Cheap Car Insurance

Cheaper Rates Today in WV

Car Insurance in West Virginia

  • Compare cheap car insurance quotes in WV
  • Get the cheapest car insurance from top companies like Allstate, Progressive, and more!
  • Save hundreds a year on your West Virginia car insurance.

Cheap Car Insurance

Cheaper Rates Today in WV

Car Insurance in West Virginia

  • Compare cheap car insurance quotes in WV
  • Get the cheapest car insurance from top companies like Allstate, Progressive, and more!
  • Save hundreds a year on your West Virginia car insurance.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies In West Virginia

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of West Virginia is $789.92. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in West Virginia across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

CompanySemi Annual Permium
Nationwide$608.00
USAA$613.50
State Farm$686.00
GEICO$700.00
Progressive$1,066.00
Allstate$1,066.00

*Data Methodology – Updated 2/29/2024

The West Virginia car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in WV. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

West Virginia Minimum Liability Coverage

West Virginia state law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The minimum requirements for automobile insurance in West Virginia are:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This covers injuries and damages to other people involved in an accident you cause.
  • Property Damage Liability: $10,000. This covers damage to other people’s vehicles and property resulting from an accident you cause.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This covers injuries and damages caused by drivers who do not have adequate insurance coverage.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in West Virginia

In West Virginia, driving without insurance is against the law and carries serious penalties. If you are caught driving uninsured, you will likely face fines, license suspension, and possibly jail time.

The minimum fine for a first offense of driving without insurance in West Virginia is $200, and subsequent offenses carry higher fines up to $1,000. Additionally, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license for at least 30 days for a first offense, and up to a year for multiple offenses. This suspension will remain on your record until you provide proof of insurance and pay the required reinstatement fee.

For more serious violations, like causing an accident while uninsured, you may face misdemeanor criminal charges that carry jail time of up to 30 days. In these cases, the court will require you to pay restitution for any damages caused by the accident before lifting any penalties.

Auto Insurance Rates in West Virginia

Auto insurance rates in West Virginia are generally considered to be lower than the national average. There are a few key reasons for this.

First, West Virginia has fewer drivers per capita compared to most other states. This means less traffic congestion and fewer accidents, resulting in lower insurance claims and premium costs.

Second, West Virginia has a lower population density overall. This means fewer vehicles are on the road at any given time, which again results in fewer accidents and lower insurance costs.

Third, West Virginia has a low cost of living in general, which impacts various factors used in determining auto insurance rates. Expenses like medical costs, repair costs and vehicle replacement costs tend to be lower in West Virginia.

Fourth, West Virginia has a low rate of uninsured drivers compared to other states. This helps keep insurance costs down for insured drivers since insurance companies don’t have to account for as many potential claims from uninsured motorists.

Finally, West Virginia residents tend to have good driving records on average. Fewer traffic violations, speeding tickets and at-fault accidents all contribute to lower insurance premiums.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in West Virginia

Car insurance is mandatory in West Virginia, but the cost of coverage can seem high. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your premiums and find cheap auto insurance in West Virginia. Several factors determine your rates, including your age, gender, driving history, credit score, and the coverage you select. However, insurers also offer discounts and programs that can help you save significantly. Here are some of the most common options.

State-Sponsored Programs

The West Virginia Auto Insurance Plan provides coverage to high-risk drivers who cannot get insurance through standard carriers. If you qualify, you may pay higher premiums but will still have the legally required coverage.

Insurer Discounts

Most insurers offer multiple discounts to attract customers, including:

  • Multiple Policy: Bundling home and auto insurance with the same company typically saves 5% to 15%.
  • Good Student: Students with a B average or higher may qualify.
  • Defensive Driving Course: Completing a state-approved class can yield up to 10% off.
  • Anti-Theft Devices: Having devices like alarms and immobilizers may earn a 5% to 10% discount.
  • Low Mileage: Driving under 7,500 to 10,000 miles annually can save up to 15%.
  • Paying in Full: Opting for a one-time annual payment versus installments saves 2% to 5%.

West Virginia Car Insurance Statistics

While West Virginia is a sparsely populated state with a low population density, driving a vehicle is still a necessity for many residents. As a result, car insurance is required by state law. Here are some key statistics about car insurance in West Virginia:

  • Liability insurance is required. West Virginia is a mandatory insurance state, meaning all drivers are required by law to carry a minimum of $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.
  • Premiums are below average. West Virginia has some of the lowest car insurance premiums in the country, ranking 43rd highest out of all states according to Quadrant Information Services. The average annual premium in West Virginia is $887, compared to a national average of $1,004.
  • Teen drivers face high rates. West Virginia teen drivers, ages 16 to 19, pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in the nation. Factors like inexperience, higher accident rates, and more violations contribute to higher rates for younger drivers.
  • Rural areas see lower rates. Car insurance premiums tend to be lower in West Virginia’s rural areas compared to more populated urban areas like Charleston and Huntington. Factors like lower traffic density, accident rates, and theft contribute to the difference.
  • Comprehensive and collision coverage are optional. While liability coverage is required, West Virginia motorists have the choice to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage to cover damage to their own vehicle. About 70% of West Virginians purchase these optional coverages.

The 10 Largest West Virginia Car Insurance Companies

West Virginia drivers have many auto insurance options to choose from. Here are the 10 largest car insurance companies in West Virginia based on premium volume in the state.

  1. State Farm – State Farm is the largest auto insurance provider in West Virginia, insuring over 21% of drivers. The company has a strong presence across the U.S. and offers comprehensive coverage options.
  2. GEICO – GEICO insures over 13% of West Virginia drivers, making it the second largest auto insurer in the state. GEICO is known for offering affordable rates and many online services.
  3. Progressive – Progressive has a 12% market share in West Virginia and is the third largest auto insurer. Progressive is well-known for its name-your-price tool and wide coverage options.
  4. Nationwide – Nationwide insures over 9% of West Virginia drivers, ranking it fourth. The company is a leading insurance provider in the U.S. and offers many discounts.
  5. Allstate – Allstate insures around 6% of drivers in West Virginia, giving it the fifth largest market share. Allstate is known for bundling auto and homeowners insurance with many discounts.
  6. Liberty Mutual – Liberty Mutual insures over 4% of West Virginia drivers. The company is a reputable insurer offering high liability limits and many coverage add-ons.
  7. Farmers -Farmers insures around 3% of drivers in West Virginia. The company is well-known for offering personalized coverage and bundling options.
  8. Travelers – Travelers insures 2% of West Virginia drivers, giving it the eighth largest market share. The company is known for offering commercial auto insurance.
  9. MetLife – MetLife insures around 1% of West Virginia drivers, ranking it ninth. The company offers auto coverage through preferred auto and non-standard auto insurance.
  10. The Hartford – The Hartford insures around 1% of drivers in West Virginia, making it the tenth largest auto insurer in the state. The company offers many discounts and coverage options.