Car Insurance in West Virginia

  • GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage and Erie the cheapest liability-only auto insurance in WV
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in WV from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
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About The Zebra's recommendations

The Zebra’s product features real quotes from some of the companies we review. However, our content and reviews are unbiased and never commissioned-based.

Reference our editorial standards or learn more about how we make money.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Mark Friedlander

Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the Director, Corporate Communications, at the Insurance Informatio…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Car insurance quotes in West Virginia

The average cost for full coverage car insurance in West Virginia is $1,037 for a six-month policy — 5% cheaper than the national average.[1] For West Virginians eager to save, GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage and Erie the cheapest liability coverage.

While our data indicates 35% of West Virginia drivers feel they’re overpaying for car insurance, many are willing to spend more for comprehensive customer support and coverage options.[2] For those seeking a balance of value, price, and service, Erie is our top recommendation.

GEICO logo
Cheapest full coverage in WV
Erie logo
Cheapest liability coverage in WV
Erie logo
Best customer service in WV

 

Erie logo
Best car insurance in WV — overall

*Note: USAA offers the cheapest rates in Connecticut overall, but due to its strict eligibility requirements, it has been excluded from this list. The Zebra caters to a wide audience of insurance seekers, so we focus on listing insurance companies that are accessible to the majority of consumers, ensuring our recommendations are relevant to as many drivers as possible. If you or a family member qualify for USAA coverage, it is an excellent choice for your insurance provider.


Cheap liability insurance in West Virginia

The average cost for liability insurance in West Virginia is $309 for a 6-month policy.[1] For our user profile, USAA, Erie, and GEICO offer the most affordable liability insurance in West Virginia.

This rate is noticeably lower than full coverage, as the level of coverage you choose greatly impacts the overall cost. The table below provides monthly and 6-month liability insurance quotes from West Virginia's most popular insurance companies.

Cheapest liability coverage in WV

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $200 $33
Erie $262 $44
GEICO $303 $51
State Farm $344 $57
Progressive $410 $68
Allstate $555 $93

Source: The Zebra

Our data shows that 46% of West Virginian drivers insure their vehicles with liability-only coverage. The state requires West Virginian drivers to cary liability limits of at least 25/50/25. This equates to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident. For a more detailed explanation of West Virginia car insurance limits and related laws.

Renata Balasco, licensed insurance agent and insurance writer at The Zebra
For West Virginians, is liability insurance enough?

While the state's minimum bodily injury liability might cover minor injuries, it likely falls short in the case of more severe accidents. Additionally, the $25,000 property damage limit, though better than some states, won’t cover the cost of a newer vehicle.

It's advisable to increase your property damage liability to $50,000, especially given the state's mountainous terrain and high accident rates. Also, add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIMBI/UIMPD). This will help cover your medical expenses and vehicle repairs if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in West Virginia

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
USAA $200 $812
Erie $262 $949
GEICO $303 $891
State Farm $344 $1,147
Progressive $410 $1,235
Allstate $555 $1,699

Source: The Zebra


Cheap full coverage insurance in West Virginia

In 2024, full coverage insurance in West Virginia averages around $1,037 for a 6-month policy. It's a popular choice among drivers, with 54% of The Zebra's West Virginia customers opting for full coverage quotes.[2] 

Though pricier than liability insurance, West Virginians seeking the most affordable full coverage should begin their search with Erie and State Farm.

Full coverage quotes in WV

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $812 $135
GEICO $891 $149
Erie $949 $158
State Farm $1,147 $191
Progressive $1,235 $206
Allstate $1,699 $283

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Find the best coverage and price in West Virginia with The Zebra.

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What are the best car insurance companies in West Virginia?

Based on consumer reviews, third-party ratings (like J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), their available discounts and coverage options, and relatively cheap rates, we’ve chosen Erie Insurance as the top car insurance company in West Virginia. Check out the pros and cons of Erie Insurance below, along with a list of other highly rated companies in the state.

Erie Insurance logo- best car insurer in WV
Overall best car insurance company in West Virginia — ERIE Insurance

Erie Insurance stands out as the best choice for West Virginians not just because of its consistently low average rates, but also for its excellent customer service and extensive coverage options. Erie offers unique perks, like Rate Lock, which helps prevent sudden premium hikes, and flexible payment plans and range of add-ons, such as roadside assistance make Erie a top pick for those looking for both affordability and effective coverage.

Pros
  • Top customer ratings

  • Customizable coverage

  • ERIE Rate Lock

  • Erie Auto Plus endorsement (diminishing deductible, waved deductible for some claims, extra loss of use coverage )

  • Local agents

  • Highly competetive prices

Cons
  • Only available in 12 states (a concern only if you plan to move)

  • Limited web-based services (e.g. inability to add Auto ID card to Apple Wallet)

Best car insurance in West Virginia — honorable mentions

To find the best car insurance companies for West Virginians, we reviewed J.D. Power Auto ratings and gathered feedback from nearly 3,000 drivers across West Virginia and the U.S. This helped us get a well-rounded picture of what real customers value most.

Best car insurance companies in WV

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $812 $135
Erie $949 $158
State Farm $1,147 $191

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in West Virginia?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in West Virginia
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 4+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.

Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in West Virginia.

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West Virginia auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Finding affordable car insurance in West Virginia after an accident can be challenging. Insurers often review your accident and ticket history to assess your risk as a customer. If you’re found at fault, your rates could jump to around $949 per year.

Here’s a look at what some of the top insurance companies in West Virginia might charge after an at-fault accident.

