Encountering the Mystic River in Scott Hollow Cave can be like interpreting your West Virginia auto insurance rates: You'll never know how high it will be until you're knee deep in it. Going blindly into your search for a lower premium can cost you money, but understanding what affects your rates can clear up confusion and lead you on the path to savings.

Teen Onboard
Independence comes in the form of a driver's license for teens and parents alike. Obtaining that piece of plastic is a milestone in which a teen no longer has to ask mom and dad for a ride, which can be a relief to all involved. However, once your teen sets out on the road you have more to worry about than the inconvenience of hauling him around. There are more occurrences of driver error, speeding and single-vehicle crashes for teenagers, especially 16-year-olds. West Virginia auto insurance rates are much higher when a teenager is added to a policy. Inexperience and risky behavior behind the wheel make your teenager an insurance hazard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes are the leading cause of death among American teens, accounting for more than one third of all deaths of 16- to 18-year-olds. West Virginia has policies set in place to lessen the risk of teenage driver deaths. For example, teens are not allowed to drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. – there are twice as many nighttime fatal crashes are there are during the day – until they are 17-years-old. Talk to your teenager about safe driving and be a good role. Your West Virginia auto insurance rates will be substantially higher when your teen starts driving. You might lessen the blow by checking with your agent to see if your teenager qualifies for a good student discount.

Beastly Hazards
From bears to beavers, foxes and deer, West Virginians have the lion's share of wondrous wildlife. It makes you want to head to the hills and see what nature has in store. But encountering creatures while behind the wheel can be a beastly misfortune. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) estimates more than 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions every year and more than $3.6 billion in vehicle damage. Comprehensive insurance covers damages to vehicles caused by animals. In 2007, the average cost of comprehensive coverage was $177 in The Mountain State. Combining comprehensive and collision coverages with liability insurance could allot savings on your West Virginia auto insurance.

Heads Up on Safety
More cars have integrated safety features than ever before. The 2006 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Status Report showed that side airbags that cushion the head, chest and abdomen were reducing driver deaths by an estimated 37 percent when struck on the driver's side. Front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes and automatic seatbelts save lives and can ultimately save money on West Virginia auto insurance rates.

Safety Measures
The best precaution you can take when driving through mountain roads is to always wear your seatbelt. Sixty percent of people killed in animal crashes were not wearing a seatbelt, according to an IIHS study. Furthermore, shopping around is the best preventative measure to avoid high West Virginia auto insurance rates. LocalInsurance can help you sift through the rubbish in your travels to finding high quality coverage at an affordable price.

To find more information on the auto insurance requirements in West Virginia, visit these useful links: