Average cost of car insurance in West Virginia for 2023

How much is car insurance in West Virginia?

While the state you live in is a big factor in how much you will pay for auto insurance rates, other inputs, like your age, credit score, driving record and even your ZIP code, also impact your premium. Average auto insurance rates in West Virginia are cheaper than the national average, which is $622 per year for state minimum coverage and $2,014 for full coverage.

West Virginia car insurance rates by city

Your West Virginia car insurance cost can also vary based on the city you live in. Differences in crime statistics, weather events, parts and repair costs may all raise or lower rates in certain cities. The table below shows average rates in some of the most populated West Virginia cities. If you live in Charleston, Huntington or Parkersburg, rates are close to the state average. But drivers in Morgantown and Wheeling save an average of 7 and 8 percent, respectively.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in West Virginia

Although not all states consider age and gender as auto insurance rating factors, West Virginia does. In general, young drivers with less experience behind the wheel pay higher average rates for car insurance. Men also tend to pay slightly higher rates than women because they are more likely to engage in risky driving behavior. The table below shows how average insurance rates change over time for male and female drivers.

Cost considerations for young drivers in West Virginia

Young drivers may be able to offset some of their high insurance costs by remaining insured on their parents' policy rather than their own. Note that some carriers may require young drivers to live at home to be listed on their parents' policy.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in West Virginia?

Your driving record is a key metric that may impact your car insurance rates in West Virginia. A single speeding ticket conviction is likely to raise your rates, but more serious infractions like an at-fault accident or DUI conviction typically have a bigger impact on your premium.

Car insurance rates in West Virginia by credit score

Another factor that can affect West Virginia car insurance rates is your credit-based insurance score. Drivers with excellent credit scores save an average of 15 percent over the average cost of car insurance in West Virginia. An average credit score could increase rates around 10 percent, while poor credit could mean paying an average of 70 percent more for auto insurance.

West Virginia car insurance rates by vehicle type

Did you know that the vehicle you drive impacts your auto insurance rates? Insurance companies may charge different rates based on the make and model of your vehicle. These differences may be the result of varying safety features, repair costs, theft rates and other criteria.

How to save on car insurance in West Virginia

In addition to maintaining a clean driving record, motorists in West Virginia may save on their insurance by using the following strategies:

• Ask about discounts: Most car insurance companies offer at least a handful of discounts. Reviewing discounts when comparing quotes and when your policy renews each year could help ensure you're taking advantage of all relevant savings opportunities. 
• Check your mileage: If you carpool to work or work from home, you may be able to get a low-mileage discount on your auto insurance. The less miles you drive per year, the better the discount savings could be.
• Review your coverage selections: If you own an older car, you may be able to remove comprehensive and collision coverage if the cost of these coverage types is more expensive or on par with the value of the vehicle. Increasing deductibles may be another way to save, but you'll likely want to make sure you can pay the higher deductible or repair your car out of pocket if you remove coverage and you are involved in an accident.
• Shop around and compare quotes: Each year when your auto insurance is scheduled to renew, you may want to compare several quotes from different companies to ensure you're still getting the cheapest rates. You may be able to save money without changing your coverage just by switching carriers.

Estimate your car insurance cost in West Virginia

Frequently asked questions