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When traveling the winding roads of West Virginia, reliable auto insurance isn’t just a necessity — it’s the law. But finding affordable coverage while still getting adequate protection can be challenging.
State Farm offers the lowest average monthly premiums in the Mountain State, but your mileage may vary since your age, driving history, and other factors affect your personal rates.
Key Takeaways:
- Car insurance averages $109 per month in West Virginia, although rates can vary depending on age, driving history, and coverages selected.
- West Virginia drivers can get liability-only policies for as little as $31 per month.
- State Farm boasts the cheapest average rates in the state, but Erie is cheaper for many types of drivers.
In This Article:
West Virginia’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Even though average rates are $109 per month, West Virginia residents can still find ways to save on their auto insurance.
We’ve broken down the five cheapest companies for car insurance in West Virginia in the table below.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $57 |
| Erie | $62 |
| GEICO | $66 |
| Westfield | $74 |
| Nationwide | $94 |
State Farm comes out on top, with average monthly rates of just $57, but only by a few dollars. All five companies have lower average rates than the statewide average monthly premium. That’s why it’s so important to compare quotes from at least three companies before purchasing your next policy. Since so many factors affect your auto insurance rates, no single company is the cheapest for everyone.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll uncover the cheapest companies for several rating factors, including age, driving record, and coverage level.
How we chose the cheapest companies in West Virginia
Our team analyzed thousands of rates from dozens of the top insurance companies in West Virginia. Using that data, we listed the five cheapest options for West Virginia drivers based on several key factors, such as age, coverage level, driving history, and more. All the rates listed are based on someone who drives a 2016 Honda Accord and has the minimum limits for coverage in West Virginia. The listed “full-coverage” rates include $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverages in addition to state-minimum liability coverage.
Compare.com’s Best West Virginia Insurance Companies of 2023
In the quest for the “best” car insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because rates vary for every driver.
To steer you in the right direction, we’ve analyzed the market to highlight the top auto insurance companies in West Virginia based on a combination of average rates, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverages offered.
See West Virginia’s Best Rates
State Farm: Best for teen drivers
Average monthly quote: $57 per month
Compare.com rating: 4.3 out of 5
Trustpilot rating: 1.7 out of 5
BBB rating: B-
Pros:
- Lowest average rates in West Virginia
- Discounts available for teen drivers
- 24/7 claims service and large repair network
Cons:
- Below-average customer ratings
- Can’t buy policies online
- Limited coverage options
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance policies of any insurer in West Virginia, according to our research. The company also offers multiple discounts to help teen drivers (and their families) save money.
The company’s good student discount rewards academic excellence with lower premiums. And its Drive Safe & Save program uses telematics to collect data about driving habits, allowing customers to qualify for a discount of up to 30% based on how they drive.
Erie Insurance: Best for seniors
Average monthly quote: $62 per month
Compare.com rating: 3.8 out of 5
Trustpilot rating: 3.0 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
Pros:
- Lowest liability-only rates for West Virginia seniors
- Highly customizable policies
- Diminishing deductible program reduces out-of-pocket costs after a claim
Cons:
- Limited self-service options
- Only available in 12 states and the District of Columbia
- Fewer discount programs than some other insurance companies
Erie Insurance isn’t known for being one of the major players in car insurance — it only operates in 12 states, but it’s an option senior drivers shouldn’t pass by.
With average rates of just $28 per month for West Virginia seniors with liability-only policies, it’s particularly affordable — an appealing prospect for senior drivers living on a fixed income.
GEICO: Best for drivers with a DUI
Average monthly quote: $66 per month
Compare.com rating: 4.65 out of 5
Trustpilot rating: 1.3 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
Pros:
- Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
- Can get a quote and buy policies online
- Highly rated mobile app
Cons:
- Gap insurance not available
- Few local agents in West Virginia
- Below-average customer ratings
GEICO might be known for its iconic gecko mascot and humorous commercials, but its reach extends far beyond clever marketing. The company also offers competitive rates for drivers who’ve encountered setbacks on the road.
GEICO’s competitive rates and expansive coverage options ensure that even after a serious infraction like driving under the influence, drivers can access the protection they need to move forward.
The Average Cost of West Virginia Car Insurance
Among Mid-Atlantic U.S. states, West Virginia stands out as an affordable place for car insurance. While it’s the 19th-cheapest state in the U.S., it offers significantly more affordable car insurance than many neighboring states, including Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as shown in the table below.
| State | Average Rates | State Rank |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $109 | 19th cheapest |
| Kentucky | $157 | 39th |
| Maryland | $173 | 44th |
| Ohio | $85 | 10th |
| Pennsylvania | $142 | 36th |
| Virginia | $113 | 24th |
| National average | $129 | – |
West Virginia’s rural nature and lower population density mean fewer cars on the road, which typically means fewer accidents and claims. That all leads to relatively affordable car insurance premiums.
