Traveling through West Virginia is not easy by a long shot.  West Virginia is called the Mountain State and most of the time; motorists are either driving up or downhill.   It is for this reason that all motorists in the state carry proper West Virginia auto insurance coverage.  The average West Virginia auto insurance rate of $2163 in 2007 was well above the national average of $1896 at the time, however West Virginia auto insurance rates are coming down.  Individual drivers will pay higher or lower rates on a case-by-case basis.

 

West Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements

The State of West Virginia requires that its motorists carry Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability in the event that they have been deemed at fault for a car accident.  The minimum amount required by law for West Virginia auto insurance liability coverage carriers is set at 20/40/10.  The breakdown is as follows:

• Bodily Injury Liability – The insured’s company will pay out up to $20,000 for one person’s medical expenses should they be injured in the vehicle.
• A total amount of $40,000 will be paid out for more than one injured person in the vehicle.
• Property Damage Liability – A maximum of $10,000 will be paid out on the minimum coverage requirements for the State of West Virginia when the insured is deemed at fault for the accident.  This amount will be used for damage to the other vehicle, as well as damage to buildings and public signs.

Though these West Virginia auto insurance requirements are basic requirements in they will not be sufficient to cover major liability claims.  It is therefore recommended that motorists carry higher-than-minimum protection.

West Virginia also recommends that their motorists carry Comprehensive and Collision coverage in the event that they are deemed to be at fault for an accident and they must pay for their own car damages.  It will also cover for damages incurred by natural forces such as heavy storms and contact with wildlife.

It is a requirement in West Virginia to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection because the neighboring State of Virginia does not have to carry liability insurance.  If West Virginians encounter these motorists on the road and collide, by having UM protection, they will be able to cover medical expenses and damage to their own cars when they other driver deemed at fault did not have sufficient insurance to do so.