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Last updated: October 9, 2024
Best Car Insurance in West Virginia
The best auto insurance rates, discounts, and coverage options in the Mountain State
Best Cheap Auto Insurance in West Virginia
If you’re seeking the cheapest rates in West Virginia, look no further. State Farm offers the most affordable average rates and is the largest provider in the state.
Best Auto Insurance for Homeowners
West Virginia is home to the highest homeownership rate in the country. If you’re looking to save on your car insurance by bundling auto and home policies, we recommend checking out Liberty Mutual’s sizable homeowner and bundling discounts.
Best Auto Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit
While Westfield may not be a household name, it is among the top 10 largest providers in West Virginia. It offers affordable overall rates and the cheapest average premiums for drivers with bad credit.
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In 2023, providers in West Virginia, like in much of the country, asked the state’s Insurance Commissioner’s Office to increase car insurance rates by as much as 20 percent.1 While the state probably won’t approve the 20 percent increase, there’s a good chance it will approve a smaller percentage increase. With the cost of goods increasing across the board for day-to-day needs, insurance increases can cause a significant financial strain on drivers and families across the state.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep insurance costs low, even with looming premium increases. Shopping around for the best quotes, asking your agent about your eligible discounts, taking advantage of usage-based insurance, and taking your time as you compare providers are all ways to ensure you get the best coverage at the most affordable rate.
Below you’ll find a survey of the best providers based on their discounts, average rates, coverage options, and specializations.
Average Annual Rate in West Virginia
West Virginia’s average annual rate of $1,432 is about 30 percent cheaper than the national average ($2,071). Ask your agent about what discounts or usage-based insurance programs you may be eligible for to bring your costs down even further.
Average Premiums in West Virginia’s Major Cities
Charleston, the state’s largest city and capital, has the most expensive average rates for full coverage ($1,572), while Weirton offers the cheapest rates ($1,284).
| City | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Weirton | $107 | $1,284 |
| Fairmont | $109 | $1,308 |
| Wheeling | $110 | $1,320 |
| Parkersburg | $113 | $1,356 |
| Morgantown | $116 | $1,392 |
| Huntington | $125 | $1,500 |
| Charleston | $131 | $1,572 |
Comparison of the best auto insurance companies in West Virginia
| Feature | State Farm | Liberty Mutual | Westfield | Erie | Progressive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average annual rate in West Virginia | $1,296 | $1,848 | $1,428 | $1,356 | 1,572 |
| Mid-Atlantic Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking out of 1,000 (J.D. Power)2 | 843 | 807 | N/A | 863 | 814 |
| Best for | People on a budget | Homeowners | People with a bad credit score | People who want minimum liability | People with a DUI on their record |
| Agents in West Virginia | 100+ | 25+ | 100+ | 75+ | 75+ |
| Review | State Farm review | Liberty Mutual review | N/A | Erie review | Progressive review |
Summary of the best auto insurance in West Virginia
- 1.
Best Cheap Auto Insurance in West Virginia: State Farm
- 2.
Best Auto Insurance for Homeowners in West Virginia: Liberty Mutual
- 3.
Best Auto Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit in West Virginia: Westfield
- 4.
Best Auto Insurance for Minimum Liability in West Virginia: Erie
- 5.
Best Auto Insurance After a DUI in West Virginia: Progressive
Detailed List of the Best Auto Insurance in West Virginia
1. Best Cheap Auto Insurance in West Virginia - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Multiple discounts for safe driving, including one specifically for young drivers
- Local agents
- Discounts for multiple cars
State Farm insures 25 percent of the providers in West Virginia, making it both the cheapest and largest provider in the state.3
Who It's Best For
- Drivers on a budget
- Safe drivers
- People who want to work with a local agent
- Teens
Who It's Not Best For
- People with bad credit
- People with a DUI on their record
Cheapest Provider in West Virginia
With an average annual rate of $1,296 for full coverage, State Farm is the cheapest provider in West Virginia. Allstate offers the highest average rate ($2,292 annually), with Progressive sitting right in the middle ($1,572).
