Best Car Insurance in West Virginia
Coverage options (including add-on protections), industry standing and customer experience are a few of the primary factors that go into our rankings of the best car insurance providers in West Virginia. We also gathered average cost data from Quadrant Information Services to supplement our research.
Compare West Virginia Auto Insurance
We selected State Farm as the top auto insurance company in West Virginia. Drivers in the Mountain State can also find quality coverage with Nationwide, USAA, Erie Insurance and Progressive.
All of our recommended West Virginia auto insurers offer these standard coverage types:
Compare our top five picks for West Virginia car insurance below.
| Best Car Insurance in West Virginia |
Our Score |
Industry Standing |
Availability | Coverage | Cost and Discounts |
Customer Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. State Farm | 9.4 | 10 | 9.8 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| 2. Nationwide | 9.1 | 8.5 | 9.8 | 8.9 | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| 3. USAA | 9.2 | 8.9 | 8 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| 4. Erie Insurance | 9.4 | 8.9 | 8.1 | 10 | 9.9 | 9.1 |
| 5. Progressive | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 7.8 | 8.7 |
West Virginia Car Insurance Customer Experience
We used the following key metrics to determine our industry standing and customer experience ratings for each car insurance company highlighted in this article:
- AM Best financial strength ratings
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
- Scores from the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠, which surveyed policyholders on their satisfaction with their insurers’ billing process, claims, interactions, plan offerings and price and broke down ratings by region. For this article, we look at results from the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.
The results of our August 2022 car insurance survey also helped shape our insurer rankings. This survey polled nearly 7,000 drivers on how they feel about their auto insurer.
Best Car Insurance Companies in West Virginia
In the following sections, we’ll share further details on each of our best car insurance providers in West Virginia.
#1 State Farm: Best Customer Experience
J.D. Power score: 863/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A++ (Superior)
BBB rating: C-
State Farm is the most popular auto insurer in West Virginia and in the U.S. overall according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The company has a good service reputation and won our Best Customer Experience award. State Farm also provides quality auto coverage at competitive rates.
A++ financial strength rating from AM Best
Good discount opportunities for students and teens
Strong reputation in consumer studies
Mixed State Farm insurance reviews
Coverage
You can get full-coverage policies, minimum liability protection and other standard car insurance products through State Farm. Additional coverages include rideshare insurance for those who work for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other similar services. Rental car reimbursement, travel expense assistance for accidents far from home and roadside assistance are also available.
State Farm’s usage-based insurance program, Drive Safe & Save™, can save good drivers up to 30% on their premiums upon policy renewal. The company’s Steer Clear® telematics program helps young drivers build safe habits and get discounts in the process.
Reputation
State Farm had the second-highest score in the Mid-Atlantic region of the J.D. Power. Auto Insurance Study. The company also received an above-average score of 891 in the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study™, which polled customers on their experience with claims service, the estimation process, the repair process and more. Because State Farm is a large company, it accumulates customer comments quickly, which may be a contributing factor to its low BBB rating.
Read more: State Farm Insurance Review
#2 Nationwide: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
J.D. Power score: 820/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A (Excellent)
BBB rating: A+
Nationwide’s variety of coverage options and discounts help it stand out in the auto insurance market. We gave the company our Best for Usage-Based Insurance award because it offers two telematics programs with significant savings opportunities.
Car insurance coverage available in 46 states
Many standard and add-on car insurance options
Offers usage-based insurance
A+ rating form the BBB and A from AM Best
Higher average insurance costs
Coverage
Nationwide goes beyond standard car insurance options with add-ons like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. The provider also features guaranteed asset protection, or GAP insurance, that covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe on it if you suffer a covered total loss.
Nationwide offers a traditional usage-based program called SmartRide® that rewards safe driving behaviors with discounts of up to 40%. The company also features a pay-per-mile program called SmartMiles® that’s ideal for those who don’t drive very much.
Reputation
Nationwide came in just below the average score in both the Mid-Atlantic region of the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. In our car insurance survey, Nationwide received a 4.1 out of 5 overall customer satisfaction score. This was below the average rating of 4.2.