Best insurance companies in WV after an accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $1,147 $191
Erie $1,163 $194
GEICO $1,269 $212
State Farm $1,416 $236
Progressive $1,996 $333
Allstate $2,302 $384

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

Ideally, you'll never need your insurance, but if you do, a stress-free experience is crucial. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we gauged satisfaction among those who filed claims. Erie emerged as a great choice and is worth considering if you live in West Virginia.[4]

In West Virginia, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 77% after a DUI and 20% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in West Virginia after a few common citations.

Auto Insurance Rates by Violation in West Virginia

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,073 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,073 $0
One comp claim $2,145 $71
Not-at-fault accident $2,161 $87
Two Med/PIP claims $2,171 $98
Two comp claims $2,280 $206
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,324 $251
Failure to show documents $2,358 $284
Driving without lights $2,390 $317
Cell phone violation $2,464 $391
Texting while driving $2,464 $391
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,468 $394
Driving with expired registration $2,484 $410
Driving too slowly $2,494 $420
Speeding in school zone $2,494 $420
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,494 $420
Improper passing $2,498 $424
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,498 $424
Following too closely $2,498 $424
Failure to stop at a red light $2,498 $424
Illegal turn $2,498 $424
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,513 $439
Failure to yield $2,513 $440
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,516 $442
In 65 MPH zone $2,522 $449
Passing school bus $2,584 $510
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,590 $517
Child safety restraint $2,594 $521
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,785 $711
Open container $2,805 $732
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,023 $949
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,023 $949
Driving with a suspended license $3,320 $1,247
Reckless driving $3,450 $1,376
DUI $3,683 $1,609
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,683 $1,609
Racing $3,695 $1,621
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,713 $1,639

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to West Virginia car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Some of the violations listed above, like a DUI or driving without insurance, can lead to more complex insurance issues. Below, you’ll find detailed guides on West Virginia’s car insurance laws and regulations to help you navigate these situations.

Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of West Virginia with our helpful guide.

West Virginia DUI laws

In West Virginia, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $768. That’s 10% less than the national average rate hike after a DUI. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in West Virginia

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in West Virginia, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in West Virginia, GEICO advertises annual rates over 30% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in West Virginia is Erie.

West Virginia car insurance quotes with a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $1,259 $210
Erie $1,403 $234
USAA $1,498 $250
State Farm $1,610 $268
Progressive $1,715 $286
Allstate $2,154 $359

Source: The Zebra

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Compare and buy car insurance online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy. Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions here.

West Virginia SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of West Virginia to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in West Virginia might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in West Virginia

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in West Virginia in minutes!

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Car insurance in popular West Virginia cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Wheeling, West Virginia, and the most expensive in Huntington, West Virginia.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of West Virginia's biggest cities.

Auto insurance quotes in West Virginia's biggest cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Wheeling $926 $154
Morgantown $951 $158
Parkersburg $986 $164
Charleston $1,006 $168
Huntington $1,019 $170

Source: The Zebra


Car insurance price trends in West Virginia

Car insurance costs in West Virginia have fluctuated significantly over the past decade. While premiums peaked in 2015 at $1,885, they steadily declined until 2020, when they hit a low of $1,429. However, starting in 2021, rates began to rise again, with a notable increase in 2022 of $211, reaching $1,709. In 2024, the average annual premium climbed to $1,748, indicating a steady upward trend in recent years. This suggests that drivers in West Virginia may need to be more proactive in shopping around to find the best rates as premiums continue to increase.

Car insurance costs in West Virginia since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $1,748 $30
2023 $1,718 $9
2022 $1,709 $211
2021 $1,498 $69
2020 $1,429 -$93
2019 $1,522 -$6
2018 $1,528 -$268
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in West Virginia

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In West Virginia, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $5,373 per year — that's $577 more than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical West Virginia driver.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in WV

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $1,612 $269
Erie $2,233 $372
USAA $2,506 $418
State Farm $3,975 $662
Progressive $4,634 $772
Allstate $5,129 $855

Source: The Zebra

Top companies in WV for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. Monthly Premium Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $357 $2,143
Erie $458 $2,747
USAA $629 $3,774
State Farm $872 $5,233
Progressive $998 $5,989
Allstate $1,102 $6,614

Source: The Zebra

Zebra tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
  2. Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
  3. Stay on a parent's policy to save money and benefit from their good insurance history.

West Virginia car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding West Virginia auto insurance.

Auto insurance premiums in West Virginia change based on your driving record and your coverage level. For a 30-year-old driver with no accidents, a six-month full coverage policy costs $695. A liability-only policy costs $302.

Our data suggest USAA ($33/mo) and Erie ($44/mo) offer the cheapest rates for liability-only coverage and USAA ($135/mo) and GEICO ($149/mo) are cheapest for full coverage auto insurance.

Car insurance in West Virginia is slightly cheaper than the national average. However, your rates may be more or less given your unique driver profile.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources:
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. J.D. Power. Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN WV

Other people are also asking...

At-fault driver lied about having insurance

I would contact the police and let them know the insurance information provided is invalid. Give them all the information you have available to you; the other driver's license plate, police report, all photos of the incident, etc. Next, I would contact your insurance company and let them know …
Apr 14, 2018 Charleston, West Virginia

How long into getting a new policy can I file a claim?

As long as the problems began after you started your policy, you can file a claim immediately. The statute of limitations in West Virginia is two years for property damage. The damage caused by the rat would fall under your comprehensive coverage so you will just have to pay your deductible. You wo…
Dec 9, 2017 Charleston, West Virginia

How long do I have to add my new vehicle to my existing policy?

This can vary by company so your best bet is to add the new vehicle as quickly as possible to avoid any issues with your finance company or insurance provider. Generally speaking, there is a 14-30 day window for you to add your vehicle and have it insured from the date of purchase. If you happen to…
Mar 11, 2016 Hinton, WV

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.