West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

West Virginia's minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/25. The average annual cost of state minimum car insurance in West Virginia is $633, or about $53 per month for affordable coverage.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Myjel Guevarra

Updated: October 31, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

West Virginia's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage per accident. State law also mandates similar amounts for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. West Virginia operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is also responsible for any resulting harm and associated costs.

The average monthly premium for state minimum car insurance in West Virginia is $53. Those looking for the most cost-effective options can explore the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia to ensure they meet state guidelines.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

West Virginia Minimum Coverage Requirements
Cost of Minimum Coverage in West Virginia
Cheapest Companies in West Virginia for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in West Virginia
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in West Virginia
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of West Virginia drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in West Virginia as of November 2024.

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West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In West Virginia, you are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to drive legally. This minimum includes:

$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

West Virginia is a fault state, meaning the financial responsibility for an accident usually falls on the driver found to be at fault.

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN WEST VIRGINIA?

West Virginia does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance by law. However, if you're financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender or leasing company will likely mandate both coverages to protect their investment from damage, theft or total loss.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects West Virginia's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Specific coverage details depend on the individual's insurance policy terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in West Virginia

Age influences the cost of minimum car insurance rates. In West Virginia, young adult drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums. This is mainly because insurance providers consider them riskier due to less driving experience and a higher likelihood of accidents. The table below displays the average cost of minimum coverage in West Virginia, broken down by age group, highlighting affordability trends across different ages.


22-29	$729	$61
30-59	$633	$53
60 +	$624	$52

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in West Virginia

When seeking the most affordable minimum coverage auto insurance in West Virginia, Westfield and Erie offer the lowest rates.

Westfield: $371 per year; $31 per month
Erie: $481 per year; $40 per month

Drivers should choose the best car insurance in West Virginia that matches their needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


Westfield	$371	$31
Erie	$481	$40
State Farm	$541	$45
GEICO	$618	$52
Progressive	$708	$59
Nationwide	$778	$65
Allstate	$933	$78

Optional Add-On Coverages in West Virginia

In West Virginia, you can opt for additional coverages such as comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These optional add-ons protect against a range of incidents not covered by how much car insurance you need, such as theft, vandalism and accidents with uninsured drivers.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the vehicle's breakdown site.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use, like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in West Virginia

In West Virginia, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance can vary. You might face certain fines for a first offense, while repeat offenders could see those fines increase substantially. Each incident can carry heavier consequences than the last. Additional penalties for driving without insurance in West Virginia can include:

Vehicle registration suspension: This makes it illegal to drive the car until the issue is resolved.
License suspension and a fee to get it reinstated: A suspended license means you cannot legally drive any vehicle.
SR-22 requirement: This certification from your insurance company proves that you have the necessary coverage; this usually means higher insurance premiums.
Up to six months in jail: If you are found driving uninsured and involved in an accident, you could face jail time.

Carrying at least the state minimum coverage for your car helps protect you financially and keeps you on the right side of the law.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in West Virginia, it's essential to act quickly. Immediately contact your insurance agent to discuss your options or to find a new insurer to ensure coverage continuity.

West Virginia DMV will be notified of your insurance status. If you're caught driving without insurance, you could face penalties such as fines or even license suspension. To stay legal, always maintain at least state minimum car insurance coverage.

For drivers struggling to get insured, West Virginia does not have a specific state program like TexasSure, but there are insurance providers specializing in high-risk policies.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in West Virginia may have been canceled for several reasons:

Non-Payment: If you missed paying your premiums on time, your insurer likely canceled your policy for non-payment.
License Suspension: Your policy could be canceled if your driver's license was suspended or revoked.
Fraudulent Claims: Filing false or exaggerated claims can lead to cancellation.
Policy Violations: Violating any insurance policy terms might result in cancellation.
Risk Profile Changes: Significant changes in your risk profile, like getting several speeding tickets, could cause a cancellation.
State Required Coverage: Not maintaining state minimum coverage is grounds for policy termination.

Keep a clean driving record and pay your premiums to ensure your coverage stays active.

FAQ: West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We provide clear answers to questions about car insurance coverage to help you understand what you need to drive legally in West Virginia.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the minimum coverage for auto insurance includes bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and property damage liability of $25,000 per accident. The state also mandates uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.

Why does West Virginia require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

West Virginia requires minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure motorists can cover costs associated with damages and injuries they may cause in an accident. This helps protect drivers and accident victims from facing expenses, providing a basic level of security in the event of a collision.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, while comprehensive insurance is not mandated by state law, it's highly advisable for added protection. It covers non-collision events like theft or natural disasters. Without it, you're financially responsible for such damages to your vehicle.

What happens if you drive uninsured in West Virginia?

Driving uninsured in West Virginia is illegal and results in severe consequences. Should you be caught without valid insurance, expect a fine ranging from $200 to $5,000, a suspended driver's license for 30 days (with the possibility of an extension) and possible suspension of your vehicle registration. To reinstate privileges, you'll be required to carry an SR-22 insurance certificate for a set period, which may increase your future insurance premiums.

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.

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