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West Virginia, known for its mountains and rolling hills, is swathed in natural beauty. It’s no wonder that the state is also known for its numerous outdoor pursuits. To get to some of the most scenic lookouts, fishing spots, hiking trails and other locations for adventure sports, you’re going to need to travel by car. We can help you pick the car insurance company that’s perfectly outfitted for you.
Best Car Insurance in West Virginia
- Best Overall in West Virginia: Erie
- Cheapest in WV: State Farm
- Best for Veterans and Military Spouses: USAA
- Best for Low-Mileage Drivers: Root
Best Car Insurance Providers in WV
- Erie is the top in J.D. Power’s Overall Customer Satisfaction Index for Insurance in the Mid-Atlantic region. An analysis by AutoInsureSavings.org also found Erie to be one of the cheapest options, although this varies from driver to driver.
- GEICO is a favorite for its catchy gecko commercials and customer service (2nd in the J.D. Power ranking). Great service and coverage will cost you around $1,650 per year.
- Allstate earns a J.D. Power description of “the rest” and is 22 points below the Mid-Atlantic customer service index average. Its price, $2,203 per year, is on the high side compared to other providers.
- State Farm costs $1,257 per year. Coupled with a score 4 points below the J.D. Power Customer Service Index Mid-Atlantic average, State Farm is a good option — it can offer you a fair price and fair customer service.
- Progressive ranks as “the rest” according to the J.D. Power study, but its price ($1,358 per year) makes it a serious player in West Virginia.
- Liberty Mutual ranks in the lower tier of the J.D. Power study at $1,895 per year. Its price is higher than average but not outrageously expensive.
- USAA is a J.D. Power customer service study standout and a bargain to boot. At $948 per year, it is a terrific option for military personnel and their families.
1. Best Overall: Erie Insurance
High in customer service and fairly priced — what could be better?
Look no further than Erie Insurance, a reputable auto insurer, to find that masterful mix. J.D. Power describes it as “among the best” with a score of 852. It’s $1,800 per year, offers great customer service, multiple discount opportunities and coverage options — including uninsured motorist coverage.
Erie is a solid pick for car insurance in West Virginia.
- Rideshare drivers
2. Cheapest Car Insurance in WV: State Farm
State Farm edges out Progressive by $101 at $1,257 annually. But numbers don’t lie. State Farm is the cheapest auto insurance company in West Virginia. That low rate pairs well with its J.D. Power ranking of “about average.” State Farm offers many discount opportunities.
3. Best Coverage for Multiple Cars: State Farm
It’s rare to find a person who wants to pay more than what’s needed. State Farm is the top choice for multiple cars as a result of price and satisfaction. Managing multiple cars offers a low price and excellent service and equals the best coverage for multiple cars.
- Active military members
4. Best for Military Personnel: USAA
USAA is top-notch at servicing you if you serve your country — and it’ll also cover your family if you qualify.
J.D. Power studies consistently rank USAA as “among the best” in customer satisfaction.
USAA’s eagle eye focuses on its unique customer base and its modest annual price of $948. USAA is a star-studded choice.
- Infrequent drivers
5. Best for Low-Mileage Drivers: Root
Here’s how Root’s user-based insurance system works: First, you’ll download the Root app on your phone. You’ll scan your driver’s license and sign up for an account. From there, you’ll begin a “test drive” period and Root will monitor your driving habits. Simply bring your phone along with you when you hit the road and the app will automatically collect data.
Your test-drive period will last for 3 to 4 weeks, after which you’ll get your quote. It’s a system based on the idea that drivers who put fewer miles on their car are less likely to file an insurance claim and pay less for coverage. This can result in cheap car insurance policies for the best drivers.
West Virginia Car Insurance: An Overview
Here’s a quick look under the hood:
- An average of 1.8 vehicles per household
- Minimum state insurance requirements:
- $25,000 for 1 crash, 1 injury
- $50,000 for 1 crash, 2 or more injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
- Average yearly rate for insurance with a clean driving record: $2,038
WV Car Insurance Law Explained
West Virginia is a “fault” state. A fault state means that if you’re involved in an auto accident, the person at fault pays the damages. All drivers must have proof of insurance on hand. Insurance is subject to instant verification through the West Virginia Online Verification (WOVL).
WV Traffic Laws You Should Know
Obeying traffic laws is a must in every state, and there are a few special factors in West Virginia:
- West Virginians must have regular attendance at school. A school can notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if a student is not attending school or has excessive unexcused absences. The DMV will suspend the student’s license until age 18 or under the authorization of the school.
- West Virginia law prohibits electronic communication devices unless accompanied by hands-free technology.
- West Virginia is also a member of the Driver License Compact. That means any violations in other states will affect your record in West Virginia and you may receive points on your record. The Mountain State is also a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact. Poor driving behavior in other states affects your license in West Virginia.
- West Virginia is a zero-tolerance state for driving under the influence. All first time driver’s license (and motorcycle license) applicants must complete a DUI awareness course. Drivers new to the state or returning to the state need to complete this course as well.
WV Car Insurance Rates per Vehicle
Many factors go into car insurance rates. These factors include the age of the driver; type, cost and age of the vehicle and repair/replacement costs. Insurance companies also consider safety and security features: airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning options and anti-theft systems.