| Company | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $108 | $1,296 |
| Erie | $113 | $1,356 |
| Westfield | $119 | $1,428 |
| Progressive | $131 | $1,572 |
| GEICO | $148 | $1,776 |
| Liberty Mutual | $154 | $1,848 |
| Allstate | $191 | $2,292 |
Several Discounts
State Farm offers state-specific discounts for every region in the U.S., and West Virginians have access to one of the longest lists of State Farm’s discounts.4
Here are a few of the ways you can save with State Farm in West Virginia:
- Defensive driver course discount
- Drive Safe & Safe program (up to 30 percent off)
- Driver training discount
- Good driving discount
- Good student discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Passive restraint discount (up to 30 percent off)
- Steer Clear Safe Driver program (for teens)
- Away at school discount
- Vehicle safety discount
Usage-Based Insurance
Drive Safe & Save, State Farm’s usage-based insurance program, tracks your driving habits, generates a driver score, and sets a discount (up to 30 percent off) based on how safely you drive. It tracks things like your turn rate, brake rate, speed, driving time, and other safety-related driving metrics. The safer you drive, the more you’ll save; however, if you drive poorly, your premium could actually increase.
2. Best Auto Insurance for Homeowners in West Virginia - Liberty Mutual
What We Like Most:
- Save up to 30 percent with driver monitoring program
- Cheap average rates
- Over 2,000 local agents throughout the U.S.
With bundling and homeowner discounts, Liberty Mutual offers multiple ways to save for homeowners in Virginia. It also offers unique coverage perks for teachers and different ways to save by paying digitally.
Who It's Best For
- Homeowners
- People who want to bundle auto with home/renters insurance
- Teachers
- Motorcycle riders
Who It's Not Best For
- People looking for the cheapest option
- Rideshare drivers
Discounts for Renters and Homeowners
Liberty Mutual is one of the few providers that offer a homeowner/renter bundling discount as well as a homeowner discount. You can earn up to 25 percent for bundling auto with home/renters insurance.
Several Ways to Bundle
Liberty Mutual offers one of the most flexible bundling discounts on the market. You can save by bundling your auto insurance with the following multi-policy discounts:
- Auto + home
- Auto + renters
- Auto + condo
- Motorcycle + home
- Motorcycle + auto
- Motorcycle + renters
- Auto + auto (multi-vehicle)
Fun Fact:
With a 74 percent homeownership rate, West Virginia boasts the highest homeownership percentage in the country. If you’re one of the state’s many homeowners, we recommend getting the most out of your coverage with a bundling and homeowner discount.5
Specialized Coverage for Teachers
West Virginia has a 1:14 teacher-to-student ratio, which is one of the highest ratios in the country.6 If you’re one of the more than 18,000 teachers in the state, you can sign up for Liberty Mutual’s optional teacher coverage — which offers new ways to save and gain additional coverage for your vehicle/teaching materials.
Here are a few ways to get extra protection as a teacher:
| Coverage option | Description |
|---|---|
| Vandalism loss protection | You won’t pay a deductible for the claim if your vehicle is vandalized on school property or at a school-related event. |
| Personal property coverage | You’ll be reimbursed up to $2,500 for school materials and property that are damaged or stolen while in your vehicle. |
| Collision coverage | You won’t have to pay a deductible if your vehicle is damaged in a collision while you’re driving it for school-related reasons. |
3. Best Auto Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit in West Virginia - Westfield
What We Like Most:
- Cheap rates for drivers with bad credit
- Extra coverage when you bundle policies
- One of the top 10 largest providers in West Virginia
Founded in 1848, Westfield is one of the oldest insurance companies in the U.S. It offers the cheapest rates to drivers in West Virginia with a bad credit score and several incentives for bundlers.