Read more: Nationwide Insurance Review
#3 USAA: Best for Military Members
J.D. Power score: 877/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A++ (Superior)
BBB rating: Not Rated
USAA offers some of the cheapest auto insurance premiums in the country. It also has an impeccable industry reputation. However, USAA policies are only available to active military, veterans and their immediate family members. If you qualify for USAA coverage, it’s tough to find a better match of both value and quality coverage.
High performance on J.D. Power customer surveys
Not available to everyone
Not the cheapest option after a DUI
Coverage
Along with the six standard car insurance types listed above, USAA offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness. The company also features a long list of discounts, including:
- Good student (for full-time students with at least a “B” average)
- Multi-vehicle (for including multiple cars on your policy)
- Defensive driving course completion
- Vehicle storage (for those serving far from home)
USAA’s usage-based program, which is called SafePilot®, can save good drivers up to 30% when they renew their policy. There’s a 10% discount just for signing up for the program.
Reputation
Although technically not ranked due to limited eligibility, USAA had the highest score in the Mid-Atlantic region of the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study. The company also tied for the third-highest score in the publication’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. In our car insurance survey, USAA had an above-average score of 4.3 out of 5 for overall customer satisfaction.
Read more: USAA Insurance Review
#4 Erie Insurance: Best for Basic Insurance Coverage
J.D. Power score: 863/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A+ (Superior)
BBB rating: A+
Erie offers affordable rates for both full coverage and state minimum liability car insurance in West Virginia. The company serves 12 states (plus Washington, D.C.) and has a strong industry reputation. We gave Erie our Best for Basic Insurance Coverage award.
Wide selection of add-on coverages
Not available in every state
No usage-based insurance option
Coverage
Erie offers a long list of add-on coverage options, including pet coverage, first accident forgiveness and roadside assistance. It also has the Erie Rate Lock plan, which keeps your car insurance rates in place even after an accident or claim. The Erie Auto Plus package includes a diminishing deductible (with each year of safe driving), a $10,000 death benefit and higher limits for transportation expenses.
Reputation
Erie stands out for its excellent performance in J.D. Power consumer studies. The provider placed first in the Mid-Atlantic region in the Auto Insurance Study and ranked second in the Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Erie also posted the second-highest score, 4.4 out of 5, for overall customer satisfaction in our survey.
Read more: Erie Insurance Review
#5 Progressive: Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers
J.D. Power score: 814/1,000
AM Best financial strength rating: A+ (Superior)
BBB rating: A
Progressive offers a wide range of add-on policies and generally affordable coverage rates. The company won our Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers award thanks to its easy-to-use app and the Name Your Price® Tool, which helps you find the perfect policy match for your needs and budget.
A+ financial strength rating from AM Best
Wide selection of coverage options
Usage-based insurance discount
Average customer service ratings
Snapshot program can raise rates for some drivers
Coverage
Aside from standard auto insurance products, Progressive features pet injury assistance (as part of its comprehensive coverage), protection for aftermarket parts like audio systems, a diminishing deductible option and loan/lease payoff coverage that’s similar to GAP insurance.
Snapshot, Progressive’s usage-based program, tracks your driving behaviors through an app or plug-in device. The company claims average savings of $231 per year for good drivers. The only drawback is that your rates could go up if you display reckless driving behaviors.
Reputation
Progressive received scores just below average in both the Mid-Atlantic region of the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study and the Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. In our car insurance survey, Progressive received a below-average score for overall customer satisfaction.
We reached out to Progressive about its below-average scores, but have not yet received a response.
Read more: Progressive Insurance Review
How Much Coverage Do West Virginia Drivers Need?
Let’s take a closer look at West Virginia’s minimum requirements and when you need to go beyond these coverage limits.
West Virginia Car Insurance Requirements
When it comes to minimum liability car insurance, West Virginia requires 25/50/25 coverage. That means every driver in the Mountain State needs to carry:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
These minimum coverage requirements only apply to other drivers’ injuries and property damage. You need a full-coverage auto insurance policy with both collision and comprehensive coverage if you want your own medical bills and vehicle damage to be paid for after an at-fault accident.
