Low rates may be difficult to find for drivers with multiple tickets, at fault accidents, or DUI. Your license could also be suspended, restricted, or revoked for reckless or high-risk driving in West Virginia. You could be at risk of your standard auto insurance not renewing your coverage.
Finding an insurer that offers high-risk auto insurance in West Virginia may become your only coverage option if you have multiple incidents behind the wheel.
West Virginia rates for high-risk car insurance
The cost of your car insurance in West Virginia depends on your driving record, vehicle type and level of coverage, among other things. Although high-risk insurance in West Virginia is less expensive than traditional coverage, it might still be possible for you to get affordable rates. Every insurance company has its own price range for vehicle insurance. One carrier may provide affordable auto insurance for a driver with speeding tickets but increase premiums significantly after an at-fault accident.
After a speeding ticket, insurance rates
Your auto insurance rates can be affected by speeding tickets. It all depends on the speed you drove and how your insurer responds to your risk. There is no easy way to determine which insurance company will be cheaper after a speeding ticket. Bankrate’s analysis shows that Nationwide, USAA, and State Farm have affordable premiums after a speeding ticket.
Rates for an accident
In West Virginia, having an at-fault accident generally raises your premiums more than a speeding ticket. These rates can vary from one insurance company.
Although Nationwide car insurance might seem to offer the best coverage for safe drivers, a single accident can increase your premiums by 37%. After an accident, the rates at USAA rose 19%. Finally, the State Farm rates rose 16% following an at-fault accident.
Rates for DUI
Driving under the influence can be dangerous and could have serious financial and safety consequences.
Teen drivers can get car insurance
Parents who add their teenagers to their auto policies generally see a premium increase due to the risk inexperienced drivers create. It’s not surprising that West Virginia has a higher teen rate.
Who are high-risk drivers?
Drivers with DUI convictions or who have been involved in more than one accident or other moving violation are generally considered high-risk by insurance companies. High-risk drivers are also those with very little or no driving experience, such as young teens.
After accumulating enough points on a driver’s licence, many states could suspend or revoke your license. West Virginia could suspend your license after accumulating 12 to 13 points.
How high-risk drivers can lower insurance rates
High-risk drivers may have fewer options for auto insurance and pay higher premiums. These options can help to offset rising premiums:
- To find the best auto coverage for you, compare multiple insurance companies. Be honest about your driving record. Otherwise, you might find a carrier that will increase your rate once your driving history has been updated.
- As many discounts as you can. You can take advantage of multi-line discounts and accident forgiveness, as well as discounts for student drivers and low-mileage drivers.
- To reduce your points on your driving record, complete a Defensive Driving Course (DDC). The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles states that a course may be taken only once every 12 months. This could prevent your license being suspended. Online defensive driving courses cannot be accepted.
- To reduce your premiums, increase your collision and comprehensive deductibles. Remember that a higher collision deductible will result in more money being paid out of pocket when you file a claim.
Questions frequently asked
What is an SR-22 and what does it do?
An SR-22 certificate is a document confirming financial responsibility with the state that you have the minimum required car insurance. This certificate is required in many states if you have been convicted of DUI or are found driving without insurance. West Virginia doesn’t require you to have an SR-22.
I am a high-risk driver. Do I need extra car insurance?
All West Virginia drivers need to have at least $25,000 per person for bodily injuries, $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
What are the points I can get in West Virginia for an accident that causes injury?
West Virginia gives different points depending upon the circumstances that led to your ticket or accident. According to the DMV you could receive six points for speeding within a school zone or two points for following too closely. After you have accrued 12 points or more, the West Virginia DMV can suspend or revoke a license.
