UPDATED: MAY 08, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
You may see varying rates when you purchase an insurance policy in West Virginia. Many factors reflect the cost of your auto insurance, which can be challenging to figure out. Here is everything about finding the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia.
Best West Virginia Car Insurance Companies
It’s important to compare car insurance rates since they can vary depending on many aspects. Here are some of the best car insurance companies in West Virginia by rate, customer service, and discount offerings.
Cheapest West Virginia Car Insurance Company
The most affordable rates for car insurance in West Virginia are with State Farm. It has the cheapest minimum coverage rates, averaging $382 yearly. Their quotes are a whopping 41% less than the statewide average. Next to State Farm is Westfield Insurance, with rates averaging $410 yearly for minimum car coverage.
Company With the Best Customer Service
In West Virginia, Erie insurance is the best company for customer service. It has a JD Power score of 856 and AM Best rating of A+. State Farm and USAA also boast high customer satisfaction ratings in West Virginia.
Company With the Best Premium-Reducing Programs
Geico is the car insurance company in West Virginia, bundling for premium reductions. You can save money by bundling with multiple vehicles or alongside your renter’s or homeowners insurance for cheaper rates.
Company With the Best Discounts
You should inquire about specific discount offerings from insurers when choosing your policy. State Farm and USAA insurance companies provide multiple discounts for drivers in West Virginia. You can save on your premiums by being a good student, safe driver, and married driver.
Local and Regional Car Insurance Carriers
Infinity Insurance
Since 2002 and part of the Kemper insurance family, Infinity Insurance helps West Virginia drivers protect one of their most critical assets: their car.
Infinity’s auto insurance features standard coverage options and allows customers to customize their policies. West Virginians in Morgantown, Charleston, and the rest of the great Mountain State have a dependable auto insurer in Infinity.
Auto insurance discounts from Infinity include the good student discount, renewal discount, and safety features discount. You might also save if you pay in full and go paperless.
Westfield Insurance
Westfield Insurance has motorists covered, no matter their location. The insurer offers quality driving protection with auto insurance for Charleston, Morgantown, and everywhere else in the Mountain State.
You can choose from liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments, and personal injury protection from Westfield to build the policy you need for your SUV, sedan, motorcycle, or another vehicle.
You can also add roadside assistance coverage for 24/7 assistance when you’re on the road. The company helps your dollars count with a bundle discount called Wespak for home and auto insurance.
West Virginia Insurance Demographics
Demographics factor into the cost of your auto insurance policy, too. Here are some of the standard demographics companies look at in West Virginia:
- Crime Rates: West Virginia ranks 13 out of 50 states for property crime. There is a 1.58% chance of experiencing crime in one year.
- Average Household Income: Only 3.1% of households in West Virginia are high-income. The average household income is $65,332.
- Median Age Range: The median age in West Virginia is 42.7 years. There are slightly more females than males, just over 50% of the population.
- Education: West Virginia is ranked 45 for education in the United States. Over 87% of adults over 25 have a high school diploma. And just over 21% of people 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Common Risk Factors In West Virginia
Weather risks also play a role in determining car insurance rates. In West Virginia, the typical weather risks include extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and flooding.
Crime rates also pose risks for your car insurance costs. Property crime has decreased across the state in the last few years. It has the 14th lowest total crime rate of all states within the US.
Auto Insurance Laws In West Virginia
To comply with state laws for West Virginia, you must carry the mandated minimum amount of car insurance. It covers injuries and property damage sustained by another party when you cause an accident.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements?
The minimum liability car insurance requirements for West Virginia are:
- $25,000 liability per person for injury or death.
- $50,000 coverage per accident.
- $25,000 coverage for property damage.
- $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist bodily injury.
- $20,000 per accident for uninsured motorist property damage.
These liability limits are 25/50/25, with uninsured motorists’ coverage. You can always extend these coverages for more protection.
Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage?
In West Virginia, drivers must carry $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage. It’s necessary by state law, even if you have comprehensive collision coverage.
West Virginia SR-22 policies
In the event of an offense, West Virginia requires drivers to carry an SR-22 policy. These certificates prove you have the minimum necessary car insurance. West Virginia SR-22 coverage must include a legal minimum of 20/40/10. You also pay more for an SR-22 form because you’re a high-risk driver.
Is West Virginia a no-fault state?
West Virginia is not a no-fault state. It’s an an-fault or “tort” state. It means whoever causes the car accident needs to utilize their insurance to pay for damages or repairs.