Cheapest State-Minimum Car Insurance in West Virginia: Erie and State Farm
The level of coverage you choose is a major factor in the cost of your car insurance. Liability-only coverage at the state minimum limits is the cheapest policy available. It covers another party’s property damage and bodily injury if you’re at fault in an accident but doesn’t provide protection for your vehicle or injuries.
Let’s look at some of the cheapest insurance companies in West Virginia for liability-only coverage at the state minimum limits.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Erie | $31 |
| State Farm | $31 |
| Westfield | $32 |
| GEICO | $33 |
| AAA | $47 |
Erie and State Farm boast the most affordable liability premiums of any West Virginia insurer, with average rates barely over $30 per month. Still, other companies are right on their heels — both Westfield and GEICO have average monthly liability rates within just a couple of dollars.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in West Virginia: State Farm
Full-coverage car insurance includes comprehensive and collision coverages, which pay for your vehicle’s repair costs after an accident and after an incident such as theft, vandalism, or a hailstorm.
Naturally, this protection comes at a higher cost than liability-only insurance, but many drivers find the extra expense is worth the added financial protection.
The table below shows five companies offering the most competitive rates for full-coverage car insurance in West Virginia.
| Company | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $83 |
| Erie | $93 |
| GEICO | $99 |
| Westfield | $115 |
| Nationwide | $135 |
State Farm offers the cheapest average rates for full coverage in West Virginia. Its $83 average monthly rates are $10 cheaper per month than the next-closest competitor.
Just remember, that doesn’t mean State Farm is the cheapest option for everyone. With that in mind, let’s dive deeper and look at which companies have the best rates for different age groups and driving records.
Compare West Virginia Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Age is more than just a number when it comes to car insurance premiums. In fact, it’s one of the most significant factors insurance companies use to determine rates.
In the following sections, we’ll explore how age-related trends play out in real terms and provide a snapshot of average rates for different age brackets in West Virginia.
Cheapest car insurance for West Virginia teens: Erie
Young drivers — particularly teens — typically face the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience behind the wheel and higher accident rates.
But as you enter your mid-20s and beyond, you’ll generally enjoy lower rates (assuming you keep a clean driving record).
Let’s take a look at the cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in West Virginia. The data in the table below is based on 18-year-old drivers, sorted by liability-only rates.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $67 | $208 |
| State Farm | $78 | $185 |
| GEICO | $90 | $236 |
| Westfield | $94 | $275 |
| Encova Insurance | $151 | $409 |
Rates vary widely for West Virginia teens, but two companies come out head and shoulders above the rest. Erie is the most affordable insurer for West Virginia teens looking for a liability-only policy, but State Farm takes the top spot for full-coverage car insurance by a substantial margin.
Cheapest car insurance for West Virginia seniors: Erie
As you approach retirement, you’ll generally have some of the cheapest rates possible due to your experience behind the wheel. And retirees tend to pay even less because they don’t usually have a daily commute.
But this trend reverses once you reach your 70s, as age-related vision loss and other medical conditions put you at greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Let’s take a look at the companies offering the best auto insurance rates for West Virginia seniors.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $28 | $86 |
| State Farm | $30 | $75 |
| GEICO | $30 | $87 |
| Westfield | $35 | $107 |
| Progressive | $47 | $130 |
Erie is the cheapest for both categories, but State Farm takes the edge when it comes to full-coverage for West Virginia seniors. GEICO doesn’t lag far behind, with average rates for both categories within just a few dollars of the cheapest insurers.
At the end of the day, the best way to find out which company has the best rates for your unique profile is to compare quotes from several insurers.
Now that we’ve seen how age can affect rates in West Virginia, let’s take a look at another of the most important factors affecting auto insurance rates — driving record.
Compare West Virginia Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record plays an important role in determining your car insurance rates, as insurance companies use it to forecast the likelihood of future claims.
In the following sections, we’ll look at how different driving records can affect insurance rates in West Virginia, highlighting the companies offering the most competitive rates for drivers with various records, from spotless to spotty.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in West Virginia: State Farm
A clean driving record — free of accidents, traffic violations, and DUIs — signals to insurance companies that you’re a low-risk driver, which can lead to lower car insurance premiums.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the cheapest West Virginia car insurance companies based on drivers with no accidents or tickets.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $31 | $83 |
| Erie | $31 | $93 |
| Westfield | $32 | $115 |
| GEICO | $33 | $99 |
| AAA | $47 | $157 |
Erie and State Farm tie for the cheapest liability rates, while State Farm holds the best full-coverage premiums.
While all five companies offer relatively comparable rates for liability-only coverage, rates vary drastically for full coverage. This highlights the importance of shopping around for car insurance.
See Your Cheapest Rates in Minutes
Cheapest car insurance in West Virginia after a ticket: Erie
Blemishes on your record — such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents — can cause your car insurance rates to increase, reflecting the higher risk you pose on the road.
