Best Car Insurance in West Virginia (March 2024)


fact checked icon

Updated: October 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Finding the best car insurance in West Virginia depends on your specific needs. MoneyGeek's top recommendation is Erie, which excels overall. Those seeking minimum coverage may find Westfield optimal, while Nationwide suits families with teen drivers.

MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Car InsuranceWest Virginia
2024

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in West Virginia based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.

recency icon

These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in West Virginia.

5,896Quotes Analyzed
 
8Companies Compared
 
8ZIP Codes

Best Car Insurance Companies in West Virginia: Overview

Erie Insurance emerges as the premier car insurance provider in West Virginia with an impressive MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100. The comparison range among scored companies extends from a high of 92 to a low of 62, showcasing the variation in insurer performance based on MoneyGeek's baseline scoring system. These scores reflect a general assessment, and different types of drivers may have varying MoneyGeek scores for each insurer.

How does MoneyGeek score companies?

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Category:
Category:Best Overall
ErieMoneyGeek Score (/100)92Annual Premium$1,013
WestfieldMoneyGeek Score (/100)88Annual Premium$1,144
NationwideMoneyGeek Score (/100)75Annual Premium$1,289
State FarmMoneyGeek Score (/100)75Annual Premium$1,291
ProgressiveMoneyGeek Score (/100)73Annual Premium$1,318
GEICOMoneyGeek Score (/100)72Annual Premium$1,213
AllstateMoneyGeek Score (/100)62Annual Premium$1,619

Overall Best Car Insurance in West Virginia

Erie is the best option in West Virginia for best full coverage car insurance. This superior ranking is reflected in these top two companies based on their MoneyGeek scores:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($1,013 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($1,291 per year)

Erie stands out due to its excellent blend of high claims handling score and exceptional affordability.

A variety of companies offer car insurance with different levels of cost and service experiences. If you're looking to save, MoneyGeek has also analyzed the companies that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in West Virginia.

Erie

Erie

pros

checkmark

Ranks 2nd for customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for claims handling.

checkmark

Leads in affordability with the lowest cost; $1,013 annual premium.

checkmark

Offers rare coverages like Better Car Replacement and Glass Deductible Modification.

cons

close

Does not offer Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement or Gap Insurance.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie Insurance leads with outstanding satisfaction (33 out of 35) and top-notch affordability (30 out of 30) scores, which are pivotal to its impressive MoneyGeek Score of 92. While Erie does offer common coverages like Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, it falls slightly short by not providing Gap Insurance, a reasonably common coverage. However, its varied offerings like Better Car Replacement and Accident Forgiveness still make it a top contender.

Erie stands out with Better Car Replacement — this unique option ensures you get back on the road with a better vehicle than you had. Glass Deductible Modification, another rare and valuable offering, could mean significant cost savings in the event of windshield or glass damage. Personal Property Insurance is also available, safeguarding against losses or damage to personal items in your car, a coverage many drivers will find beneficial.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Customer Service

Westfield is the best car insurance option in West Virginia for customer service.

  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,144 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($1,013 per year)

Westfield has high satisfaction and claims handling scores. But its annual premium is slightly higher, meaning that West Virginians would be paying for a more consistent service experience.

Excellent customer service and a reliable claims process are fundamental for any insurance company to succeed, because how an insurer supports its customers during times of need — such as after an accident — is a testament to its value and reliability. High-quality customer service ensures that policyholders feel valued and trust that their concerns and claims will be handled efficiently and fairly.

Westfield

Westfield

pros

checkmark

Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks well for claims handling.

checkmark

Offers rare coverages and common coverages.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for key coverages.

cons

close

Does not offer OEM coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Westfield's high MoneyGeek Score is boosted considerably by its satisfaction and coverage, indicating robust customer experiences and comprehensive policies. A minor drawback is its lack of Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement Coverage, though it does offer Roadside Assistance, a common and valuable assurance for drivers. Among reasonably common coverages, Westfield provides Gap Insurance, offering financial protection against car value depreciation in the event of a total loss.