What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured?
You face penalties if you don’t carry proper minimum car coverage in West Virginia. If caught, you may pay fines from $200 up to $5,000. You may have your license suspended. You can face more fees in court and even possible jail time.
Does West Virginia accept digital insurance cards?
Car insurance companies can provide electronic proof of insurance, usually on an app through a mobile or another device. West Virginia allows digital proof of vehicle insurance as an accepted form of proof.
How Much Does Car Insurance In West Virginia Cost?
Auto insurance rates in West Virginia are cheaper than the average national cost. The average price is around $1,378 annually. Numerous factors impact your insurance premiums, such as the city you reside, your credit history, driving record, and gender.
Average Cost of Car Insurance By City
Your location plays a role in your car insurance costs. This chart shows the average cost of car insurance broken down by city.
| City | Average West Virginia Car Insurance Cost | Difference From West Virginia Average |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $1,445 | -5% |
| Huntington | $1,460 | -4% |
| Parkersburg | $1,420 | -7% |
| Morgantown | $1,350 | -11% |
| Martinsburg | $1,280 | -16% |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Company
Car insurance companies also have differing rates for premiums. Below is the breakdown of average annual premiums by the insurance company for West Virginia.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,005 |
| Nationwide | $995 |
| Progressive | $1,665 |
| State Farm | $1,200 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Age
Your age is another determining factor for your car insurance premiums. This chart gives the average cost of the policy by age bracket.
| Age | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Age 16 | $2,280 |
| Age 18 | $4,880 |
| Age 20 | $3,515 |
| Age 25 | $1,910 |
| Age 30 | $1,675 |
| Age 40 | $1,600 |
| Age 50 | $1,465 |
| Age 60 | $1,410 |
| Age 70 | $1,540 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender
Gender is yet another factor in your auto insurance rates. Here is the difference between genders for average cost in West Virginia:
| Gender | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Male | $1,385 |
| Female | $1,365 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score
Credit history plays a role in whether you pay more or less for car insurance. The better your credit score, the less you’ll pay in premiums.
| Credit Score | Average Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Poor | $2,435 |
| Fair | $2,050 |
| Good | $1,725 |
| Very Good | $1,445 |
| Great | $1,225 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record
If you have any traffic or other auto violations in West Virginia, you can expect to pay higher premiums. Clean driving history means cheaper rates.
| Driving Incident | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) | % Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket | $1,760 | 18% |
| Accident | $2,040 | 37% |
| DUI | $2,685 | 80% |
What Optional Coverages Should You Consider?
You can get more protection for yourself or your vehicle if you have concerns about being in an accident. Some additional coverages to look for in West Virginia and consider are
- Comprehensive Coverage: coverage to repair your vehicle when damage occurs from non-collision-related accidents (subject to a deductible).
- Collision Coverage: covers the repair or replacement costs when physical damage occurs from a collision with another vehicle or object.
- Medical Benefits Coverage: covers necessary medical expenses or funerals for you or others covered under the policy in an accident.
You can also choose higher liability coverage limits than the state requires by law. This way, you can be sure you have enough to cover any unforeseen damages and protect your assets.
Auto Insurance Discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts, which vary by company. There are many discounts to look for in West Virginia, including:
- Customer loyalty discount
- Driver education
- Safe driver discount
- Policy bundling
- Good student
- Continuously insured
- Safety features
- Anti-theft devices
You should inquire with the insurance company directly about what discounts they provide.
FAQs
How much is car insurance a month in West Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance monthly in West Virginia is $115. But many factors determine your rates, including age, driving record, credit history, etc.
Does West Virginia require car insurance?
West Virginia requires all vehicles have insurance per state law. You should carry proof of insurance within your car at all times.
What auto insurance coverage is required in West Virginia?
The minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance in West Virginia:
- $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle.
- $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle.
- $25,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle.
Does West Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?
In West Virginia, drivers must carry $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage.
Is PIP required in West Virginia?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not required in West Virginia. It’s not even available within the state. Companies offer medical payment insurance as optional coverage.
How To Find the Cheapest Car Insurance In West Virginia
Purchasing car insurance in West Virginia takes time and research. To help you find the best policy, follow these three steps:
- Determine the coverage you need for your vehicle and whether optional coverage is necessary.
- Use our online tool to obtain multiple quotes from companies to compare and evaluate.
- Ask about discounts offered or other premium-reducing programs you’re eligible to receive.
When you follow these steps, you should feel confident to make a well-informed decision. You can find the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia.
