West Virginia (WV) auto insurance
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West Virginia is home to the sixth largest state-maintained highway system. There are over 1 million licensed drivers in the Mountain State, which ranks in the top five states for safe drivers. Although West Virginian drivers are relatively safe, this state has unique risks that necessitate auto insurance coverage. The VIU by HUB comparison tool helps West Virginians find the best deals on Liability, Collision and Comprehensive West Virginia car insurance coverage.
Traffic fatalities and speed-related tickets in West Virginia have been increasing at a rate slightly higher than the nation-wide increase. The landscape and weather patterns also increase the likelihood of car accidents. These are some of the unique risks of driving in West Virginia:
• Mountainous terrain can be risky to navigate in rain or snow.
• Average monthly rainfall is more than three inches from April through August.
• Average monthly snowfall exceeds two inches in January and February.
• West Virginia has a total of 7,369 bridges that pose ice hazards.
Even though West Virginia ranks 48th in accidents and 46th in citations nationwide, residents of this state should maintain auto Liability Coverage and consider car insurance policies that cover collisions and offer comprehensive protection. A combination of factors leads West Virginia to rank as the seventh most dangerous state for drivers.
West Virginia requires drivers to carry coverage for at least the minimum mandated levels of liability. In 2020, there were 1.66 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the state of West Virginia alone, making liability insurance coverage an important investment in the event of a car accident.
Car insurance policies for drivers in West Virginia must meet state requirements. Here are the mandatory minimum limits for coverage under state car insurance regulations:
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $25,000 per person.
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $50,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability coverage of $25,000 per accident.
In addition to these minimum limits, car insurance policies in West Virginia must also cover the same amounts for incidents involving underinsured or uninsured motorists or property. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage pays for your expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who either didn’t carry insurance (uninsured) or didn’t carry enough insurance to address all the medical bills or car repair costs (underinsured).
An estimated 9.2% of West Virginia drivers were uninsured in 2019. For this reason, Liability and Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage are required in the Mountain State.
West Virginia car insurance costs are about the same as the national average cost. The average quote for monthly car insurance premiums in this state is $210, which is less than the national average of $235. Options such as Collision and Comprehensive Coverage raise policy premium costs but can pay off in the event of theft or damage. You can review types of coverage and limits when using VIU by HUB to compare policies.
From the ages of insured drivers to driving records, several factors can raise premiums. Being aware of the information insurers take into consideration allows for more accurate estimations of insurance policy costs. These are a few data points that insurers consider when calculating car insurance premiums and deductibles:
• Driver age.
• Driving record.
• Location.
• Vehicle specifications.
• Credit score.
The age of the drivers on a policy is a significant consideration for car insurance coverage pricing. Premiums for teenagers and drivers over 70 are generally more expensive than coverage for middle-aged policyholders. Accidents in which a driver is at fault and past traffic citations can increase the cost of coverage. The age, make, model and safety features of a vehicle are also relevant. Lastly, credit scores can affect premiums in West Virginia.
Minimum Liability Coverage that meets state requirements can still expose drivers in West Virginia to financial risks. Many drivers opt for higher liability limits and optional coverages like Collision or Comprehensive Coverage to secure even more complete protection.
Collision Coverage can limit out-of-pocket expenses to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, whether the policyholder or another driver is at fault. Although this increases your premium, having this coverage can pay off in the event that a vehicle sustains major damage or gets totaled in an accident.
Vehicles in West Virginia are at risk of damage due to various weather events. Lightning strikes, high winds, heavy rain, supercell thunderstorms, large hail and even tornadoes can occur in this region. Adverse weather also causes tree limbs to fall. Adding Comprehensive Coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle caused by things other than collision like theft, flood, vandalism and falling trees.
Medical Payments is a coverage option that can pay for some medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are involved in an auto accident.
Personal Liability coverage can provide limits of liability above the liability limits contained in an auto insurance policy. Compare quotes for umbrella policies, as well as car insurance from multiple insurance carriers, using the comparison tool from VIU by HUB to obtain greater protection from liability.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
West Virginia Department of Transportation
Insurance Information Institute
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