With its impressive satisfaction (45 out of 45) and claims handling (20 out of 30) scores, Westfield presents a formidable option for insurance. The company's rare coverage package, which bundles home and auto policies, can be particularly advantageous for comprehensive asset protection. Furthermore, the added security of Gap Insurance ensures customers are shielded from the financial discrepancies that can occur between an owed amount on a car and its actual cash value after an accident. These offerings underscore Westfield's commitment to offering tailored, customer-centric solutions.

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Minimum Coverage

Westfield is the best option in West Virginia for drivers looking for minimum coverage car insurance.

  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($446 per year)
  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($426 per year)

Westfield stands out with its high MoneyGeek score, including a perfect score in coverage options. The overall score suggests that Westfield not only offers affordable policies at roughly $446 annually for the minimum insurance required by law in West Virginia, but also excels in customer satisfaction and claims handling.

Many companies in West Virginia may offer cheap minimum coverage car insurance. But opting for only the minimum required can end up costing you more in the long run. Minimum coverage may not sufficiently protect you financially in the event of a significant accident, potentially exposing you to hefty out-of-pocket costs.

Westfield

Westfield

pros

checkmark

Offers reasonably rare coverage package.

checkmark

Ranks 2nd for affordability, with an average annual premium of $446.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for non-claims customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks 2nd for claims handling.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Westfield leads with stellar scores in satisfaction and affordability. On average, drivers pay just $446 annually for Westfield's coverage, spotlighting exceptional value for money.

Westfield's high MoneyGeek score is anchored by an affordability score of 39 (out of 40) and a perfect satisfaction score of 25 (out of 25), coupled with full marks in coverage (10 out of 10) and strong scores in claims handling (14 out of 20) and stability (3 out of 5). Westfield provides a robust and reliable service for insurance seekers, cementing its position as a top choice for consumers prioritizing cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia by Driver Age

In West Virginia, driver age significantly impacts car insurance rates due to cost variation and tailored coverages and discounts. Nationwide, with a MoneyGeek score of 91, is the best option for teen drivers at an annual premium of $1,146. For young adults, Erie leads with a score of 92 and an annual cost of $1,251. Erie is also the top pick for seniors, scoring 92, with the lowest annual premium of $998, making it a consistently strong choice across various age groups.

mglogo icon
BEST IN WEST VIRGINIA BY AGE

Best for teens: Nationwide
Best for seniors: Erie
Best for young adults: Erie

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Families With Teens

Nationwide is the best option in West Virginia for families seeking car insurance for their teenage drivers. Noteworthy providers based on MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system are:

  • Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($1,146 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($1,599 per year)

Nationwide stands out primarily due to its exceptional affordability and claims handling scores. particularly important for families with teenage drivers, which may be more price-sensitive. The annual cost of a Nationwide policy for a teen is $1,146, exemplifying that to get cheap car insurance for a teen in West Virginia, adding them to a family policy is considerably more cost-effective than obtaining a separate policy for them.

Car insurance for teens in West Virginia, as in other states, is much more expensive because young drivers are statistically more prone to accidents, leading insurers to view them as higher risk. This greater likelihood of filing claims translates to higher premiums to offset the risk. Being informed on the cost-efficient options can be critical for families looking for ways to manage these increased expenses.

Nationwide

Nationwide

pros

checkmark

Offers Good Student discount.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for claims handling.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for key coverages.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for affordability with an average annual premium of $1,146 for full coverage.

cons

close

Ranks 5th for customer satisfaction.

close

Missing Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Nationwide leads the pack with strong MoneyGeek scores in Affordability (30 out of 30) and Satisfaction (28 out of 35), establishing itself as the insurer of choice for those valuing cost efficiency and customer service. For families with young drivers, Nationwide's addition of the Good Student discount serves as an added bonus, although it does not offer the Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.

