Best West Virginia Car Insurance (2024)

If you live in West Virginia, you have countless options for car insurance coverage. And with over 79,000 miles to drive in the Mountain State, you will want a helpful car insurance policy so you can enjoy traveling without worrying about having proper coverage.

The average cost of car insurance in West Virginia is around $1,498 annually or $125 per month. West Virginia drivers pay nearly 2% less than the national average for car insurance. Still, you may be able to find cheaper coverage based on certain factors.

Your age, location, gender, marital status, driving history, credit score, and coverage type will impact your West Virginia car insurance rates. Therefore, as you search for a West Virginia car insurance policy that meets your needs, it’s important to compare car insurance rates from several companies. Doing so will help you avoid paying too much in monthly or annual car insurance rates.

You may be able to find cheap car insurance in West Virginia, but you’ll only know once you compare car insurance rates. The cheapest car insurance in West Virginia is a minimum coverage policy. However, you may want to pay more for the added peace of mind that comes with a full coverage policy.

Which car insurance companies offer the cheapest minimum coverage policies in West Virginia?

Insurance companies charge different rates for car insurance. Depending on what you’re looking for, you may find that some companies offer much cheaper rates than other companies in West Virginia.

You’ll save money on car insurance if you choose a liability-only policy. The average cost for a minimum coverage policy in West Virginia is around $522 annually or $44 per month. So minimum coverage could help you save around $1,059 yearly or $88 monthly on car insurance coverage.

West Virginia Average Monthly Liability Auto Insurance Rates by Company

Some of the cheapest minimum coverage policies in West Virginia come from Erie and State Farm. Erie charges around $411 annually or $34 each month for car insurance coverage. With State Farm, you’ll pay around $450 annually or $38 each month for coverage.

It is important to note that, while USAA provides a less expensive premium, it is only available to branches of the military and their family.

Progressive charges the most for a minimum coverage policy in West Virginia. With Progressive, you’ll pay $812 annually or $68 each month for a liability-only policy.

Should I get a minimum coverage policy?

If you purchase a minimum coverage policy, you may enjoy cheaper monthly or annual car insurance rates, but you forgo some protection that might help you in the long run. For example, with a liability-only policy, you will have to pay for repairs to your vehicle out of pocket if you cause an accident or your vehicle undergoes damage because of inclement weather, wild animals, or theft. Find out what to do after a car accident.

If you can swing it financially, you should consider purchasing a full coverage policy on your vehicle for added protection and support when driving. 

Which company offers the cheapest full coverage policy in West Virginia?

The average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy in West Virginia is around $1,498 annually or $125 per month. Still, you may find certain companies that offer cheaper options for full coverage in your area.

West Virginia Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by Company

Nationwide offers the cheapest full coverage on average in West Virginia. With Nationwide, you can get a full coverage policy for around $1,216 annually or $101 monthly. State Farm is second, with rates around $1,372 annually or $114 per month.

Full coverage rates with Allstate are the most expensive in West Virginia on average. With Allstate, you can expect to pay around $2,762 annually or $230 each month for coverage.

Do I need full coverage?

It is important to understand how much car insurance you need. While full coverage policies often cost more than a liability-only option, full coverage offers additional protection when you’re behind the wheel. A full coverage policy includes liability, collision, and comprehensive car insurance coverage.

Collision insurance helps if you cause an accident and your vehicle is damaged. Comprehensive car insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle if inclement weather, wild animals, or vandalism damages it. When you add these coverages to your car insurance policy, you are less likely to pay for repairs out of pocket. 

Can I get cheap car insurance in West Virginia with bad credit?

Believe it or not, your credit can significantly impact your car insurance rates. Studies show a correlation between bad credit scores and an increase in claims. Because of this, car insurance companies often charge higher rates when you have bad credit. West Virginia drivers with poor credit pay up to 54% more for their car insurance than policyholders with good credit scores.

You may find that some companies offer reasonable car insurance rates in West Virginia if you have bad credit. Still, you’ll need to shop online and compare quotes from multiple companies to ensure you don’t pay too much for your coverage.

