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Best homeowners insurance companies in West Virginia for 2024
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in West Virginia
Based on data provided by Quadrant Information Services, the average West Virginia homeowners insurance policy costs $1,328 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, which works out to about $111 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.
Cost is only one consideration when looking for the best homeowners insurance. We also looked at each company's customer satisfaction ranking in the 2023 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study as well as 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 data, each company earned a Bankrate Score on a scale from zero to five.
| Insurance company | J.D. Power | Average monthly premium | Average annual premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
881
/1,000 |
$57
|
$681
|
||
|
856
/1,000 |
$114
|
$1,364
|
||
|
812
/1,000 |
$172
|
$2,063
|
||
|
809
/1,000 |
$89
|
$1,068
|
||
|
829
/1,000 |
$106
|
$1,269
|
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyThe home insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for home insurance.
46
years of industry expertise
122
carriers reviewed
20.7K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The top 5 home insurance companies in West Virginia
Best for military-focused coverage
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$57/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$681/yr
Customer satisfaction
881/1,000
-
Why USAA made our list: USAA could be one of the best home insurance options available if you are a military member, veteran or qualifying family member. The provider earns the highest customer satisfaction score in the J.D. Power study, although it is not eligible for official ranking due to its membership restrictions. USAA offers a few optional coverage types, including home sharing coverage, which may be helpful if you rent your home temporarily while you are deployed or in training.
Who USAA may be good for: If you are stationed at the National Vessel Documentation Center or Operations Systems Center, consider asking for a quote from USAA. The company's coverage focuses on military personnel, with included coverage for your uniforms.
Best for local agents
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$114/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$1,364/yr
Customer satisfaction
856/1,000
-
Why Erie made our list: Erie may not be the most recognizable company on our list since it only offers coverage in 12 states, but it has a positive reputation for its competitive rates and exceptional customer service. In fact, Erie has the highest official J.D. Power score on our list. The company has 13,000 agents throughout the states in which it operates, including local agents in most West Virginia cities and towns, providing personalized, local service.
Who Erie may be good for: If you like doing your business with a live, in-person agent who understands the needs of homeowners in your community, consider Erie. You are likely to find an agent nearby, and can develop a personal relationship with them over the years while you do business with the company.
Best for high-value homes
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$172/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$2,063/yr
Customer satisfaction
812/1,000
-
Why Nationwide made our list: Nationwide offers the usual range of standard coverage types in its HO-3 policies, but also offers extras. Certain coverage options may be suited for those with higher-value homes, including Valuables Plus, which offers additional protection to high-value items such as antiques, art and jewelry, and dwelling replacement cost, which will pay up to two times your dwelling coverage limit if your home needs to be rebuilt after a loss.
Who Nationwide may be good for: Those who are interested in more robust home insurance and don't mind paying a bit more for that coverage may want to look at Nationwide. Although its average rate for West Virginia home insurance is higher than some competitors', it features some standout coverage options that may be appealing to some homeowners.
Best for low average rates
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$89/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$1,068/yr
Customer satisfaction
809/1,000
-
Why Allstate made our list: Allstate tied with USAA in the 2024 Bankrate Awards for Best Home Insurance company Overall. It also earned an award for Best for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance. Allstate offers West Virginia homeowners insurance at below-average rates. Plus, you might be able to lower your premium with Allstate discounts, including savings for new homebuyers, responsible payers and loyal customers.
Who Allstate may be good for: For young homeowners who've recently paid the down payment on their first house, Allstate's low rates may be particularly appealing. The company may also be worthy of consideration for anyone primarily concerned with affordability.
Best for digital tools
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$106/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$1,269/yr
Customer satisfaction
829/1,000
-
Why State Farm made our list: As the largest property and casualty insurer in the nation, State Farm has strong brand name recognition — and for good reason. State Farm makes it easy for policyholders to manage their accounts, whether they wish to do so online or with a local agent. The company has nearly 100 offices in West Virginia, so you are likely to find a local agent near you. But State Farm also excels as far as its digital tools go, offering a highly-rated mobile app and state-of-the-art website that includes an excellent blog, called Simple Insights, that can help you understand more about your policy. You can file a claim, pay your bill and access your insurance documents easily with the company's app, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Who State Farm may be good for: If you like having a streamlined, digital method of managing your insurance policy, consider State Farm. You can easily handle almost all tasks related to your account with just a few minutes online.
Additional West Virginia home insurance companies to consider
Liberty Mutual
Who this may be best for
Homeowners looking for digital management and robust policy options
Although the company ranked below average in the 2023 J.D. Power Home Insurance Study, homeowners shopping for extensive coverage may want to give Liberty Mutual a look. In addition to standard coverage types, the carrier offers inflation protection, blanket jewelry coverage and replacement cost coverage for personal property.
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.