Nationwide offers practical protections, such as Identity Theft Coverage, an increasingly valuable tool in safeguarding personal information for the whole household. The Total Loss Deductible Waiver is another rare coverage offered with your policy, ensuring that financial impacts are mitigated if your vehicle is deemed a total loss. With these bespoke coverages, Nationwide demonstrates its commitment to comprehensive and tailored insurance options for drivers.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Seniors

Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for seniors, offering not just high ratings but also competitive pricing.

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($998 per year)
  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($1060 per year)

Erie stands out due to its excellent balance of satisfaction, affordability and claims handling, which are significant factors contributing to its near-perfect MoneyGeek score. For seniors seeking quality coverage at a reasonable cost, Erie presents a practical option at an annual premium of $998, underlining the possibility of obtaining cheap car insurance for a senior in West Virginia.

Car insurance premiums for seniors in their 60s in West Virginia don't necessarily surpass those for middle-aged adults. However, as seniors advance into their 70s and 80s, insurance costs are expected to increase, reflecting the additional risks associated with age. This increase is approached considerately, recognizing the value of both safety and affordability in insurance for all stages of life.

Erie

Erie

pros

checkmark

Offers roadside assistance, rental car and travel reimbursement.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for claims handling.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for affordability, average premium $998 for full coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie Insurance leads the pack with an impressive MoneyGeek score of 92, thanks largely to its stellar customer satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35) and perfect affordability score of 30 (out of 30). The company bolsters its offerings with essential services such as Roadside Assistance and Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, ensuring a comprehensive safety net for those in need of assistance after an accident. Erie demonstrates strong performance across multiple categories, more than compensating for not offering every possible coverage. With an average annual premium of $998, Erie also offers a Senior Driver discount, helping retirees manage their expenses more effectively.

Erie provides its customers with a variety of coverages that can be particularly advantageous for seniors. Its Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement coverage ensures that if you are in an accident, you won't be left stranded or face out-of-pocket costs while your car is being repaired. This service is especially useful for seniors who may need to stay mobile and connected with their routines without interruption.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Young Adults

Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for young adults, excelling with high scores across multiple categories. Here are the top two providers for young adult drivers in the area:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($1,251 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($1,278 per year)

Erie stands out primarily due to its exceptional satisfaction, affordability and claims handling scores that contributed significantly to its overall MoneyGeek score, which is based on data for drivers in their 20s. The annual cost for a young adult's policy with Erie is $1,251, emphasizing that to get cheap car insurance for a young adult in West Virginia, you will generally pay slightly more than older, more experienced drivers.

Insurance for young adults tends to be more expensive due to their lack of driving experience, which statistically correlates with a higher likelihood of accidents and claims. Despite this, young adults in West Virginia can still find competitive rates by comparing insurance providers and considering factors like the MoneyGeek score.

Erie

Erie

pros

checkmark

Ranks 2nd for general customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for claims handling.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,251 for full coverage.

checkmark

Offers Good Student, Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie Insurance delivers an exceptional MoneyGeek Score, thanks to robust Satisfaction and Affordability ratings. Although not offering a common Good Student discount, Erie compensates with strong scores in affordability, service and other categories, ensuring value for young drivers. The company does provide both common car insurance coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance, enhancing its overall service offering.

Erie provides rare coverages that many drivers will find beneficial. Its Better Car Replacement coverage ensures that if your car is totaled, you can replace it with a car two years newer. The Glass Deductible Modification eliminates the comprehensive deductible for glass repairs, making minor mishaps easier to handle. Additionally, Personal Property Insurance covers the costs if personal items are damaged in your vehicle, a practical option for those who carry valuable items. With these coverages, Erie stands out for delivering peace of mind in various scenarios, backed by a high Satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35), making it a top choice for drivers seeking comprehensive protection and excellent service.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Drivers With Offenses

Erie is the best option in West Virginia for drivers with offenses on their record, leading in car insurance with a commendable blend of service, affordability and coverage.