Kelley Blue Book ranks the following as the 5 most popular vehicles in West Virginia, according to 2019 vehicle sales:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ford F-150
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Tacoma
- RAM 1500
Apart from driver attributes, vehicle repair costs affect auto insurance rates. Expensive vehicles are expensive to repair. Larger, more robust vehicles withstand accidents better than smaller vehicles. In other words, the cost of your insurance has as much to do with the vehicle make and model as you do.
Don’t worry if the vehicle you have or want is at risk for high rates. You can lower your auto insurance rates. Check discounts, bundle home and auto insurance and ask for a higher deductible for some smart cost savings.
Car Insurance Rates by Insurance Credit Score
Your credit score determines how likely you are to pay back a loan based on your credit history. FICO is the standard when it comes to credit scores. Insurance agencies use your insurance credit score to determine how likely you are to honor your commitment to pay for coverage. The higher your score, the lower the risk for the insurer and the less you’ll pay. The lower your score, the higher the risk for the insurer and the more you’ll pay.
Credit scores are changeable — you can boost your credit score. But don’t rest on your laurels if your credit score is high — credit scores can just as easily move down.
Benzinga’s collected data revealed what you can expect to pay based on credit score.
| Credit Score | Cheapest Provider | Rate for State Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Poor 300–579 | Allstate | $2,151 |
| Fair 580–669 | State Farm | $1,689 |
| Good 670–739 | Progressive | $1,415 |
| Excellent 740+ | Liberty Mutual | $962 |
Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record
Follow all traffic laws to earn a clean driving record and keep your record clean. Wear your seatbelt. Obey speed limits and road signs. Avoid distracted driving. Keep your vehicle well-maintained, running well and clean.
Next, get to know the different types of insurance coverage in West Virginia:
- Minimum coverage: Minimum auto insurance coverage is exactly that — the least amount of coverage allowed by West Virginia:
- $25,000 for 1 crash, 1 injury
- $50,000 for 1 crash, 2 or more injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
- Standard coverage: Standard auto insurance adds to the minimum coverage. Bodily injury liability and property damage coverage increases. It also adds these coverages:
- Uninsured motorist coverage is important since West Virginia is a “fault” state. If the driver who is at fault in an accident does not have insurance, you’re protected.
- Comprehensive coverage is damage to your vehicle as a result of acts such as theft, flood or fire.
- Collision coverage covers damage that results from a collision with another car or object (a telephone pole, tree or pothole).
- Full coverage: Full vehicle coverage isn’t really a type of coverage on its own; it’s a combination of the coverages explained above. Full coverage is typically taken to mean increased dollar amount coverage for people and the vehicle.
| Insurance Company | State Minimum Insurance | Standard Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,018 | $1,250 | $1,880 |
| Dairyland | $1,239 | $1,581 | $1,984 |
| Amica | $773 | $1,450 | $2,439 |
| National General | $1,176 | $1,394 | $2,967 |
| MetLife | $1,056 | $1,659 | $2,623 |
Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions
Even the best of drivers miss a speed limit sign at the wrong time or find themselves in a minor scrape. Some of the most common infractions noted on many driving school blogs include:
- Improper seat belt and child restraint use: Independent national research shows time and again that proper restraints save lives, so buckle up and make sure your passengers do and be sure you’re using the proper child restraint.
- Speeding: Speeding is high on the list of common infractions. The best way to avoid a ticket is to stick to the posted speed limit.
- Distracted driving: Technology, passengers (humans and pets) and other cars on the road serve as a potential for distraction. Focus on driving and nothing else.
- Improper lane changes/swerving: Many drivers rush in and out of lanes to beat traffic — and you can be rewarded with a ticket.
- Driving under the influence: Call a friend or a taxi. Hail an Uber or Lyft. It’s better to drive sober or get a ride than to risk your life or the lives of others.
Insurance costs more with an infraction on your record. Here’s an idea of what you might expect to pay in West Virginia.
| Insurance Company | At-Fault Accident | Speed Violation | DUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $2,768 | $1,638 | $4,811 |
| Progressive | $3,422 | $1,600 | $4,700 |
| GEICO | $2,734 | $1,707 | $4,077 |
| Farmers | $2,532 | $1,766 | $5,801 |
| California Casualty | $3,327 | $1,767 | $5,748 |
Nab the Best Car Insurance in West Virginia
Consumers expect more for less — and great coverage, pricing and service are in the requirement mix. There are plenty of combos you can choose from. Looking for a special ingredient, such as a service-member spotlight? There’s an auto insurer that will meet your needs for coverage, price and service. Just do your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I have just the minimum amount of car insurance required by my state?
It’s a good idea to purchase more than the state minimum of any type of insurance. State minimums are set relatively low to keep insurance affordable, but in the case of an accident, you can deplete your minimums quickly with expensive medical and property damage costs. Once your bills extend past the minimums, you’ll personally be liable for additional costs and damage. Get the coverage that makes sense for you here.
How does my personal credit play a role?
Insurance carriers run an insurance credit score to help determine policy premiums. Your insurance rates will likely be lower if you have an excellent credit score. On the other hand, your insurance rates may be higher if you have a poor credit score. Insurance companies believe credit scores are an indicator of whether you’ll make your insurance payments on time and credit scores combined with other data can be predictive of risk. Check out the best companies for all credit scores now.
What kind of discounts are usually available?
The most common discounts available are multi-policy and auto-pay, but every auto insurer is different. Other discounts that are widely available are loyalty, good student and anti-theft device discounts. See our top providers with the best discounts and get a unique quote.
*Quotes were obtained using the following profile: base 2015 Toyota Camry, male, 40-years-old. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.