Does General Auto Insurance In West Virginia Stack Up?

Driving in West Virginia comes with its own set of challenges, from steep mountain roads to foggy conditions. But before you hit the roads in the Mountain State, it's crucial to ensure you have the proper auto insurance. West Virginia is a fault state, meaning that the driver found at-fault in a crash is financially responsible for the other driver's expenses. The state has specific requirements for car insurance, including minimum coverage for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

When it comes to choosing an insurance provider, there are several options available, each with its own set of benefits and features. From well-known companies like GEICO and Liberty Mutual to The General, which caters to high-risk drivers, there's a range of choices to suit different needs and budgets.

So, whether you're a resident of West Virginia or just passing through, make sure you're familiar with the state's auto insurance requirements and choose a provider that offers the coverage you need to stay safe and compliant on the roads.

West Virginia's minimum insurance requirements

• $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

The above figures are the minimum coverage requirements for drivers in West Virginia. The state operates under an at-fault system, meaning the driver deemed responsible for an accident is also responsible for any resulting harm.

While not required by law, it is highly recommended that drivers also have collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from a collision with another vehicle or object, while comprehensive coverage is for non-collision-related incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and contact with animals.

West Virginia also requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. This includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by an uninsured driver
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by an uninsured driver
• $25,000 for property damage per accident caused by an uninsured driver

It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and many drivers choose to purchase additional coverage to protect their assets in the event of a serious accident.

Driving without insurance in WV

Driving without insurance in West Virginia can lead to a host of issues and penalties. Firstly, it is important to understand that West Virginia is a "fault" car accident state, meaning that the driver deemed at fault for an accident is financially responsible for the resulting harm, including injuries, lost income, and property damage. This is where car insurance comes in, as it helps cover these costs.

West Virginia requires all registered motor vehicles to be insured with a liability policy that includes certain minimum amounts of coverage. These include $25,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury or death per person in an accident, $50,000 total liability coverage for bodily injury or death per accident, and $25,000 of liability coverage for property damage per accident. These minimum requirements are in place to protect motorists in the event of an accident, but additional coverage is often recommended to provide more comprehensive protection.

If you are caught driving without insurance in West Virginia, you will face penalties. For a first offense, your driver's license will be suspended for 30 days, and you will be required to pay reinstatement fees. For second and subsequent offenses within five years, the penalties increase, with a 90-day driver's license suspension and the requirement to provide proof of insurance before your license is reinstated. Additionally, driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor in the state, and you may face fines ranging from $200 to $5,000, or even jail time of up to one year as an alternative fine.

The consequences of driving without insurance in West Virginia can be severe, and it is important to ensure that you have the minimum required coverage before getting behind the wheel. Not only do you risk penalties and fines, but you also risk being held personally financially responsible for any injuries or damage you cause in an accident.

The average cost of car insurance in WV

The average cost of car insurance in West Virginia varies depending on factors such as age, gender, driving record, and credit score. The statewide average rate is $1,532 per year, slightly less than the national average of $1,543. However, the cost can range from $617 per year for minimum coverage to $2,477 per year for full coverage.

For example, the average rate for a 16-year-old driver is $6,342 per year, while the average rate for a driver in their 50s is $1,211 per year. The average rate for a 25-year-old single female driver is $1,802 per year, while the average rate for a 25-year-old single male driver is $1,921 per year. The average rate for a 35-year-old married female driver is $1,415 per year, while the average rate for a 35-year-old married male driver is $1,457 per year. The average rate for a 60-year-old married female driver is $1,258 per year, while the average rate for a 60-year-old married male driver is $1,339 per year.

The cost of car insurance in West Virginia is also affected by the city in which the driver lives. For example, the average annual rate in Martinsburg is $1,305, while the average annual rate in Huntington is $1,478.

In addition to these factors, the cost of car insurance in West Virginia can also be affected by the driver's choice of insurance company and the level of coverage. Some insurance companies offer cheaper rates than others, and the cost of minimum coverage is typically lower than the cost of full coverage.

Full coverage car insurance in WV

Full-coverage car insurance in West Virginia is legally defined as having the state Liability minimums of 25/50/25. This includes:

• Bodily Injury to others: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

However, "full coverage" is often considered to include additional Comprehensive and Collision Coverage. Comprehensive Coverage helps pay for damages caused by events like hail, fire, or theft, while Collision Coverage helps cover the cost of fixing damage to your car from an accident with another car. Leased or financed cars usually require this additional coverage.

The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in West Virginia is $1,701 per year, or $142 per month. The cheapest full-coverage car insurance in West Virginia is offered by Erie Insurance at $1,680 per year, or $140 per month, and USAA at $1,627 per year, or $136 per month. However, USAA coverage is only available to military members and their families.

It is important to note that car insurance rates can vary based on factors such as age, location, driving record, and credit score. Additionally, West Virginia requires drivers to have car insurance and offers higher levels of uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if an uninsured driver causes an accident.

The best car insurance companies in WV

When it comes to choosing the best car insurance company, it's important to consider factors such as cost, coverage options, customer service, and claims processes. Here's a list of some of the best car insurance companies in West Virginia (WV):

Erie Insurance:

Erie Insurance has been providing auto insurance coverage in WV since 1963. They offer dozens of extra policy features, many at no additional cost, and flexibility to customize your policy. Erie is known for its outstanding protection, affordable prices, and excellent customer service. They have over 75 agencies across the state and are rated highly by their customers for claims service. Erie also offers various discounts to help reduce premiums, such as factory-installed safety features and bundling home, business, or life insurance policies.

State Farm:

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance rates in WV for full coverage, with an average monthly cost of $106 or $1,268 per year. Their rates are about 25% cheaper than the state average. State Farm is known for its affordable coverage and great service, making it a top choice for those seeking low-cost insurance.

The General:

The General has been in business for nearly 60 years and is known for providing 5-star coverage with low rates, low down payments, and flexible payment options. They welcome all drivers, even those with less-than-perfect credit and driving records. The General offers various coverage options, including liability, collision, comprehensive, and full coverage. They have insured over 1 million drivers and have received positive reviews for their service and affordability.

GEICO:

GEICO offers competitive rates for various driver profiles, including seniors and parents adding teen drivers. They have low complaint levels and provide features such as accident forgiveness, non-owner policies, and SR-22 filings. GEICO also excels in the digital experience, with a user-friendly website, live chat, and highly-rated mobile apps. Their rates for drivers with poor credit are also relatively low compared to other top insurers.

Nationwide:

Nationwide is known for its excellent rates and helpful add-on coverage options. They offer a wide range of coverage options, including accident forgiveness, gap insurance, new car replacement, and vanishing deductible. Nationwide has low complaint levels and consistently receives positive feedback from consumers for its customer experience. Their rates are competitive for various driving records and ages, making them a top choice for those seeking comprehensive coverage at affordable prices.

It's important to note that the best car insurance company for you may vary depending on your specific needs, driving record, and location within WV. Be sure to shop around, compare quotes, and consider your individual requirements when choosing an auto insurance provider.

Frequently asked questions