35) and affordability score of 26 (out of 30) solidify its reputation as a provider of excellent service and value.
In West Virginia, the cream of the crop in car insurance is marked by a blend of affordability, robust financial health and stellar service record. MoneyGeek's comprehensive analysis has distilled this for you, but should you opt to conduct your own investigation, be prepared to embark on a research journey, methodically scrutinizing each insurer to ensure they meet your individual needs.
In West Virginia, exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of a reliable car insurer. It ensures swift and empathetic responses to claims, enhancing customer satisfaction. Prospective clients are advised to consult independent data providers like JD Power and the NAIC for unbiased company evaluations. Westfield stands out in the region, with a perfect customer satisfaction score of 45 (out of 45) and a claims score of 20 (out of 30), according to MoneyGeek's research.
West Virginians can save significantly by comparing car insurance quotes, balancing cost with quality service. Personal background factors heavily influence premiums, making individual research essential. MoneyGeek's analysis identifies Westfield as the most cost-effective option for minimum coverage in the state, with an annual premium of $446, offering consumers a financially savvy choice without compromising on service.
Selecting the right coverages is important for comprehensive protection on the road. Drivers should investigate insurers to find policies tailored to their needs. MoneyGeek's evaluation reveals that Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide and Westfield each earned a perfect coverage score of 10, indicating they provide all four key coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Gap Insurance and Original Equipment Manufacturer coverage.
Choosing an insurer with a robust financial stability rating is vital to ensure claim payouts. Investigating a company's fiscal health can safeguard against payment defaults. According to MoneyGeek, State Farm and GEICO both achieved a perfect stability score of 5 (the maximum), reflecting an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best and affirming their reliability in fulfilling claims obligations.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
Westfield is recognized as the best for cheap car insurance in West Virginia, with an annual premium of $446 for a minimum coverage policy. It has an overall MoneyGeek score of 91. Minimum coverage policies are less expensive but offer limited protection. Consumers can still find affordable full coverage options by comparing quotes.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
