In beautiful West Virginia, a lower population density, few natural disasters, and relatively safe driving records keep insurance rates lower than national averages.
Knowing the type of coverage you need and how your West Virginia insurance rates are determined can help you save even more on your premiums.
West Virginia Insurance Rates for Autos
Like every other state, West Virginia requires liability insurance if you want to operate a car legally. Minimums include:
- Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person with a limit of $40,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $10,000
These rates are relatively low and should be used as a starting point for determining your West Virginia insurance rates. In a serious accident, $40,000 won't go far if surgeries and hospitalization are involved. Not only that, but property damage includes vehicles, and in a serious accident, $10,000 can also be used up pretty quickly. Most insurance experts recommend minimums of $100,000/300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property.
Minimums also only cover the other vehicles and passengers involved in the crash, so full protection would ideally include the following as well:
- Uninsured/underinsured. With an uninsured driver rate of nearly a third of the population, this type of coverage is essential though not required.
- Collision. If you cause an accident, collision insurance covers your own repair or replacement costs.
- Comprehensive. This type of insurance covers damage not related to a collision, like hail, flooding, theft, or broken windows.
West Virginia Insurance Rates for Homes
Lenders require homeowners to carry insurance coverage for their homes. Homeowners in West Virginia pay an average of $650 each month, which is lower than national averages. Basic coverage options to take into account include the following:
- Dwelling and other structures. Your policy should include your home's structure and any attached garages, but make sure it also includes any detached structures, like sheds or barns.
- Contents. Typically, your personal possessions are not covered by your insurance. As a result, you'll want to make sure the contents of your home are insured as well.
- Loss of use. If your home's damages make it unlivable while it is being repaired, loss of use coverage will cover the cost of hotels or other temporary accommodations.
- Flood insurance. If you live in a flood plain or high risk area, you will need to purchase flood insurance separately as it is not included in homeowner insurance policies.
- Personal liability. If someone is injured on your property and sues you, you could be held liable. This coverage protects you if there is a lawsuit against you.
Saving on West Virginia Insurance Rates
Don't make the mistake of assuming all policies cost the same at every company. Shopping around and comparing rates can actually save you hundreds of dollars on your premiums. The easiest way to do this is through localinsurance.com. In minutes, you can have a number of West Virginia insurance rates to compare for the best possible prices for free.
