West Virginia Auto Insurance

Auto insurance in West Virginia

Everyone needs to have auto insurance, especially since the law imposes it and we need a form of protection in case of accidents. Whether we are using our vehicles for personal or professional purposes, having adequate insurance is a must. Without adequate insurance, drivers are liable for fines of up to $1,000 and might have their driving documents suspended, for up to six months. This can refer to either the driver's license or vehicle registration. If you are looking to discover more information on the topic of auto insurance in West Virginia, just keep on reading this article.

What type of car insurance do you legally need in West Virginia?

According to the Mandatory Liability Insurance Act, all West Virginia residents who intend to operate a moving vehicle must purchase a valid insurance policy. If this policy is not purchase or renewed, the associated vehicle registration will be suspended for several months or more. The local authorities have access to an online insurance verification system, which can be used to determine whether a vehicle has insurance or not.

For a resident to operate a vehicle in the state of West Virginia, the respective auto insurance must comply with specific guidelines. These include: bodily injury liability ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person), property damage liability ($25,000 per accident), uninsured motorist bodily injury ($50,000 per accident and $25,000 per person). The full coverage insurance is superior to the minimum liability coverage, including with options such as comprehensive and collision insurance. It is always a good idea to choose a higher liability coverage limit than the one required by law in West Virginia. In this way, you will benefit from the best possible protection, should the worst-case scenario occur.

The above-mentioned sums refer to the amounts insurance providers will be able to pay, should you be involved in an accident for which you are at fault. According to modern laws, it is mandatory to carry a copy of your insurance policy while driving. Driving without insurance is illegal in West Virginia. Consequences include legal fines and the suspension of your driver's license or vehicle registration, as mentioned above. Jail time might be legally enforced in case of repeated infractions.

Average cost of auto insurance in West Virginia

The state minimum auto insurance policy in West Virginia has a value of $552. However, a full coverage insurance policy has an average value of $1,498 per year. Collision and comprehensive coverages might not always be included in this policy, which means you will have to pay extra for them. As for the factors influencing these rates, they include: marital status, gender, age, driving record, location, number of miles driven, the presence of prior insurance, vehicle, etc. While cheap policies might seem attractive, it is recommended to choose an insurance policy with the best possible coverage.

The average cost of auto insurance varies from one state to the other, that is a known fact. Such differences are to be expected for both the minimum coverage and the full version, including when it comes to options such as comprehensive and collision insurance. The factors influencing these values include: road conditions, how many uninsured drivers there are in the city, number of drivers in accordance with the general population, at-fault accidents, accidents caused by weather elements or conditions, etc.

West Virginia has a similar rate for the average car insurance to the national median, which is around $1,770. The states with the most expensive auto insurance policies include: California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania. As for the most affordable states, these are: Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. New York is the most expensive, with $2,996 for the full coverage and $1,339 for the minimum one. Maine is the most affordable, with $876 for the full policy and $227 for the minimum version.

Within the state of West Virginia, you might also notice certain differences between the various cities. Wheeling has some of the most affordable rates to offer, while Huntington stands at the top of the list in terms of costs. The average annual premiums are as follows: Wheeling – $1,511; Morgantown - $1,559; Parkersburg - $1,612; Charleston - $1,667; Huntington - $1,668.

One of the main factors influencing the value of auto insurance is the driver's age. Typically, young people pay more for this type of insurance, as providers perceive them as immature and more likely to cause accidents. A teenage driver is accustomed to an annual premium of over $7,700, while a middle-aged driver will be prepared for a premium that is close to $2,000. Slight differences are present when it comes to gender, with men benefitting from more attractive rates. The same goes for married couples, who have access to the most affordable coverages, in contrast to those who are divorced, single, or widowed.

In calculating the value of a potential coverage policy, auto insurance companies will analyze the driver's credit history, among other factors. A driver with a poor credit history will struggle to meet the high rates, while someone with an exceptional credit will actually save important sums on his/her insurance premium. Higher rates are also seen in those with prior driving offenses, such as speeding, at-fault accidents, reckless driving, and DUI/DWI. The rates usually vary in accordance with the preferred type of coverage. Drivers can add options such as comprehensive and collision insurance to the state minimum policy, increasing the level of protection guaranteed.

Did not find your city or county on the list? Please use our auto insurance companies search box at the top to locate all the best auto insurance quotes in West Virginia. Find car insurance in West Virginia by city, zip code or county name.

Finding the right auto insurance in WV

Are you having a hard time finding the right insurance policy? If your answer is yes, perhaps you might need our expert assistance. Thanks to the experience and knowledge accumulated in the field of auto insurance, we are able to match vehicle owners with the best policies for their needs and available budget. All you have to do is give us a call and we will offer the desired support. This service is completely free and it can save you from a complicated research process, leaving you with more time to focus on other important matters.