West Virginia Average Monthly Bad Credit Auto Insurance Rates by Company

Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance coverage on average for people with bad credit. With Nationwide, you’ll pay around $1,631 annually or $136 per month for a full coverage policy with poor credit. Geico offers the next cheapest option at $2,113 annually or $176 per month. But as you can see, rates increase substantially, adding $40 each month to your car insurance rates.

Allstate charges the highest rates for full coverage if you have poor credit. With Allstate, you’ll pay around $3,834 annually or $320 monthly for a full coverage policy with bad credit. 

How can I lower my rates if I have bad credit?

If you have bad credit, the best thing you can do is improve your credit score to lower your car insurance rates. Focus on paying off any debts you have without accruing more, and don’t take out any loans for several months. Over time, you should notice an improvement in your credit score. As your score improves, car insurance companies will often offer you more reasonable car insurance rates.

In addition to improving your credit score, you can ask for specific discounts to lower your monthly or annual car insurance rates. Car insurance discounts can help you save up to 25% on your car insurance coverage. Taking advantage of discounts is a great way to get cheaper coverage. However, you may have to shop around and speak with representatives from different companies to learn which offers the best discount opportunities.

Can I get cheap car insurance with an at-fault accident on my record?

Car insurance companies take at-fault accidents very seriously. As a result, if you have an at-fault accident on your driving record, you can expect to pay higher-than-average coverage rates for your car insurance.

In West Virginia, an at-fault accident can increase your rates by over $700 annually. Therefore, shopping online and comparing quotes from the best car insurance companies for drivers with bad records to avoid paying too much for your car insurance policy.

Compare auto insurance rates from the top companies below:

West Virginia Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Company with an At-Fault Accident

State Farm offers the cheapest rates if you have one or more at-fault accidents on your driving record. With State Farm, you can expect to pay around $1,714 annually or $143 monthly for a full coverage policy. Nationwide offers full coverage for $1,870 annually or $156 each month. 

Coverage with Progressive is often the most expensive if you have an accident on your driving record. With Progressive, you’ll pay $3,737 annually or $311 each month for a full coverage policy. 

How can I get better rates if I have an accident on my record?

The best way to get better rates is to improve your driving record. Over time, an at-fault accident will no longer appear on your driving record. If you can stay accident-free for three years, you may find that many car insurance companies offer much cheaper rates. 

Still, shopping and comparing quotes at least once a year is important to avoid paying too much for coverage. If your car insurance company does not automatically lower your car insurance rates as you remain accident-free, compare quotes from other companies to see if you can get better coverage at a lower price. Find the best car insurance company for people with accidents on their record.

Can young drivers get cheap car insurance in West Virginia?

Young drivers often pay the most for car insurance of any demographic. So if you’re 16-25 or have a young driver on your car insurance policy, you can expect to pay exceptionally high rates for coverage.

Young drivers pose more risk to car insurance companies than any other group because they lack experience behind the wheel. The average cost for a teen driver car insurance policy in West Virginia is around $5,373 annually or $448 each month.

West Virginia Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Company for Young Drivers

Erie offers the cheapest option for a full coverage policy for a teen driver in West Virginia. With Erie, teen drivers pay around $3,429 annually or $286 each month for full coverage. Geico is the next cheapest option. With Geico, teen drivers pay around $3,454 annually or $288 monthly for full coverage.

Progressive consistently charges the highest car insurance rates for teenagers and young drivers. With Progressive, you can expect to pay around $10,399 annually or $867 each month for a full coverage policy. Find the best car insurance for young drivers.

How can teens pay less for coverage?

If you add a teen driver to your policy as an adult, rates should be cheaper. However, if this is not possible, you should shop online to see if any company in your area offers discounts for teen drivers. Some discounts, like good student or student away from home, could help you save around 25% on your car insurance policy.

As teens get older, they should get cheaper car insurance rates, especially if they keep their driving records clean. Shop online and compare car insurance rates for young adults at least once a year to ensure you and your teen are not paying too much for West Virginia coverage.

Do car insurance rates in West Virginia vary by city?

You may find that your car insurance rates vary depending on where you live. For example, some cities in West Virginia have higher rates for coverage while others are cheaper. Typically, larger cities with more traffic or crime have higher car insurance rates.

