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2023

The Best Car Insurance in West Virginia

To address different needs, MoneyGeek examined the best insurance providers in West Virginia for drivers on a budget, drivers with a bad driving record, drivers who value customer service and more.

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in West Virginia: Overall

GEICO and State Farm are the best car insurance companies in West Virginia based on average rates, claim ratings and user satisfaction.

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($879 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($805 per year)

Furthermore, MoneyGeek analyzed the most affordable full-coverage car insurance companies in West Virginia for those whose primary concern is savings.

THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN WEST VIRGINIA

1
GEICOBest Overall
Score:84

3.8/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO ranks first in claims and customer satisfaction, with their West Virginia policies costing an average of $879 per year. Unlike most providers, they offer mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) at a lower price than the typical dealer extended warranty.

Average Annual Cost: $879

More About GEICO

GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is an add-on rarely found amongst insurance providers. It’s cheaper than your dealer’s extended warranty and covers all parts and systems, not just a set from a specific list. It is available for new or leased cars less than 15 months old and less than 15,000 miles.

West Virginia drivers can earn or purchase GEICO accident forgiveness coverage. It will not increase your insurance premium due to your first at-fault accident. But, your policy may be subject to surcharges for subsequent accidents.

To be eligible to earn or purchase this coverage, you must be over 21 and have been accident-free for five years or more. Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review to learn more about this provider.

2
State Farm
Score:83

4.1/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm ranks first in affordability, tying for first in claims and earning second place in customer satisfaction. The company offers rideshare insurance and custom coverage for policyholders who work with ridesharing companies.

Average Annual Cost: $805.

More About State Farm

For drivers working with ridesharing companies, State Farm’s rideshare insurance ensures that your medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages remain in effect while you’re on the job. If you get this add-on, all other coverages in your auto policy except liability insurance will kick in if you’re available for hire or transporting a rider.

State Farm doesn't provide many rare coverages like other carriers. However, some drivers may find roadside assistance coverage valuable. This coverage pays for mechanical labor and towing to the nearest place where repairs can be made. Also included is the delivery of gas, oil, battery or tire change and locksmith labor for up to one hour. Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review.

3
Nationwide
Score:77

3.8/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Nationwide’s policies in West Virginia average $874 per year, with the company tying for first place in claims, second in affordability and third in customer satisfaction. Identity theft victims can benefit from their unique identity theft coverage.

More About Nationwide

Nationwide’s identity theft expense reimbursement can pay up to $25,000 in expenses. They also offer a total loss deductible waiver, which can pay for the deductible of your comprehensive or collision coverage if your car is declared a total loss after an accident.

4
Progressive
Score:70

2.6/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In West Virginia, Progressive’s policies cost an average of $1,123 per year. The company ties for first place in claims, third in satisfaction and last in affordability.

More About Progressive

Progressive’s custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage is a unique add-on offer to policyholders, which can repair or replace added items to a car, such as custom wheels or a navigation system, for up to $5,000. They also offer rideshare insurance, which can help pay for damages or injuries while you’re waiting for a new rider.

5
Allstate
Score:68

2.9/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Allstate ties for third in customer satisfaction, ranks second in claims and fourth in affordability, with their policies costing an average of $1,066 per year.

More About Allstate

The portable electronics and media coverage add-on from Allstate can pay for the loss of any media device used for an entertainment system. They also offer custom parts coverage that protects custom equipment, such as special carpeting or decals, caused by a comprehensive or collision-type loss.

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HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN WEST VIRGINIA

To collect full coverage policy quotes across insurers in West Virginia, MoneyGeek used a sample driver’s profile — but note that average rates can change based on your background. Additionally, claims ratings and user satisfaction were taken from J.D. Power and NAIC.

If you want to learn more about the sample driver profiles, policies and assumptions, take a look at MoneyGeek’s methodology.

MoneyGeek's West Virginia Car Insurance Resources:

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Customer Service

The top car insurance companies in West Virginia that offer quality services are New Jersey Manufacturers and GEICO.

