Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in West Virginia (October 2024)


For individual drivers with low income and poor credit, the cheapest car insurance company is Westfield at $42 per month. For families with low income, the most affordable provider is Nationwide at $51 per month.

West Virginia does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for low-income families and individuals. Finding the provider with the most affordable rate is one option to manage the cost, and there are also ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

While minimum coverage will help you drive legally, there are downsides to this type of coverage. For example, it may not cover all costs in an at-fault accident.

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Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

Westfield is the cheapest car insurance provider for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in West Virginia with an average minimum coverage premium of $42 per month or $508 per year.

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Cheapest for Families With Low Income

Nationwide is the cheapest car insurance provider for families with low-income in West Virginia with an average minimum coverage premium of $51 per month or $614 per year.

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Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

Westfield is the cheapest car insurance provider for seniors with low-income and poor credit score in West Virginia with an average minimum coverage premium of $40 per month or $479 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the West Virginia Department of Insurance to get the cheapest average costs for low-income drivers of West Virginia.

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8Companies Compared
 
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Does West Virginia Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Car insurance companies in West Virginia do not consider income when calculating your car insurance rates. Instead, they look at factors like age, driving record, credit history and type of car. At-fault accidents and moving violations can increase your rates, so maintaining a clean record is essential for keeping costs down.

The best way to find the cheapest rates is to compare quotes from several insurance companies. This allows you to see different options and choose the most affordable one for your needs.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. Additionally, if you rarely drive, pay-per-mile insurance could be the best option for saving money. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurers for low-income drivers in West Virginia to help you save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in West Virginia

To legally operate a vehicle in West Virginia, securing car insurance that satisfies the state's minimum coverage requirements is essential. Your policy must include the following coverage amounts:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident.
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 uninsured/Underinsured property damage coverage.

When considering car insurance policies, the liability-only car insurance is the most affordable option, covering expenses for the other driver if you're at fault in an accident. However, it doesn't cover your own vehicle's damages. For broader protection, full coverage car insurance is available, including collision and comprehensive coverages, safeguarding against a range of damages, from collisions to theft and natural disasters.

In areas like West Virginia, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, opting for full coverage can be prudent. For instance, if you live in a region prone to severe storms or flooding, full coverage would protect your vehicle against such natural events. It's crucial to assess the risks and benefits of different coverages to determine what aligns with your needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in West Virginia

Credit history is crucial for low-income drivers in West Virginia as it significantly affects car insurance premiums. A poor credit record can signal higher risk to insurers, leading to higher premiums. In West Virginia, your credit history can influence car insurance rates, making it essential to maintain a good insurance score. The cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with low-income and poor credit record in West Virginia are:

  • Westfield: $508 per year, $42 per month
  • GEICO: $827 per year, $69 per month

Drivers with good insurance credit, you can get the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia from:

  • Westfield: $371 per year, $31 per month
  • Erie: $457 per year, $38 per month

Driving without insurance in West Virginia is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000 and other penalties.'

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
Westfield$508$42
GEICO$827$69
Nationwide$1,016$85
Erie$1,034$86
Progressive$1,088$91
State Farm$1,142$95
Allstate$1,331$111
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in West Virginia

Car insurance premiums are influenced by various factors, including your family situation but not your income. In West Virginia, a single parent with a teen faces an annual premium of $1,212, while married couples with a teen enjoy a lower rate, saving $598 per year on average.

The most affordable car insurance providers for married couples with a teen in West Virginia are:

  • Nationwide: $614 per year; $51 per month
  • Allstate: $708 per year; $59 per month

For single parents with a teen, the cheapest options are:

  • State Farm: $1,212 per year; $101 per month
  • Nationwide: $1,444 per year; $120 per month

Married couples benefit from reduced rates due to perceptions of stability and shared responsibility. In contrast, single parents might face higher premiums. Regardless of your family structure, keeping a solid credit score is key to accessing more affordable car insurance options.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
Nationwide$614$51
Allstate$708$59
GEICO$821$68
State Farm$978$81
Progressive$1,587$132

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in West Virginia

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach the early senior years, typically around ages 55 to 65, especially if you have a clean driving record.

The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low-income and poor credit history are:

  • Westfield: $479 per year; $40 per month
  • GEICO: $765 per year; $64 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. In West Virginia, specific laws and guidelines may apply to seniors getting car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Credit Score:Poor
Westfield$479$40
GEICO$765$64
Nationwide$980$82
Erie$1,019$85
State Farm$1,077$90
Progressive$1,140$95
Allstate$1,446$120
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in West Virginia?

Income itself does not directly affect car insurance rates in West Virginia. However, a low income can lead to a poor credit record, which may result in higher rates. Conversely, a high income can lead to a better credit record and lower rates.

Understanding the factors that contribute to car insurance rates in West Virginia can help you make informed decisions in choosing the best car insurance for you.

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    Driving record

    A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations usually results in lower rates.

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    Age and Gender

    Younger drivers, especially males, often pay more due to higher risk than more experienced drivers.

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    Credit history

    Your credit history can affect your rates, with lower insurance scores often leading to higher premiums.

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    Location

    Where you live plays a role, with urban areas often having higher rates than rural areas due to more congested roadways, higher accident rates and incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism.

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    Vehicle type

    The make, model and year of your car impact insurance costs. Sportier or more expensive cars generally cost more to insure.

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    Coverage levels

    The higher your level of coverage, the higher your premiums.

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    Insurance company

    Different insurers have different underwriting methodologies and discounts, so it's important to compare quotes.

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    Claims history

    A history of filing claims can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might behoove you not to file a claim.

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    Extreme weather events

    West Virginia is prone to severe weather events like hailstorms and ice storms, which can increase insurance claims and, in turn, rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance in West Virginia

There are several ways to find affordable car insurance in West Virginia. Whether or not you qualify for state-sponsored programs for low-income drivers, you can still find options that fit your budget. Understanding the importance of minimum coverage can help you make informed decisions. Here are some tips to lower your car insurance premiums:

  1. 1

    Choose minimum coverage

    Selecting state-mandated minimum coverage can help you save while meeting legal requirements to drive. This ensures you're compliant without overpaying for unnecessary coverage.

  2. 2

    Comparison shop

    To find the most affordable rates, get quotes from multiple insurers and compare rates and discounts. Shopping locally might yield the lowest rates in West Virginia.

  3. 3

    Look for discounts

    Many insurance companies offer discounts for various factors such as being a good student, having a safe driving record, being a military member, or bundling your auto insurance with other policies.

  4. 4

    Increase your deductible

    If you opt for collision or comprehensive coverage, choosing a higher car insurance deductible can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Ensure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.

  5. 5

    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    If available, pay-per-mile insurance is a great option for low-mileage drivers. It involves paying a base rate plus a per-mile fee, ensuring you only pay for the miles you drive.

  6. 6

    Bundle your policies

    If you have other insurance needs like homeowners or renters insurance, bundling them with your auto policy can often lead to discounts. The best home and auto bundles can save you around $496 each year.

  7. 7

    Drive a cheaper car

    Your car's make, model and year significantly impact insurance costs. Driving the cheapest cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars annually.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in West Virginia

Finding affordable car insurance in West Virginia can be tough for drivers with low incomes. Here are answers to some of your most common questions on how to save.

Does West Virginia have a state-supported low-income car insurance program?

How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in West Virginia?

Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in West Virginia?

What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low income in West Virginia?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.