West Virginia Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by City

Car insurance rates in Wheeling, West Virginia, are cheaper than other areas. In Wheeling, you’ll pay around $1,511 annually or $126 each month for car insurance. Morgantown residents pay around $1,559 annually or $130 per month for coverage. If you live in Parkersburg, you’ll pay $1,612 per year or $134 monthly for car insurance.

Charleston rates are a bit higher at $1,667 annually or $139 per month. Lastly, rates in Huntington are the most expensive. In Huntington, you’ll pay around $1,668 annually or $139 each month for a full coverage policy. If you have a clean driving record and your rates are higher than the average in your area, you should shop and compare quotes from several companies. Learn how to get car insurance.

What are the DUI laws in West Virginia?

West Virginia auto insurance companies take DUI convictions very seriously. If you have a DUI on your driving record in West Virginia, you’ll pay an average of $768 more annually for car insurance coverage. 

It may seem challenging to find affordable car insurance rates with a DUI on your driving record. If your rates are too high, the best thing you can do is compare quotes from several companies while you continue to drive safely and avoid filing any claims or getting into any accidents.

How much is car insurance with a DUI on your driving record?

You will pay more for coverage if you have a DUI on your driving record. This is because car insurance companies take DUIs very seriously, and some states allow a DUI to stay on your driving record for up to 10 years. Because of this, you can expect elevated car insurance rates for a significant amount of time once you’re convicted of a DUI.

On average, a DUI increases your rates by $768 annually or $64 each month in West Virginia. You will find that some companies offer more competitive rates than others if you have a DUI. Still, other factors like credit, age, and gender may continue to impact your monthly or annual rates.

West Virginia Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Company After a DUI

State Farm offers the cheapest rates on average if you have a DUI on your driving record. With State Farm, you’ll pay around $1,980 annually or $165 each month for car insurance with a DUI. After State Farm, Nationwide offers the next option for cheap coverage. With Nationwide, you’ll pay $2,296 annually or $191 each month for coverage with a DUI on your driving record. 

Erie’s rates for someone with a DUI are comparable to Nationwide’s. With Erie, you’ll pay $2,303 annually or $192 per month for car insurance. Geico charges around $2,428 annually or $202 each month for coverage. Rates with Progressive are around $2,933 annually or $244 each month for car insurance with a DUI on your driving record.

Allstate charges the most for coverage if you have a DUI on your driving record. With Allstate, you’ll pay $3,499 annually or $292 each month for car insurance. 

How can I get better rates with a DUI?

Your DUI will stay on your West Virginia driving record for 10 years. Because of this, you will have elevated car insurance rates for a decade after your infraction. Therefore, you’ll need to compare rates with different companies to find the best car insurance after a DUI in West Virginia. 

While companies will take your DUI seriously, you may find companies willing to offer you cheaper coverage rates if you stay accident-free for years following your DUI conviction. Keeping accidents, speeding tickets, and other infractions off your driving record is the best way to get cheaper rates over time.

You may also qualify for discounts with certain companies that help lower your monthly or annual rates. Check with different car insurance companies to see if you are eligible for discounts on coverage.

What are West Virginia’s car insurance laws?

In West Virginia, you must carry a certain amount of car insurance to drive legally. West Virginia requires its drivers to carry at least a minimum coverage policy. If you purchase minimum coverage in West Virginia, you’ll pay around $522 annually or $44 each month for coverage. (For more information, read our “West Virginia Car Insurance Laws“)

West Virginia’s minimum coverage policies must include the following car insurance coverage:

• Bodily injury liability. West Virginia drivers need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability. Find the best bodily injury liability car insurance companies here.
• Property damage liability. West Virginia drivers need $25,000 per accident in property damage liability. 