  • New Jersey Manufacturers: MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100

For drivers in West Virginia who value quality service, MoneyGeek ranked insurers based on claim ratings and user satisfaction. Although MoneyGeek did not consider affordability in this assessment, GEICO is known to be the second most affordable insurer in West Virginia.

THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN WEST VIRGINIA FOR SERVICE QUALITY

1
New Jersey ManufacturersBest for Customer Service
Score:99

5/5

Claims

5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In West Virginia, New Jersey Manufacturers, also known as NJM Insurance Co., ranks first in claims and satisfaction, getting a total MoneyGeek score of 99 out of 100.

More About New Jersey Manufacturers

The TNC rideshare endorsement coverage is available to policyholders in West Virginia who work for ridesharing companies and can be added to an existing policy. This fills in the coverage gap between the TNC's insurance coverage and the driver's policy, depending on whether the driver was currently hired or on standby when the accident happened, as well as the additional coverage the driver has.

In addition, NJM Insurance Company provides GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance. This endorsement will pay for some or all of the difference between the remaining balance of a loan or lease on a vehicle and what NJM pays to replace the vehicle if the car is considered a covered total loss.

MoneyGeek encourages drivers to consider insurance providers with excellent customer service. In a crisis, a fast-acting insurer pays off.

2
GEICO
Score:87

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO ranks second in claims and customer satisfaction in West Virginia as an affordable option.

More About GEICO

Aside from the accident forgiveness add-on, which protects you from increased premiums after your first at-fault accident if you are over 21 and have been accident-free for five years or more, GEICO also provides common add-on coverages like roadside assistance. This coverage will pay for flat tires, towing, jump-starts and lockout services.

Furthermore, not many insurance companies provide federal employee auto insurance discounts, but GEICO does. If you are a GS-7 or higher federal government employee, you may be eligible for a discount on your vehicle insurance. You may also qualify for the discount if you have a federal position on the non-GS pay scale that is comparable to GS-11 or above.

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Minimum Coverage

If the quality of service is not your priority and you’re simply looking for the cheapest policy that’s compliant with West Virginia’s minimum limits, MoneyGeek determined the following top two companies:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($404 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 (397 per year)

Insurers in West Virginia were ranked based on how well they can balance affordability for a minimum coverage policy with customer service to meet West Virginia’s minimum coverage requirements.

MoneyGeek also reviewed the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in West Virginia for people looking to save money on auto insurance.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

GEICO

pros

Minimum coverage policies at an affordable rate of an average of $879 per year

Easily achievable discounts if you bundle policies, insure more than one car or simply wear your seatbelt religiously

cons

No discounts for paying in full or going paperless, which are common amongst other providers

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Drivers in West Virginia can easily get discounts on their premiums from GEICO to make it even cheaper. For instance, you can bundle your auto insurance policy with renters or home insurance to get more affordable premiums. If you have remained accident-free for at least five years, you can also get a discount for safe driving.

GEICO also offers discounts if you have airbags and/or an anti-theft system installed, which is common in most modern cars. Purchasing and insuring a newly-bought vehicle also gets you a discount, as new cars have modern equipment that’s easier to replace and less prone to damage. Drivers can also get discounts when they complete a defensive driving course or a driver's education course.

Additionally, military policyholders can get discounts if deployed in an emergency.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Young Drivers and Students

Balancing affordability and customer service, these providers are the best option for teen drivers in West Virginia:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,721 per year)
  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,796 per year)

A driver’s age can significantly affect auto insurance premiums, which is why MoneyGeek analyzed the best providers for young drivers and student drivers in West Virginia.

MoneyGeek also researched the cheapest auto insurance in West Virginia for young drivers and students, which may be of interest to those who are cost-conscious.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm

State Farm

pros

Offers the most affordable policies for young drivers with a policy average of $1,721 per year

Gives discounts for being a good student or distant student and completing driver’s education

cons

Some safe-driving discounts for younger drivers are only available with additional training

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Typically, adding a young driver to your policy can cause premiums to skyrocket — but State Farm keeps it affordable while maintaining great quality of service.

