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West Virginia requires uninsured motorist coverage in addition to liability. The Insurance Commissioner's office lists the mandatory minimums as 25/50/25 for liability and the same 25/50/25 for uninsured motorist coverage, and insurers must offer higher optional limits and underinsured motorist coverage. That makes West Virginia one of the states where an uninsured driver's damage to you is partly covered by your own required policy.

The state also enforces insurance electronically and through administrative penalties. The DMV's WVOLV system verifies coverage during registration, at citations and crashes, and monthly for all registered vehicles. A first offense can lead to a 30-day license suspension and registration suspension, though state law allows a $200 penalty fee to be paid before the suspension takes effect. Repeat offenses within five years bring a 90-day license suspension. An owner is notified by certified mail at least 30 days before the effective date and can ask for a limited hearing.

West Virginia at a glance
Minimum liability25/50/25 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s)
Other required coverageUninsured motorist (UM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $25,000 property damage
Fault systemAt-fault (tort)
Credit-based insurance scoresAllowed

West Virginia minimum liability limits

To register and drive a car in West Virginia you need at least this much liability coverage:

  • $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
  • $50,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
  • $25,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.

Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.

Other required and offered coverage

Besides liability, West Virginia requires:

  • Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $25,000 property damage

Insurers must offer underinsured motorist coverage (minimum 25/50/25) and higher optional UM limits of up to $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage.

Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.

Is West Virginia a no-fault state?

West Virginia is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.

West Virginia is an at-fault state. It uses modified comparative negligence, so you cannot recover if you are 50 percent or more at fault, and your award is reduced by your share of blame.

Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.

Can insurers use your credit in West Virginia?

Status: Allowed.

See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.

Penalties for driving uninsured in West Virginia

For a first offense, the DMV suspends the owner's license for 30 days, and registration plates are suspended until proof of insurance is shown, unless the owner pays a $200 penalty fee before the suspension takes effect. A second or later offense within five years brings a 90-day license suspension and registration revocation. Reinstating a registration costs $100 plus proof of insurance.

West Virginia Online Verification (WVOLV) is the DMV's electronic system. It checks coverage in real time during registration, citations and crashes, and monthly for all registered vehicles. Owners flagged as uninsured face the same sanctions as those cited by police.

If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.

Tips for West Virginia drivers

  • If you receive a DMV notice, act on it quickly. State law requires notice by certified mail at least 30 days before a suspension takes effect, and you can request a hearing within 10 days of receiving it.
  • Know what a hearing can cover. It is limited to whether you were the identified owner or whether insurance was in effect, so bring your policy declarations and dates of coverage.
  • The statute lets owners pay a $200 penalty fee before the effective date of a first-offense suspension. Confirm current details with the DMV, because that fee is not the same as the reinstatement fee.
  • A citation received more than one year after the offense cannot be used for a license suspension under the statute, so keep records of past coverage dates.
  • Ask your insurer about underinsured motorist coverage and higher UM limits. West Virginia requires insurers to offer them, but you have to choose them.

When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.

Official resources

Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.

Frequently asked questions

What are West Virginia's minimum auto insurance limits?

The Insurance Commissioner lists West Virginia's mandatory minimums as 25/50/25 for liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is also mandatory at the same 25/50/25 levels. Older brochures showing lower limits are out of date.

Does West Virginia require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. West Virginia requires uninsured motorist coverage at $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Insurers must also offer optional higher UM limits up to $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage, and underinsured motorist coverage starting at 25/50/25.

What happens if I drive without insurance in West Virginia?

For a first offense the DMV suspends your license for 30 days and your registration until you show insurance, unless you pay a $200 penalty fee before the effective date. A second offense within five years brings a 90-day license suspension. Reinstating a registration costs $100, plus proof of insurance, and license reinstatement costs $50.

What is WVOLV in West Virginia?

WVOLV is the West Virginia Online Verification system the DMV uses to check auto insurance in real time during registration, at traffic stops and crashes, and monthly for all registered vehicles. Your insurer's NAIC number, listed on your Certificate of Insurance, is needed for registration transactions.

Sources

General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.