The Complete Guide to West Virginia Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Mountain State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things WV car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in West Virginia?
Car insurance in West Virginia averages $179/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $177 |
| Huntington | $181 |
| Morgantown | $166 |
| Parkersburg | $171 |
| Wheeling | $163 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in West Virginia?
West Virginia drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
9.2% of drivers in West Virginia are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,334 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in WV, down 15% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
WV has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 32, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and landslide are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in West Virginia?
All West Virginia drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for West Virginia drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $25,000 | Damage to your car when an uninsured driver is at fault | Your injuries, may have deductibles, hit-and-run rules vary by state |
| Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries when hit by a driver with no insurance or in hit-and-run cases | Car damage, amounts above your limits, cases where other driver has some insurance |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in West Virginia?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for West Virginia drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in West Virginia?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from mountain mudding
How much car insurance do I need in West Virginia?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local West Virginia labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont | $77 | $89 | $125 | $77 |
| Wheeling | $78 | $89 | $125 | $78 |
| Morgantown | $77 | $89 | $125 | $77 |
| Princeton | $69 | $90 | $148 | $69 |
| Clarksburg | $77 | $89 | $125 | $77 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in West Virginia?
West Virginia takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$200-$5,000 first offense. Alternative $200 fee if you get insurance before suspension date.
Suspension
30 days first offense, 90 days for repeat offenses, then until insurance proof submitted.
Jail time
15 days to 1 year possible for first offense, depending on circumstances.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in West Virginia?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in West Virginia?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
West Virginia car insurance FAQs
Is West Virginia a no-fault state?
No, West Virginia isn’t a no-fault state. West Virginia follows at-fault insurance. If you’re injured, you can pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. PIP coverage is optional.
Do I need insurance to register a car in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia requires insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Proof of insurance is required at registration, and coverage must stay active.
What are the top risks for driving in West Virginia?
West Virginia’s mountainous terrain features winding roads with sharp curves and limited visibility. Winter weather makes these challenging roads even more slippery and dangerous. Rural areas often lack adequate lighting for safe nighttime travel.
How long do I have to report an accident in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to be reported immediately to police. If no officer responds, you must file a report within 5 days. Timely reporting is required by law.
What are the top safety tips for driving in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, slow way down on those winding mountain roads with sharp curves. Use caution when you can barely see ahead. Take it easy during winter weather. Stay alert on dark rural roads.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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