State Farm offers student-related discounts that can help make premiums more affordable for parents and young drivers.

For instance, you can qualify for a discount if you earn at least a B average, have a 3.0 GPA or are in the top 20% of your class. Taking an approved driver’s education course can also make you eligible to receive further discounts.

Furthermore, State Farm offers a distant student discount if a student under 25 travels to school and solely uses the car at home.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Seniors

MoneyGeek evaluated senior drivers' top-rated West Virginia car insurance providers based on affordability and customer service. MoneyGeek's top picks are:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($718 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($788 per year)

MoneyGeek selected the above providers because they balance affordability and customer service. In addition, MoneyGeek also evaluated the cheapest West Virginia car insurance for seniors who are more concerned about cost.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

One of the most affordable companies for seniors at $718 per year

Offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement and new car replacement coverages

Received a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for claims and user satisfaction

cons

Doesn’t offer Senior or Defensive Driving discounts

Doesn’t offer safe driving and drivers education discounts

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Seniors' auto insurance premiums are often higher compared to other age groups. However, Erie Insurance charges a fair fee given the high quality of its service and track record of customer satisfaction. One of the best features of this insurance is the perfect score of 5 out of 5 in both claims and customer satisfaction categories.

As an option, Erie provides new car replacement coverage. This policy is sometimes called Auto Security since it compensates for replacing your vehicle. For example, if your new car is totaled, it will be replaced with the most recent model year if you've had it less than two years — or a model that’s two years newer if you've had it more than two years.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Bad Driving Records

State Farm and GEICO are MoneyGeek’s top picks for the best car insurance in West Virginia if you have a driving record that you’re not proud of.

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($933 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($1,488 per year)

Auto insurance after an accident is guaranteed to be more expensive. These insurance providers in West Virginia were the best at balancing affordability and customer service for drivers with driving records that need improvement.

MoneyGeek examined the cheapest auto insurance companies in West Virginia for drivers with DUIs or poor driving records.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm

State Farm

pros

Full coverage policy at an affordable rate of $805 per year

Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement

cons

Does not offer accident forgiveness, new car replacement, or better car replacement

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

State Farm’s policies are the best for drivers with a poor driving record, costing an average of $933 per year. It ranks first in claims and user satisfaction. Excellent customer service goes a long way when having to file a claim.

State Farm also offers additional roadside assistance, which can provide towing, locksmith, gas or oil and jump-start services. The roadside assistance coverage also pays for mechanical labor for up to one hour at the place of its breakdown. If your vehicle is unavailable for use, you can benefit from their rental car reimbursement coverage. This can help you pay for the cost to rent a car while repairs are underway so you can get where you need to go without delay.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for a Military Background

MoneyGeek’s study found that USAA is the best auto insurance company in West Virginia for active-duty or veteran military members, scoring 100 out of 100 across all categories. Their state-minimum policy costs an average of $265 per year, while their full-coverage policies average $622 per year.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA

USAA

pros

Has affordable full coverage policies for poor drivers at $622 per year

Offers accident forgiveness after remaining accident-free for five years

Gives a military discount on comprehensive insurance premiums if you store your vehicle on base

cons

Only military families are eligible for their services

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

USAA’s services are exemplary in West Virginia, making it one of the best options for those who are eligible for it. Not only do they offer affordable policies, but they are also well-known for their stellar quality of service across the country.

USAA offers policyholders an array of attractive coverages and discounts, such as:

  • Accident Forgiveness: This coverage ensures your first at-fault accident does not affect your premiums. You can earn this coverage by remaining accident-free for five years or, in rare cases, by adding it to your policy.
  • Roadside Assistance: If you need to tow or unlock your vehicle, USAA’s additional roadside assistance coverage can help you in a pinch.
  • New Vehicle Discount: You can get a discount if your car is less than three years old.
  • Legacy Discount: If you’re under 25 and were previously part of a family member’s USAA policy and want to purchase your own, you’re eligible for a discount by being a legacy member.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Those With New Cars

Drivers who recently purchased a new vehicle are eligible for new or better car replacement coverage. For this type of driver, MoneyGeek found Allstate to be the best option.