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($1,310 per year)
  • Westfield: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,734 per year)

Erie has a superior balance of high satisfaction, claims handling and a strong affordability score. MoneyGeek utilized data involving a mix of drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs to evaluate these insurers. Erie comes out on top with the lowest annual cost for West Virginians with driving offenses, at $1,310. To obtain cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in West Virginia, be prepared to pay more than more seasoned drivers.

Car insurance premiums tend to spike in West Virginia and elsewhere after driving offenses such as tickets, at-fault accidents or DUIs. This is because insurers see such drivers as higher risk and more likely to file claims, leading to increased rates to offset this risk.

Erie

Erie

pros

checkmark

Ranks 2nd in general customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks 1st in claims handling.

checkmark

Ranks 1st for cost, with an average annual premium of $1,310 for full coverage with driving offenses.

checkmark

Offers roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie boasts an impressive MoneyGeek Score of 92 out of 100, largely due to exceptional satisfaction (33 out of 35) and maximum affordability (30 out of 30). The company offers a selection of useful coverages for drivers with a poor record, including Roadside Assistance, Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement and Accident Forgiveness. Additionally, its unique Better Car Replacement coverage is an advantage for those wanting extra protection. With an average annual premium of $1,310 and a high affordability score, Erie represents a cost-effective option for motorists with offenses, who typically face higher rates.

Erie's coverages are particularly beneficial for drivers with a less-than-perfect driving history. For instance, its Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement ensures that you're never stranded after an incident, providing crucial support when you need alternate transportation. Accident Forgiveness, which comes into play after three years of being claims-free, can mitigate the financial repercussions of a future accident, granting peace of mind and financial stability.

Moreover, Erie's Better Car Replacement, known as Auto Security, can significantly aid users who experience total losses, providing an avenue to a better replacement vehicle than the one lost—an invaluable feature for maintaining mobility and lifestyle after an accident.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for New Cars

Allstate is the best option in West Virginia for drivers with new cars looking for reliable auto insurance. Allstate has a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($2,492 per year).

Allstate stands out in West Virginia for its exceptional car insurance offerings for new drivers, specifically due to its inclusion of essential coverages like New Car Replacement and/or Better Car Replacement. Its impressive MoneyGeek score reflects the company's commitment to satisfaction, affordability, claims handling, coverage options and financial stability.

The Annual Premium for Allstate is relatively competitive at $2,492, considering that carriers offering New or Better Car Replacement can result in greater savings in the event of an accident. Having this type of coverage ensures that even though premiums may be slightly higher, policyholders could save significantly because they will be compensated for a new vehicle, rather than the depreciated value of their car.

Allstate

Allstate

pros

checkmark

Ranks well in general customer satisfaction.

checkmark

Ranks well for claims handling.

checkmark

Ranks 1st in cost for new car owners, $2492 average annual premium.

checkmark

Offers New Car Replacement coverage.

cons

close

Does not offer OEM coverage.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Allstate's perfect MoneyGeek score of 100 is due to its top satisfaction (35 out of 35) and affordability scores (30 out of 30), ensuring drivers get excellent value and service. With the availability of New Car Replacement coverage, drivers with new vehicles can benefit from a comparable replacement after a total loss, an invaluable option particularly for the latest models. The average annual premium for Allstate's policyholders is $2,492.

Allstate's New Car Replacement coverage is a standout offering for anyone with a vehicle two model years old or less. It ensures peace of mind, because it pledges to replace a totaled car with a brand-new one, not just the depreciated value. This coverage, alongside common coverages like Roadside Assistance and less common options like Gap Insurance, comprehensively protects a driver's investment in a new car. The addition of rare coverages like Custom Parts Coverage and Portable Electronics and Media Coverage signals Allstate’s commitment to addressing a variety of driver needs.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in West Virginia for Military Backgrounds

Erie is the best option in West Virginia for car insurance for military personnel, garnering the highest MoneyGeek score.