After one ticket, rates go up by an average of 37%, according to Compare.com data.
In the table below, we’ve provided the insurance companies offering the cheapest rates for West Virginia drivers with one speeding ticket on their record.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $33 | $101 |
| State Farm | $34 | $88 |
| Westfield | $38 | $123 |
| GEICO | $40 | $119 |
| Progressive | $61 | $182 |
Erie offers the cheapest average monthly rates for liability-only insurance, at just $33 per month. However, Star Farm is a close second and offers the lowest rates for full coverage.
Cheapest car insurance in West Virginia after an accident: State Farm
When you’re responsible for causing a car accident, insurance companies will increase your rates due to an increased risk of future claims. In fact, according to our research, rates increase by an average of 44% after just one at-fault accident.
The following table shows the cheapest insurance companies for West Virginia drivers with one at-fault accident on their record.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $37 | $95 |
| Erie | $39 | $111 |
| GEICO | $50 | $170 |
| Westfield | $54 | $168 |
| Progressive | $77 | $222 |
While Progressive is in the top five, its rates are significantly higher than other insurance companies on the list — especially for full-coverage insurance. This indicates Progressive might not be as forgiving after an accident as other insurance companies.
State Farm and Erie once again have the best rates, with Erie taking the top spot for both liability and full-coverage policies.
Cheapest car insurance in West Virginia with a DUI: State Farm
Driving under the influence (DUI) signals to insurance companies that you’re a high-risk driver, and you can expect your rates to increase by around 94% after a single DUI conviction, according to Compare.com data.
In West Virginia, a first DUI offense comes with the possibility of up to six months of jail time and a fine of $100 to $500. Penalties can be harsher for subsequent offenses if you’re under age 21 or the DUI results in the injury or death of another person.
Even so, you don’t have to just settle for sky-high rates after a DUI. Some companies are better equipped to insure high-risk drivers, so finding the right insurer is key.
The table below shows the companies offering the lowest average car insurance premiums for drivers with one DUI on their record.
| Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $34 | $88 |
| GEICO | $51 | $187 |
| Erie | $52 | $143 |
| Progressive | $66 | $199 |
| Westfield | $96 | $286 |
State Farm is by far the cheapest option for West Virginia drivers with a DUI. Its $34 monthly rates are just slightly higher than what it charges for drivers with clean records, and they come in more than 33% cheaper than the next-closest competitor.
That gap widens when it comes to full-coverage rates. State Farm’s $88 monthly full-coverage premiums are nearly 40% cheaper than the next-best option.
5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in West Virginia
No matter your age or driving record, affordable car insurance is within reach. Here are five tips to help you find the best rates in the state.
- Bundle policies. Many insurance companies offer discounts to customers who buy more than one policy from them.
- Keep your driving record clear. Insurance companies reward low-risk drivers with lower premiums.
- Take advantage of discounts. Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that can reduce your premium.
- Increase your deductibles. A higher deductible reduces the insurance company’s risk, which can lower your monthly premium.
- Shop around and compare quotes. Every insurance company uses a unique formula to calculate premiums, considering things like ZIP code, vehicle type, and driving history.
Jeffrey L. Brewer, department vice president of public affairs at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, offers another piece of advice. “When shopping for car insurance, it’s important to think about both the amount of coverage you need as well as the reputation of the company and the service they will provide in the event of a claim.”
View West Virginia’s Best Rates in Minutes
West Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements
West Virginia law requires all drivers to purchase a minimum level of liability insurance to cover the costs associated with car accidents.
According to the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, those minimum limits are:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist: Bodily injury limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and property damage liability limits of $25,000
Penalties for driving without auto insurance in West Virginia
If you’re caught driving without insurance in West Virginia, you could face a combination of administrative and criminal penalties, including:
- Suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Being required to pay reinstatement fees
- Potential fines and jail time
Penalties increase for subsequent offenses, and you won’t be able to get your vehicle registration reinstated until you submit valid proof of insurance.
West Virginia Auto Insurance FAQs
Below, we’ve compiled and answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you find affordable car insurance in West Virginia.
What is the cheapest car insurance in West Virginia?
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance overall in West Virginia, at just $57 per month. The cheapest rates available are for liability-only policies at the state-mandated minimum limits.
How much is car insurance in West Virginia?
Car insurance averages $109 per month in West Virginia, according to Compare.com data. However, your actual premium will vary depending on your unique circumstances, including your age, driving history, and the coverage you select.
Does West Virginia require SR-22 insurance?
No. West Virginia doesn’t require drivers who’ve had a DUI or been caught driving without insurance to file an SR-22.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources
- West Virginia DMV, “Impaired Driving,” accessed November 8, 2023.
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, “Automobile Mandatory Limits,” accessed November 8, 2023.
- West Virginia DMV, “Consumer Insurance Information,” accessed November 8, 2023.
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