  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 68 out of 100 ($1,066 per year)

If your car is declared a total loss, new car replacement coverage pays for the value of a new vehicle of the same make and model, whereas better car replacement pays for a newer model. Adding this coverage can increase your premiums, but it’s worth it if you insure a new vehicle.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate

Allstate

pros

Offers new car replacement coverage and completely replaces your car if it’s a total loss and two model years old or less

cons

Has relatively expensive premiums at an average $1,066 per year

Does not offer better car replacement coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Allstate is an excellent option for drivers with new vehicles solely for their new car replacement coverage — something rarely found among other insurers within West Virginia. As a car’s value starts to depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot, having this coverage can help lessen the sting if you get into a total loss accident soon after buying the car.

It’s a terrible scenario, but it’s possible to experience an accident shortly after purchasing a car. Allstate's new and better car replacement coverages give you peace of mind when purchasing a new vehicle. Eligible vehicles are two models years old or less. Otherwise, you may receive a check for the depreciated value.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Low-Mileage Drivers

In West Virginia, Nationwide’s SmartMiles program is the top-ranking provider for infrequent drivers. MoneyGeek identified the best car insurance companies in West Virginia that offer pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers who drive less than the average 14,263 miles per year.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide

Nationwide

pros

Nationwide’s SmartMiles program is the most affordable pay-per-mile insurance in the state for drivers with low mileage

cons

Not an ideal option for those who drive regularly as it can be more expensive than traditional insurance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Nationwide offers its Nationwide SmartMiles program to West Virginia drivers with low mileage. Rates are calculated using a base rate and a variable rate that changes based on how many miles you drive. This program also has a behavioral aspect, where you can get a discount of up to 10% for safe driving. If you’re planning a road trip, there are exceptions wherein only the first 250 miles count per day.

SmartMiles has a base and variable rate (cost per mile). With a mileage-based variable, your monthly payment will vary as you drive more or fewer miles on your vehicle.

Nationwide SmartMiles is ideal for those who live and work downtown, remote work or own a second vehicle they rarely use.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in West Virginia For You

To find the best auto insurance company in West Virginia, drivers need to base their decisions on how well a company can balance three factors: cost, quality of service and financial stability. MoneyGeek collected and analyzed data in West Virginia to help drivers spend less time on research, but you can compare options yourself in case you have additional criteria to consider.

1

Research customer service reputations in West Virginia

MoneyGeek’s study based customer satisfaction ratings off of J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios in West Virginia. Aside from taking a look at the evaluations from these organizations to find the best provider that meets your needs, you can also take a look at West Virginia’s insurance site to see if they have any recommendations.

2

Compare quotes for yourself

The auto insurance quotes MoneyGeek collected are based on sample drivers that can apply to most of West Virginia, but your situation can still change your rates. To find the most affordable insurance policy for you, make sure to collect and compare at least three quotes to get a good idea of how much you should pay.

3

Make sure the company has coverages you want in West Virginia

Insurers may not always offer your desired coverage or discount in your state, which is why you should always call ahead and inquire about the coverage you want before applying for auto insurance.

4

Double-check financial stability ratings

The financial strength or stability of an insurer is what determines how well they can pay you when you need it. Large insurance providers like GEICO or State Farm are typically stronger financially, while regional insurance companies in West Virginia may have lower stability scores. The lower the rating, the less likely you will be able to process your claims in an efficient manner.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in West Virginia

While the best car insurance in West Virginia ultimately depends on what you’re looking for, MoneyGeek has answered a few commonly asked questions about auto insurance within the state.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark 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 economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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