Driving is an everyday part of your daily life. You may not think about the logistics involved in keeping a car on the roads. It is important to understand and follow your state’s insurance laws. In West Virginia, drivers must maintain mandatory insurance limits to operate a vehicle.
The mandatory insurance limits in West Virginia are intended to protect others in an accident. You may need additional coverage to protect yourself and your passengers as well as your vehicle. Accidents are not uncommon in West Virginia according to these 2019 statistics by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- In 2019, West Virginia was the site of 247 fatalities
- More than half of all accident-related deaths in West Virginia were caused by single-vehicle accidents.
- 120 drivers died in crashes involving alcohol.
- Protect your finances by complying with the requirements for car insurance.
West Virginia has laws regarding car insurance
Although car insurance laws differ from one state to the next, most states require minimum coverage. The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles requires the following mandatory coverage limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per individual / $50,000 liability for an accident (two or greater injuries)
- $25,000 Property Damage Liability
- $25,000 bodily injury to an uninsured motorist per person/ $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 property damage by an uninsured motorist
West Virginia drivers must also keep proof of their insurance and their address current with the DMV. Even if your vehicle is used only part-time or seasonally, you must still have the minimum insurance coverage while the vehicle isn’t in storage.
West Virginia has liability insurance
Liability insurance is the most popular coverage and is required in all states. Drivers in West Virginia must carry at least $25,000 bodily injury liability for each person and up to $50,000 per accident. This means that accident-related damages can be up to $25,000 if another person is hurt in an accident. Your insurance policy will limit the amount of your payout to $50,000 for each person who is hurt.
The same coverage is required for uninsured motorists. This pays out in case of an accident involving another driver who is not insured. Underinsured motorists can also have coverage up to the same $25,000/50,000 limits. However, this coverage can be rejected in writing.
These limits do not necessarily mean you have enough coverage.
You can be sued for any remaining funds if you cause an accident that results in damages exceeding your insurance limits. Your premium will increase, but you can still increase the limits of these coverages to protect yourself from any lawsuits arising out of an accident.
Additional coverage will be required if you wish to protect your vehicle. You can add collision coverage, which could pay for damage to the vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive coverage may also be available, which may cover non-crash related expenses such as fire, theft and falling objects. You can discuss your individual situation with an insurance agent to determine the right amount of insurance coverage.
Is West Virginia a no-fault state?
When referring to insurance damage, you may have heard the term “no fault state”. Drivers in no-fault states can use their insurance to cover repairs, regardless of who was at fault.
West Virginia is not a state that is no-fault but is a “tort state”. This means that if you are in an accident in West Virginia, one or more of the drivers will be deemed at fault. This is how the insurance company will determine who is responsible for the accident. You may be eligible to receive your losses from other parties if you are found less than 50% responsible for the accident.
Driving without insurance in West Virginia can result in severe penalties
Driving without car insurance can result in severe penalties. In fact, the West Virginia DMV sets specific consequences for drivers who choose to drive without insurance or who fail to provide proof of insurance when prompted for verification:
- Suspension of registration and license
- $100 fee to reinstate vehicle registration
- $50 Penalty if there is a secure order on the license plate
- $50 driver’s license reinstatement fee
If you are facing repeated violations, the suspension period can be extended.
Your license could be suspended for up to 90 days if you give false insurance information to the West Virginia DMV. You could also face vehicle revocation or even a prosecution that could result in a $1,000 fine and up to one year imprisonment.
Additional options for auto insurance in West Virginia
If you want to feel secure while driving, you can also purchase additional insurance coverage.
Although additional insurance coverage can increase your premium, it is usually a worthwhile investment that will save you time and money over the long-term. You might also consider the following coverages:
- Personal injury protection: PIP is personal injury coverage that covers injured parties for medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs, as well as essential services after serious injuries.
- Roadside assistance/towing: Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage. This can help you if your vehicle is locked out, runs out of fuel, or you need to have it towed.
- Rental coverage: When your vehicle is being repaired because of a covered loss, insurance companies may offer rental coverage.
Questions frequently asked
Which West Virginia car insurance company is best?
There is no single best insurance provider. Consider factors such as premium rate, discounts available, customer satisfaction, and the ease of filing claims. To get started, review our list of the best options in West Virginia.
What is the best car insurance in West Virginia for you?
Each car insurance company has a unique algorithm for determining premium rates. Every individual’s premium will vary depending on their particular circumstances. To find the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia, obtain quotes from multiple companies.
What is the best way to pay reinstatement fees if my West Virginia license has been suspended?
After your license has been suspended due to driving without insurance or failure to provide proof of coverage, you must complete your suspension period and submit proof of insurance. You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee. Fees can be paid online through the West Virginia DMV.