Best homeowners insurance in West Virginia for 2023

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in West Virginia

Based on data provided by Quadrant Information Services, the average West Virginia homeowners insurance policy rate is $1,125 for $250,000 of dwelling coverage, which works out to about $94 a month. Several of our chosen companies offer average rates that are below the state average, and they may be good choices for homeowners who are hoping to save money on their policy. 

But cost is only one consideration when looking for the best homeowners insurance. We also looked at each company's customer satisfaction ranking in the 2022 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study as well as their AM Best ratings, which measures financial strength. We then looked at the breadth of coverage options and discounts available, and analyzed each company's digital experience. Based on this wealth of data, each company earned a Bankrate Score on a scale from zero to five, where the higher a company’s score, the more competitively it ranked amongst the categories.

*USAA is not officially ranked by J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions.

The top five home insurance companies in West Virginia

How Bankrate chose the best home insurance companies in West Virginia

Bankrate's insurance editorial team did extensive research on the state of homeowners insurance in West Virginia before determining the best insurers in the state. Selections for this list were made based on multiple characteristics, from average rates to financial strength to digital accessibility. All major insurers working in the state were assigned a Bankrate Score to help West Virginia homeowners more efficiently evaluate their offerings and determine which company is best for their needs.

How much is homeowners insurance in West Virginia?

West Virginia homeowners pay an average of $1,125 per year for home for $250,000 in dwelling coverage, which is 21 percent lower than the national average of $1,428 per year. The average cost for home insurance is a bit higher in West Virginia than it is in neighboring states. For example, homeowners in Virginia pay an average of $887 per year and Ohio’s average premium is $1,140 annually for the same levels of coverage.

West Virginia’s slightly higher rates may be partly due to the state’s weather. West Virginia is prone to severe weather in all seasons. Weather events such as lightning, wind, hail and freezing temperatures continue to be some of the biggest causes of damage, which can drive up insurance costs for the area.

How to find the best cheap home insurance in West Virginia

No one wants to pay more for homeowners insurance than they have to, but you do want to get the best coverage possible, whatever rate you pay. Here are some strategies that you can try that may help bring your rate down.

1. Shop around: Don't stop after you request your first home insurance quote. Instead, check with several companies, especially those that are known for providing the cheapest rates for homeowners insurance. You are likely to receive a range of premiums and can choose the most competitive one on the list.
2. Work on your credit: Your insurer is likely to check your credit history before determining your final rate. Actuarial data has found that homeowners with poor credit histories tend to file more claims. Therefore, homeowners with better credit generally receive lower rates due to reduced risk. 
3. Keep your roof in good repair: Roof damage can lead to costly claims, which is why your insurer will want to know how old your roof is before giving you a quote. Keep your roof well maintained, and if you have it replaced, let your insurer know, since this may lead to a small drop in your premium.
4. Bundle your policies: Almost all insurers writing policies in West Virginia will offer you a discount if you purchase more than one policy from them. Most commonly, this will be home and vehicle insurance. Bundling your policies may make policy management easier overall, since you may be able to combine your premiums into a single payment.

Common home insurance discounts in West Virginia

Applying home insurance discounts is one of the easiest ways to achieve a lower premium. Most insurers offer at least a few and many are easy to earn. Here are a few that are common with West Virginia insurers.

Home insurance coverage options in West Virginia

Homeowner insurance policies consist of several different coverage types. Some are included in a basic policy — like dwelling, personal property and liability coverage — while others are considered optional or add-on coverage. To make sure your property is financially protected, you may want to consider these coverage types if you own a home in West Virginia:

• Roof replacement cost: With wind and hail so common in West Virginia, roof structure can become compromised. If you qualify for it, roof replacement cost coverage is designed to pay out for the cost to replace your damaged or destroyed roof, rather than having depreciation removed from your settlement.
• Water backup coverage: This is a relatively common endorsement that is designed to pay for the damage to your home and property when water backs up in a sewer or drain line. This is most likely to occur in below-grade areas like basements or crawl spaces, but can happen from any drain line.
• Wildfire coverage: Most homeowners policies cover damage caused by wildfires automatically. However, if you are in a particularly high-risk area, you may need a separate policy.
• Flood insurance: Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. Knowing how expensive floods can be and how high-risk many areas of West Virginia are, considering a flood insurance policy might be a good idea.

Working with a licensed West Virginia insurance agent might be helpful. An agent can listen to your specific situation and help you choose coverage that is right for you, your area and your budget.

Frequently asked questions