West Virginia Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (August 2024)

West Virginia's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. Additionally, the state mandates $25,000 for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident. West Virginia operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver who is responsible for the accident is also responsible for any resulting harm.

As for costs, the average monthly premium for state minimum car insurance in West Virginia is around $52. Those looking for the most cost-effective options can explore the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia to ensure they are meeting state guidelines.

In West Virginia, you are required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to drive legally. This minimum includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
• $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage

West Virginia is a fault state, meaning the financial responsibility for an accident usually falls on the driver who is found to be at fault.

The table reflects West Virginia's state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Specific coverage details depend on the individual's insurance policy terms and conditions.

Age influences the cost of minimum car insurance rates. Drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums in West Virginia due to their relative inexperience on the road and higher risk profile. The table provides details of the average minimum coverage cost for car insurance in West Virginia, segmented by age group.

When seeking the most affordable minimum coverage auto insurance in West Virginia, Westfield and Erie offer the lowest rates.

• Westfield: $371 per year and $31 per month
• Erie: $457 per year and $38 per month

Drivers should choose the best car insurance in West Virginia that matches their needs.

In West Virginia, you can opt for additional coverages such as comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These optional add-ons protect against a range of incidents not covered by how much car insurance you need, such as theft, vandalism and accidents with uninsured drivers.

In West Virginia, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance can vary. For a first offense, you might face certain fines, while repeat offenders could see those fines increase substantially. Each incident can carry heavier consequences than the last.

Additional penalties for driving without insurance in West Virginia can include:

• Vehicle registration suspension: This makes it illegal to drive the car until the issue is resolved.
• License suspension and a fee to get it reinstated: A suspended license means you cannot legally drive any vehicle.
• SR-22 requirement, This is a certification from your insurance company proving that you have the necessary coverage; this usually means higher insurance premiums.
• Up to six months in jail: If you are found driving uninsured and involved in an accident, you could face jail time.

Carrying at least the state minimum coverage for your car not only helps to protect you financially but also keeps you on the right side of the law.

If your car insurance policy is canceled in West Virginia, it's essential to act quickly. Immediately contact your insurance agent to discuss your options or to find a new insurer to ensure coverage continuity.

The DMV in West Virginia will be notified of your insurance status. If you're caught driving without insurance, you could face penalties such as fines or even license suspension. To stay legal, always maintain at least state minimum car insurance coverage.

For drivers struggling to get insured, West Virginia does not have a specific state program like TexasSure, but there are insurance providers specializing in high-risk policies.

Here we provide clear answers to questions about car insurance coverage to help you understand what you need to legally drive in West Virginia.