Cheapest home insurance companies in West Virginia
Before you begin requesting insurance quotes, it can help to know which providers consistently write some of the most affordable policies in the state. The following table breaks down the cheapest insurance companies in West Virginia:
| Carrier | Monthly premium for $300k coverage | Annual premium for $300k coverage | Savings vs state avg. for $300k coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$57
|
$681
|
- $647 |
|
|
$89
|
$1,068
|
- $260 |
|
|
$106
|
$1,269
|
- $59 |
|
|
$114
|
$1,364
|
+ $36 |
|
|
$172
|
$2,063
|
+ $735 |
How to get 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.
Best 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 some common options:
How to save on home insurance policy renewals in West Virginia
If you already have a home insurance policy in force and like the company you work with, the following strategies could save you money without switching carriers. Note that in many areas, home insurance premiums are on the rise. While it's rare to see your premiums decrease these days, even stabilizing your rates could be a win for your budget.
- Improve your credit score: If you have a good credit score, maintain it so you don’t see your rates go up at renewal. If your credit score has room for improvement, working to increase it could save you money.
- Make home renovations: Repairing your roof, installing wind and flood mitigating features, or adding security systems could score you a better rate at renewal time.
- Limit your number of claims: Home insurance is there for you should you need a lot of financial assistance, but if you can afford to deal with a minor loss, you’ll save when it’s time to renew.
How much is home insurance in West Virginia?
West Virginia homeowners pay an average of $1,328 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, which is 21 percent lower than the national average of $2,151 per year. Compared to neighboring states, the average rate in Virginia is $1,391 per year. Homeowners in Ohio pay an average of $1,460 per year and Kentucky’s average premium is $2,603 annually for the same levels of coverage.
West Virginia enjoys lower-than-average homeowners insurance rates, although the state does experience weather events such as lightning, wind, hail and freezing temperatures. These severe weather events highlight the importance of having a homeowners insurance policy tailored to your needs.
West Virginia homeowners insurance rates by city
Your ZIP code plays a role in determining what you will pay for home insurance in West Virginia. Your insurer is likely to charge you a lower rate if you live in an area where there are not as many claims made. So, for example, if your ZIP code is in a low-crime neighborhood, where thefts are not likely, your premium will likely reflect the lower risk level by being less expensive. Here are some of the cheapest areas for homeowners insurance in West Virginia, on average:
- Martinsburg: $1,108 per year — 17 percent below state average
- Inwood: $1,112 per year — 16 percent below state average
- Falling Waters: $1,112 per year — 16 percent below state average
- Bunker Hill: $1,114 per year — 16 percent below state average
- Gerrardstown: $1,115 per year — 16 percent below state average
Conversely, if your ZIP code is in a high-crime area or a region where there are frequent storms or other natural disasters, your rate may be higher, because your insurer needs to compensate for the increased number of claims coming from your neighborhood.
- Breeden: $2,073 per year — 56 percent above state average
- Kermit: $2,070 per year — 56 percent above state average
- Red Jacket: $2,068 per year — 56 percent above state average
- Lenore: $2,061 per year — 55 percent above state average
- Matewan: $2,058 per year — 55 percent above state average
What does home insurance cover in West Virginia?
Being aware of what your standard HO-3 insurance policy covers can help you determine if you have the coverage you need. Most policies cover property damage caused by severe weather like snowstorms, windstorms or heavy rainfall. Here are a few other common perils that are covered by a standard home policy:
- Wind and hail damage: While West Virginia is sheltered from the tropical storms that hit the East Coast, severe weather can cause costly damage to your home, which is why wind and hail damage is responsible for almost 40 percent of home insurance claims in the U.S.
- Fire or lightning: A standard home insurance policy provides some financial protection for damage caused by fire or lightning, but you might want to check your limits to ensure you have enough coverage.
Additional home insurance coverage types in West Virginia
Unfortunately, some causes of loss are not covered by a standard home policy. Here are some endorsements and standalone policy options you may want to consider for more robust coverage:
- Flood insurance: West Virginia has the highest percentage of roads and infrastructure in danger of flooding. Even a small amount of flooding can cause immense damage to a home, and flood insurance is not included in standard home policies. You may be able to purchase a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
- 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.
- Mine subsidence insurance: Coal mining in West Virginia puts some areas of the state at risk for damage from mine subsidence. This is ground movement caused by underground mine collapse. All West Virginia home insurance companies are required by law to make mine subsidence insurance available in affected counties, but this is typically at an added premium cost.
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.
Related content:
Common West Virginia home insurance problems
Although the insurance industry has seen a rocky few years, most homeowners in West Virginia haven’t been affected by industry decisions to pause or stop writing policies in their state. However, you might face some of the following challenges based on your home insurance needs:
- Inability to purchase insurance: If you’ve had prior claims, insurance providers might be hesitant to cover you. You might have to request quotes from more companies to find an insurer willing to write you a policy.
- Increasing insurance costs: The last few years have seen inflation, extreme weather and supply-chain issues cause insurance rates to climb. This is because it’s more expensive for insurers to pay for repairs or replacements, so companies pass on the higher prices to homeowners.
- Exclusions and additional deductibles: If your standard policy doesn’t include all of the coverage you need, you might have to pay for optional endorsements or pay separate deductibles.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on married male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $300,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $30,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $150,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $60,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.
Bankrate Scores
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%