West Virginia Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

West Virginia Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: It seems like West Virginia’s motto, “Mountaineers are always free” confuses some West Virginians into thinking that means they don’t need auto insurance. West Virginia law requires all registered vehicles to be insured. The Compulsory Insurance Law is designed to protect you and all motorists who operate a vehicle in the state of West Virginia – or die trying, by cracky.

Motorists are required to complete an Owner’s Statement of Insurance upon registering their vehicle and upon renewing registration each year. You will be required to provide the insurance company’s name, policy number, and the effective date of the policy. You will also be required to sign the document to certify that you are insured. You will not be required to sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Motorists are required to carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. Law enforcement officers will request this information during any traffic stop or accident, but they won’t make you sing.

Q: Is West Virginia a "tort" state?

A: Yes. In traditional tort liability states, there are no restrictions on lawsuits. This means the other driver and the other driver’s passengers can sue your pants off for the pain and suffering as well as for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs you caused when you decided to tear down the highway belting out that old John Denver song and got so carried away that you side-swiped the driver next to you, causing him to choke on the ham sandwich he was eating and crash into the guardrail, ruining not only his car, but his "Best of John Denver" CD.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain a West Virginia tag and registration?

A: The minimum amount of coverage required is $20,000 for one accident, one injury; $40,000 for one accident, two or more injuries; $10,000 for property damage, but no amount could compensate for a menace like you and your old John Denver songs.

Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my previous state of residence?

A: No. All vehicle insurance policies must be issued by a company licensed to sell insurance in West Virginia and who have never heard of songs that old.

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in West Virginia?

A: If you fail to show proof of insurance during a random sample check, your driving privilege will be suspended for 90 days. The reinstatement fee is $100, plus proof of insurance. If the Division sends a state police secure order on your plate, an additional fee of $50 will be assessed.

If a law enforcement officer or insurance company reports you are operating a vehicle without insurance, your license will be suspended for 30 days. A second offense will result in a 90-day suspension.

There is no provision in the Motor Vehicle Code for a driving permit during a suspended period. After the suspension period ends, you will be required to pay a $50 reinstatement fee and forced to listen to a recording of yourself singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Q: How does the DMV verify my insurance coverage?

A: The Division verifies coverage by random sampling of the insurance information provided at the time of registration. The sampling may be conducted at any time during the registration year. If you receive a random sampling notice, you will be required to send back proof of coverage. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of your registration as well as your driver’s license and a Botox injection to your vocal chords to paralyze them.

Q: I own several vehicles but do not operate some of them. Do I need insurance for the inoperative ones?

A: If you own a vehicle with a valid license plate and the vehicle becomes inoperable or out of use for any reason, you must maintain insurance or complete a Owner’s Notice of Cancellation (WV-4C form) and return the plate to the DMV. But, please – no singing.