Who It's Best For
- People with bad credit
- People who want to bundle their policies
- People who want to work with a local agent
- People who want umbrella insurance
Who It's Not Best For
- People who want to manage insurance from their phone
Affordable Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit
If you have bad credit in West Virginia, there’s a good chance you’ll pay more for car insurance. Westfield offers the cheapest average rate ($1,956) for drivers with bad credit, while State Farm has the steepest average cost ($3,432).
| Company | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Westfield | $163 | $1,956 |
| Erie | $191 | $2,292 |
| GEICO | $226 | $2,712 |
| Nationwide | $237 | $2,844 |
| Progressive | $244 | $2,928 |
| Allstate | $271 | $3,252 |
| State Farm | $286 | $3,432 |
Pro Tip:
West Virginia has the eighth-lowest average credit score in the country (695). Since car insurance companies in West Virginia can use credit score as a factor when generating premiums, you should work on improving your credit score to bring car insurance costs down.7
Perks for Bundlers
When you bundle your auto and home insurance with Westfield, you’ll automatically get additional coverage through a Wespak package. Westfield’s Wespak package comes with:
- Loan/lease coverage
- Replacement cost coverage
- Trip protection coverage
- And more
Insurance for Farmers
Westfield was founded by a group of farmers looking to protect their properties and vehicles. Today, it’s expanded to auto, home, business, and more, but you can still get the insurance you need if you’re a farmer.
If you own or work on one of West Virginia’s more than 23,600 farms, you can get the following coverage through Westfield:
- Protection for 45 different types of farms, including dairy, egg production, and wheat
- Coverage for agriculture wholesalers
- Farming equipment
- Tractors and other farming vehicles
- Process and manufacturing centers
4. Best Auto Insurance for Minimum Liability in West Virginia - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Low rates for teen drivers on a family policy
- High claims and customer service satisfaction
- Rate Lock options prevent premium increases, even after an accident
Erie is one of the largest and oldest providers in West Virginia, offering affordable overall rates and the best prices for drivers seeking minimum liability insurance. It has excellent customer service scores and coverage perks that automatically come with policies, ensuring your money will go that much further.
Who It's Best For
- People who want minimum liability insurance
- People on a budget
- Someone looking to work with a local agent
- People who travel with expensive personal belongings
Who It's Not Best For
- People who like managing insurance from their phone
- Someone with a bad driving record
Best Rate for Minimum Liability
If you’re looking for the cheapest policy that allows you to drive legally in West Virginia, you’re going to want a minimum liability policy. With average rates as low as $36 per month, Erie is the cheapest provider for liability-only insurance.
| Company | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $36 | $432 |
| State Farm | $37 | $444 |
| Westfield | $38 | $456 |
| Nationwide | $54 | $648 |
| Allstate | $70 | $840 |
| GEICO | $88 | $1,056 |
| Progressive | $90 | $1,080 |
FYI:
According to West Virginia, you need the following liability limits to drive legally:
- $25,000 in bodily injury per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage8
Highest J.D. Power Score
J.D. Power gave Erie a score of 863 on its customer service index, making it the second-highest-scoring insurance provider in the Mid-Atlantic region. J.D. Power ranks insurance providers based on claims satisfaction, repair times, ease of communication, and more.
Automatic Perks With All Policies
With additional coverage integrated into every policy, your money will go a lot further with Erie. When you sign up for any car insurance plan, you’ll automatically get:
- Personal belongings coverage: Erie will give you up to $350 for personal belongings that are damaged in a covered claim.
- Pet injury coverage: If you have a pet in the car during an accident, Erie will give $500 in the way of veterinary costs (up to $1,000 total for two pets).
- Travel and transportation expense coverage: If your car is totaled or out of commission while you’re traveling, Erie will pay for up to 10 days of transportation, meals, and lodging costs.
5. Best Auto Insurance After a DUI in West Virginia - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- Cheaper rates for drivers with a DUI
- Several ways to save if your premium increases
- Accident forgiveness automatically applies to policy in most states
Progressive is one of the largest names in the country and the fourth-largest provider in West Virginia. It offers the best rates after a DUI and several discounts that apply to a variety of drivers.
Who It's Best For
- Someone with a DUI on their record
- People who want to insure multiple vehicle types
- Rideshare drivers
- Students
Who It's Not Best For
- People looking for the cheapest option
Best Rates After a DUI
Insurance providers increase their rates by more than $1,000 on average after a DUI in West Virginia. If you’re seeking cheap coverage after a DUI, Progressive is your best bet.