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($1,013 per year)
  • USAA: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($853 per year)

While USAA is a notable provider catering specifically to those with a military background, it did not top the list in West Virginia based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability.

Erie stands out in West Virginia not only for its high overall MoneyGeek score but also for its excellent client satisfaction and balance between cost and service quality. Erie's annual premium is reasonable at $1,013, marking it as an exceptional value for those seeking both quality service and affordability. For military drivers particularly focused on rates, exploring the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia for military drivers may lead to additional cost savings.

Erie

Erie

pros

checkmark

Ranks 2nd for claims handling.

checkmark

Offers the rare coverages Better Car Replacement and Glass Deductible Modification.

cons

close

Does not offer Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement or Gap Insurance.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Erie Insurance achieves its high MoneyGeek Score of 87 chiefly due to exceptional satisfaction and affordability scores, reflecting a strong balance between cost and customer happiness. Erie caters exclusively to the insurance needs of its customers with competitive rates, offering an average annual premium of $1,013.

Erie provides unique rare coverages like Better Car Replacement, Glass Deductible Modification and Personal Property Insurance, ensuring extensive protection. Better Car Replacement, also known as Auto Security, is especially valuable because it allows customers to replace a totaled car with a model that is two years newer. Glass Deductible Modification offers the benefit of a waived or reduced deductible for glass repairs, which can mitigate the out-of-pocket costs from common road incidents. Personal Property Insurance covers damages or theft of personal items in your vehicle, which is often invaluable when personal valuables are at risk in the case of vehicular incidents.

These coverages showcase Erie's commitment to comprehensive policies that encompass a wide variety of driver needs, ensuring peace of mind on and off the road. The company's satisfaction score of 32 (out of 35) and affordability score of 26 (out of 30) solidify its reputation as a provider of excellent service and value.

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

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

In West Virginia, the cream of the crop in car insurance is marked by a blend of affordability, robust financial health and stellar service record. MoneyGeek's comprehensive analysis has distilled this for you, but should you opt to conduct your own investigation, be prepared to embark on a research journey, methodically scrutinizing each insurer to ensure they meet your individual needs.

1
Research customer service reputations in West Virginia

In West Virginia, exceptional customer service is a cornerstone of a reliable car insurer. It ensures swift and empathetic responses to claims, enhancing customer satisfaction. Prospective clients are advised to consult independent data providers like JD Power and the NAIC for unbiased company evaluations. Westfield stands out in the region, with a perfect customer satisfaction score of 45 (out of 45) and a claims score of 20 (out of 30), according to MoneyGeek's research.

2
Compare quotes

West Virginians can save significantly by comparing car insurance quotes, balancing cost with quality service. Personal background factors heavily influence premiums, making individual research essential. MoneyGeek's analysis identifies Westfield as the most cost-effective option for minimum coverage in the state, with an annual premium of $446, offering consumers a financially savvy choice without compromising on service.

3
Find the coverages you want in West Virginia

Selecting the right coverages is important for comprehensive protection on the road. Drivers should investigate insurers to find policies tailored to their needs. MoneyGeek's evaluation reveals that Progressive, Allstate, Nationwide and Westfield each earned a perfect coverage score of 10, indicating they provide all four key coverages: Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Gap Insurance and Original Equipment Manufacturer coverage.

4
Check financial stability ratings

Choosing an insurer with a robust financial stability rating is vital to ensure claim payouts. Investigating a company's fiscal health can safeguard against payment defaults. According to MoneyGeek, State Farm and GEICO both achieved a perfect stability score of 5 (the maximum), reflecting an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best and affirming their reliability in fulfilling claims obligations.

FAQ: Best Car Insurance in West Virginia

The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.

Which company is the best car insurance in West Virginia?
Which company offers the best for cheap car insurance in West Virginia?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

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