A homeowners insurance policy can help protect your financial future if you own a West Virginia home. According to Bankrate’s 2021 study on annual quoted premiums, the average cost for homeowners insurance in West Virginia amounts to $1,124 per annum, or $75 per month for $250,000 of dwelling coverage.
Finding the best West Virginia homeowners insurance can be daunting, especially for first-time buyers. Bankrate’s editorial team in insurance has analyzed the major home insurance companies in West Virginia and identified the best homeowners insurance.
West Virginia’s top-rated homeowners insurance companies
We considered many factors when evaluating West Virginia homeowners insurance companies. These included customer satisfaction, rates and discounts, availability, coverage options, online options, and coverage options.
These providers provide comprehensive coverage at affordable prices if you’re looking for West Virginia home insurer.
Allstate
Allstate West Virginia homeowners insurance is offered at a lower rate than the average. The company also offers a variety of optional coverages you may find helpful, such as yard and garden coverage, electronic recovery, sports equipment coverage, and business property coverage. The company offers discounts that can help you lower your premium, such as savings for new homeowners, responsible payers, and loyal customers.
Erie
Erie is not the most well-known company on our list, as it offers coverage only in 12 states. West Virginia is one of those. Erie is well-known for its competitive rates, exceptional customer service, and highest official J.D. Our list has a Power score. You can customize your coverage by choosing from a variety of optional coverages such as water backup, service line coverage, and identity recovery. Erie has 13,000 agents across the country who are ready to offer personalized, local service.
State Farm
State Farm was founded in 1922 and has been providing insurance services to American families for nearly 100 years. It is the best home insurance provider in West Virginia and one of the most trusted insurers in the country. Although the company has a variety of coverage options, and some discounts, it stands out because of its partnership to Ting. Ting and State Farm offer homeowners a free device that will monitor your electrical system to alert you to potential problems before they lead to house fires.
USAA
USAA may be a good option for you if you’re in the military, or if you’re a eligible family member of a member. It has the highest customer satisfaction score according to the J.D. It is eligible for an official ranking, but it is not eligible due to restrictions on its membership. USAA offers some optional coverages, such as home sharing, that may prove useful if you need to rent out your home temporarily while on deployment or training. USAA doesn’t advertise any discounts, but if your claims are not filed or you install a security system, it might be possible to save money on home insurance.
Westfield
Westfield Insurance is not as big as some of the other companies on this list. Personal insurance is only available in 10 states. Since 1934, Westfield has received excellent financial strength ratings from AM Best. The J.D. did not rate the company. According to the Power study, Westfield had a low customer complaints index with National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This indicates that there are fewer than average complaints about its services. Westfield has the lowest average premium, even with the smaller companies offering more discounts.
What is the cost of homeowners insurance in West Virginia
West Virginia homeowners pay an average $1,124 per a year for dwelling coverage for $250,000, which is lower that the national average at $1,312 per a year. West Virginia’s average home insurance cost is slightly higher than in other states. Virginia homeowners pay $1,013 annually, while Ohio’s average premium costs $1,111 annually.
Weather may explain why West Virginia’s rates might be a bit higher. West Virginia is susceptible to severe weather all year. Weather events like lightning, hail, hail, and freezing temperatures are still the most damaging.
West Virginia home insurance
You might find it helpful to learn about the most common causes of loss in West Virginia before you start looking for the best homeowners’ insurance. This information can help you select the right coverages, and give you peace of mind that your policy is specific to your needs.
Common Loss Causes in West Virginia
It is important to understand the most common causes of damage in West Virginia before you start the insurance process. Before you can select the right coverages for you, it is important to understand what is most likely damage your home. These are some of the most common losses in West Virginia:
- Hail and wind damage: While tornadoes are rare in West Virginia, they can happen often during the summer. Interior damage can result from hail and wind damage to your roof, siding, and windows. Lightning can also cause power outages and food spoilage, which can be caused by severe storms.
- Water damage: Water damage can occur in many ways. Water damage can quickly become costly, so it is important to plan for how you might be affected.
- Wildfire damage: West Virginia is prone to wildfires. In 2020, the state saw 1,230 wildfires that burned more than 8,000 acres. Your home can be destroyed or damaged by fires caused by electrical systems, accidents, and cooking.
- Flooding: West Virginia residents should be aware of the greater than average risk for flooding in many counties. Flood damage can cause severe flooding. According to FEMA, flooding can result in $25,000 worth of damage. You can use the cost-of-flooding tool to determine how much flooding could cost you.
Understanding the most common causes of damage in your area is important, but you need to be aware that these risks can differ by zip code. You might be able to choose the right coverage by knowing what is most likely to happen in your area.
West Virginia offers a variety of home insurance options
There are many coverage options available for homeowners insurance policies. Some coverages are included in the basic policy, such as dwelling, personal property, and liability coverages. Others are optional or added-on coverage. These coverages can help protect your West Virginia property.
- Roof replacement cost: The wind and hail in West Virginia can cause roof damage. Roof replacement cost coverage is available to those who are eligible. This means that you will be reimbursed for the cost of replacing your roof if it has been damaged or destroyed.
- Water backup coverage: This endorsement is fairly common and is intended to cover the damages to your property and home if water backs up in a drain or sewer line. This can occur from any drain line, although it is more common in basements and crawl spaces.
- Wildfire coverage: Most homeowners policies automatically cover wildfire damage. You may need to have a separate policy if you live in an area with high risk.
- Flood insurance: Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. A flood insurance policy may be an option considering the high-risk areas in West Virginia and how costly flooding can be.
A licensed West Virginia agent may be a good idea. An agent can help you determine the right coverage for you and your situation.
Questions frequently asked
What is the best homeowners insurance in West Virginia for you?
Your individual rating factors will determine the best home insurance. The cost of your insurance depends on many factors, including the age of the house and where you live. Comparing quotes from different companies can help you find the right coverage at a cheaper price.
How can I obtain homeowners insurance in West Virginia
To get a quote, you can either visit the carrier’s website or call a company. It will be necessary to provide information about your house, such as the year it was built and the age of the roof. You may also need information about any updates or special features. After you’ve decided to purchase a policy through a company you will need to fill out an application and pay a fee.
Is my home insurance covered for mudflows, landslides and mudslides
Homeowners insurance does not cover any of these occurrences. These are distinct occurrences but they may be related. When the ground becomes unstable or shifts, landslides can occur. Although land slides are not covered by homeowners insurance, they can be covered by a policy called “Difference in Condition” (DIC).
Flood insurance and DIC policies cover floods and mudflows, which are basically a river of mixed earth-water. However, mudslides are caused by rock and earth moving downhill from gravity. They are generally not covered by insurance policies.