You’ll also need a full-coverage policy if you have an auto loan or lease agreement. This is how lenders make sure their assets are fully protected while borrowers are still making payments.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in West Virginia
According to Quadrant Information Services, West Virginia drivers with good credit and clean driving records pay about $2,177 per year or $181 per month for full-coverage car insurance. These figures come in just above the national average estimates of $2,008 per year or $167 per month.
The car you drive has a significant impact on what you pay for car insurance. Luxury cars with high repair costs and performance autos that attract speeding tickets come with higher premiums. The following factors also play key roles in determining coverage costs:
- Age: Teen drivers pay the highest annual premiums because they have little experience behind the wheel.
- Location: Those who live in crowded cities with high accident and vehicle theft rates pay more for insurance than drivers in rural areas.
- Driving record: Those who have speeding tickets, DUIs or at-fault accidents on their driving records are considered high-risk drivers and pay elevated premiums.
- Credit score: A poor credit score leads to higher car insurance costs in many states (including West Virginia).
- Deductible: A higher deductible leads to paying more out of pocket for covered repairs, but it also means lower coverage premiums.
West Virginia Car Insurance Cost by City
The table below presents the average cost of full-coverage car insurance for 35-year-old West Virginia drivers with good credit and clean driving histories.
| City | Monthly Average | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|
| Martinsburg | $116 | $1,389 |
| Wheeling | $119 | $1,430 |
| Weirton | $121 | $1,452 |
| Moundsville | $123 | $1,481 |
| Bridgeport | $124 | $1,485 |
| Parkersburg | $124 | $1,489 |
| Clarksburg | $124 | $1,493 |
| Morgantown | $125 | $1,497 |
| Vienna | $125 | $1,499 |
| Cheat Lake | $126 | $1,514 |
| Fairmont | $127 | $1,522 |
| Bluefield | $127 | $1,525 |
| Cross Lanes | $128 | $1,534 |
| Oak Hill | $128 | $1,535 |
| Teays Valley | $128 | $1,536 |
| St. Albans | $130 | $1,556 |
| South Charleston | $130 | $1,558 |
| Beckley | $130 | $1,562 |
| Huntington | $130 | $1,563 |
| Charleston | $131 | $1,567 |
Note: This cost data is from 2022.
Car Insurance Discounts in West Virginia
If you’re looking for cheap auto coverage in West Virginia, you’ll want to look into the car insurance discounts top providers offer. These are a few of the common savings opportunities you’ll find:
- Usage-based discounts: Signing up for a telematics insurance program is a great way to save on your premiums. State Farm, for example, offers a discount of up to 30% for those who display safe driving habits through its usage-based program.
- Good student discounts: Full-time students who maintain a B average are eligible for discounts of up to 25% with many providers.
- Bundling discounts: Packaging your auto coverage with your life, homeowners or renters insurance can unlock savings of up to 25%.
- Multi-car discounts: Having multiple vehicles on your policy can save between 10% and 25% with many auto insurers.
- Payment discounts: Paying your full premium at the start of your coverage term can net you a big discount. Many providers also offer discounts for enrolling in automatic payments.
Best West Virginia Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line
State Farm, Nationwide, USAA, Erie Insurance and Progressive are our top-rated West Virginia car insurance companies. You’ll find excellent coverage and customer service with any of these providers, along with extensive discount opportunities and add-on protections. Be sure to compare car insurance quotes from several providers to get the best rates.
Best Car Insurance in West Virginia: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about the best car insurance in West Virginia.
USAA offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in West Virginia at about $1,172 per year or $98 per month as well as minimum coverage at about $263 per year or $22 per month. If you aren’t eligible for USAA policies, you can find cheap coverage through Nationwide, State Farm or Erie Insurance.
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in West Virginia is $2,177 per year or $181 per month. This is above the national average cost of $2,008 per year or $167 per month.
West Virginia drivers are required to carry bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. The state also requires $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
Our Methodology
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Industry standing (20% of total score): Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability (10% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost and discounts (25% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Customer experience (15% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.