In addition to West Virginia’s coverage requirements, drivers can also choose one or more of the following types of car insurance coverage to customize their policies and add protection when they’re on the road:

• Comprehensive car insurance. Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle if inclement weather, wild animals, theft, or something similar damages it. Find the best comprehensive coverage car insurance companies. 
• Collision insurance. Collision insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle if you’re at fault in an accident and your car is damaged. Find the best collision coverage car insurance companies. 
• Gap insurance (loan/lease payoff) coverage. Gap insurance pays the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its actual cash value. 
• Medical Payments (MedPay). MedPay coverage pays for medical bills associated with an accident, like hospital bills and visits to the doctor. 
• Rental car reimbursement. With rental car reimbursement, your insurance company will pay you back if you have to rent a car because yours is in the shop following a covered event. 
• Roadside assistance. Roadside assistance helps with towing, fuel services, flat tire repair, and lockout services. 
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. With uninsured/underinsured coverage, your insurance company will pay for repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident and someone else caused damage but does not carry proper car insurance coverage. Find the best uninsured motorist coverage car insurance companies here.

Adding coverage to your car insurance policy will cost more money, but the more coverage you have, the more protection you have on the road. 

Does West Virginia require drivers to carry SR-22 coverage?

You may need to file an SR-22 form through your car insurance company if you have certain infractions on your driving record. Some of the most common reasons you may need SR-22 coverage include:

• Driving with a suspended license
• Driving without a license
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Multiple speeding tickets
• Multiple traffic tickets
• More than one at-fault accident
• Failure to pay child support

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a driver who was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

West Virginia drivers who need to file an SR-22 form can expect to pay higher rates for car insurance coverage because of the blemishes on their driving records. Still, you may find some companies that offer cheaper coverage with an SR-22. To find the best insurance for an SR-22, shop and compare quotes from several insurance companies. 

How do I get SR-22 insurance?

SR-22 coverage may not be difficult to find. Still, you should shop and compare car insurance quotes to ensure you don’t overpay for your coverage.

If You Have Insurance

If you are currently insured, filing an SR-22 form with your current insurance company may be easiest. Doing so will help you maintain your current policy, and you may not have much of a rate increase if your policy includes something like accident forgiveness. 

If You Don’t Have Insurance

If you do not have a car insurance policy, you must shop online and compare SR-22 coverage quotes with several companies. Don’t get discouraged if you run into one company that will not offer coverage. You’ll likely have multiple coverage options with West Virginia car insurance companies. 

If You Don’t Own A Vehicle

If you don’t have a car, you must purchase non-owner car insurance coverage when you file your SR-22 form. Fortunately, non-owner car insurance often costs less than a standard car insurance policy because you’re less likely to drive as often if you don’t own a vehicle. 

Case Studies: Finding Affordable Car Insurance in West Virginia

Case Study 1: Minimum Coverage Savings

John, a young driver in West Virginia, was looking for the most affordable car insurance option. He compared quotes from different insurance companies and found that Erie offered the cheapest rates for minimum coverage. By opting for a liability-only policy from Erie, John was able to save around $1,059 per year on his car insurance compared to other companies.

Case Study 2: Full Coverage for Less

Sarah, a middle-aged driver, wanted comprehensive coverage for her new vehicle without breaking the bank. After researching different insurance providers, she discovered that Nationwide offered the cheapest rates for full coverage in West Virginia.

By choosing Nationwide, Sarah was able to secure a full coverage policy at an annual cost of $1,216, saving her money while ensuring adequate protection.

Case Study 3: Improving Credit Impact

Mark, a West Virginia resident with a poor credit score, was concerned about the impact on his car insurance rates. He took proactive steps to improve his credit by paying off debts and managing his finances responsibly.

After a year of improving his credit, Mark requested new quotes from various insurers and found that Geico offered the best rates for his improved credit score. By taking steps to boost his credit, Mark was able to lower his car insurance premiums by $40 per month.

West Virginia Car Insurance: The Bottom Line

Several companies offer the best car insurance in West Virginia. However, you may find that some companies offer significantly cheaper rates than others. The average cost of car insurance in West Virginia is around $1,498 annually or $125 per month for full coverage or $522 annually or $44 each month for minimum coverage.

Shop online and compare rates from several companies to determine which offers the coverage you want at a price that works with your budget. If you have a bad driving record, poor credit, or are a young driver, you can expect to pay higher-than-average rates for West Virginia car insurance.