policy that includes at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage and uninsured motorist bodily injury and property damage coverage with matching limits.
, to comply with West Virginia car insurance laws drivers must have liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage that meets or exceeds the following limits:
Liability insurance is a coverage requirement in most states, and it protects you from legal claims due to physical injuries and/or damage to other individuals’ property if you cause a car accident.
Liability insurance is broken into two categories:
, your policy will pay up to up to the same limits for your personal injuries and property damage.
Any additional cost in both situations will come out of your own pocket.
You can use the Jerry app to select specific coverages you'd like included in your insurance policy, including uninsured driver coverage.
Is minimum liability coverage the most cost effective option?
No. Despite relatively high limits, West Virginia’s state-minimum insurance is typically insufficient to cover the entire cost if you’re involved in a car accident.
Here’s why:
If you’re at fault in a serious car accident, West Virginia state-minimum coverage may not be enough to protect you from lawsuits. According to data published by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average bodily injury liability claim in 2021 was $22,734, while the average property damage claim was $5,314.1 Claims following severe accidents were much higher, so without higher liability limits, you may not have enough coverage to avoid getting sued.
Uninsured motorist coverage only applies when you’re less than 50% at fault: If you’re found mostly at fault in an accident, and you don’t have comprehensive or collision coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for your medical expenses and damage repairs.
Liability coverage will not pay for damages caused by weather, theft, or vandalism.
Most drivers in West Virginia need a policy that includes at least the following:
$100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.
The average cost for minimum coverage liability insurance in West Virginia is $109 per month or $1,309 per year, while
averages $250 per month or $3,006 per year. Despite higher auto insurance rates, the financial and legal security offered by higher coverage limits and physical damage protections makes full coverage the more cost effective option.
To keep your full coverage insurance costs low, select a higher deductible for comprehensive and collision policies.
Remember: Car insurance providers use a variety of factors, including selected coverage options, age, vehicle type, zip code, and
If you lease or finance a vehicle, your bank or lender may require you to purchase physical damage coverage—comprehensive and collision insurance—on top of liability insurance.
Optional coverages in West Virginia
In addition to increased minimum amounts of liability coverage, it’s a good idea to consider adding options coverages to your car insurance policy, such as:
Vehicle registration suspension for second and subsequent offenses, plus $100 to $150 in fees
FAQs
What are the legal requirements for insurance in WV?
West Virginia law requires all registered vehicles to be insured and their drivers to carry proof of insurance for a policy with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, $25,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage and uninsured motorist bodily injury and property damage coverage with matching limits.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in WV?
Yes. Driving without insurance in West Virginia is considered a misdemeanor.
Can you get car insurance without a license in West Virginia?
Technically, yes, but you must list a primary driver with a valid license on the policy to finalize it.
or tort state. This means the person responsible for a vehicle accident is responsible for paying for the not-at-fault parties’ injuries and property damage.