With average rates as low as $168 a month, Progressive is the cheapest provider in West Virginia after a DUI.
| Company | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $168 | $2,016 |
| Erie | $181 | $2,172 |
| State Farm | $187 | $2,244 |
| Nationwide | $203 | $2,436 |
| Allstate | $242 | $2,904 |
| Westfield | $259 | $3,108 |
| GEICO | $263 | $3,156 |
Insure Multiple Vehicle Types
From your standard cars and motorcycles to RVs and snowmobiles, you can insure a wide variety of vehicle types with Progressive. Here are all the vehicle types you can insure with Progressive:
- ATV/UTVs
- Boats
- Classic cars
- Golf carts
- Motorcycles
- Personal watercrafts
- RV & Travel Trailers
- Segways
- Snowmobiles
Significant Savings
If you want to grow your auto insurance savings, ask your agent about discounts you may be eligible for. You have multiple ways to save with Progressive, including the following discounts.
| Discount | Maximum Saving |
|---|---|
| Clean record discount | 30% |
| Good student discount | 10% |
| Snapshot safe driver discount | Up to $146 in savings |
| E-signature discount | 9% |
| Multi-policy discount | 5% |
| Multi-vehicle discount | 4% |
| Online quote discount | 7% |
| Driving history discount | 30% |
| Good student discount | 10% |
| Homeowner discount | 10% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in West Virginia?
Yes, the state requires drivers to obtain $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to drive legally.
Which provider offers the best rates for teens in West Virginia?
Starting at around $2,500 annually for full coverage, Erie and Nationwide offer the best rates for teens.
Which provider offers the best rates for seniors in West Virginia?
Starting at around $1,500 annually for full coverage, Westfield and Encompass offer the best rates for older Americans in West Virginia.
Do I need an SR-22 in West Virginia?
West Virginia is one of the few states that does not require an SR-22. If you have a DUI or other serious violation in West Virginia, the state will not require you to file for an SR-22.
Methodology
- Proprietary data: AutoInsurance.com has worked with customers in West Virginia for over twenty years, helping them find the best rates based on their driving profile, location, and insurance needs. We leverage that data to help us identify which providers offer the best rates/coverage to specific driver types, helping inform our recommendations and guides.
- Third-party reviews: Third-party reviews reveal valuable insights about auto insurers’ customer service scores, claims satisfaction process, financial strength, and more. We look towards J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and others to identify the industry’s leaders in customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction, and financial strength.
- Insider knowledge: Paul Ford, president of insurance at Centerfield—AutoInsurnace.com’s parent company—has been entrenched in the insurance world for decades. Our team is fortunate to consult with Paul, whose insider knowledge and years of experience guide us to refine our strategies and generate quality recommendations.
Staff Writer & Editor
Ali Saleh is a copywriter with nearly 10 years of experience in content writing, editing, and journalism. Ali’s work has been featured on a number of notable sites and publications, including MSN, Business.com’s award-winning newsletter, and Groove Korea, South Korea’s largest English-print magazine. Today, he writes for dozens of brands, providing expert guides and informative articles on auto insurance, healthcare, recruiting technology, business, and more. Ali holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from North Carolina State University.
Citations
Farmers Direct Asks for 20% Auto Rate Increase in West Virginia. Insurance Journal. (2023, Dec 15).
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2023/12/15/752210.htmAuto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2023, Jun 13).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2023-us-auto-insurance-study2022 Market Share Reports For Property/Casualty Groups and Companies by State and Countrywide. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2023, Sep).
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-msr-pb-property-casualty.pdfCompetitive West Virginia auto insurance discounts. State Farm. (2024).
https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/auto/discounts/west-virginiaHomeownership Will Look Much Different across States in 2040. How Does Your State Rank? Urban Institute. (2021, Apr 28).
https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/homeownership-will-look-much-different-across-states-2040-how-does-your-state-rankPublic education in West Virginia. Ballotpedia. (2015, Jun).
https://ballotpedia.org/Public_education_in_West_VirginiaMinnesota residents have the highest average credit score—here’s how other states compare. CNBC Select. (2022, May 24).
https://www.cnbc.com/select/average-credit-score-by-state/Consumer Insurance Information. West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. (2024).
https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/Vehicle-Services/Insurance/Pages/Consumer.aspx
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