Erie Insurance, Nationwide, State Farm and Progressive are West Virginia’s best car insurance companies in 2024. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive analysis of the insurers’ annual car insurance rates, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores.
Use our guide to find the right insurance company for your needs and budget. Navigate your insurance options in West Virginia with confidence to choose the best car insurance company.
Our takeErie Insurance stands out as the best overall car insurance company in West Virginia. With a strong financial rating (A+ from AM Best) and competitive rates, it offers an excellent balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage.
Erie Insurance’s average annual car insurance cost is $1,709. Additionally, It received a J.D. Power score of 863/1,000 and an overall rating of 3.75 out of 5, the highest among the companies surveyed.
It is worth noting that Nationwide has the lowest average car insurance premiums in our survey, at $1,215 a year.
Check out our experts’ recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in West Virginia?
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, finding the right car insurance is important. West Virginia drivers have various top-rated insurers to choose from. Whether you prioritize the best overall experience, affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer to match your needs.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of West Virginia’s best auto insurance companies by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Erie Insurance |
| Most affordable | Nationwide |
| Highest customer satisfaction | Erie Insurance |
| Best for teen | Erie Insurance |
| Best for young adults | Erie Insurance |
| Best for adults | Erie Insurance |
| Best for seniors | Erie Insurance |
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Compare the best auto insurance companies in West Virginia
Choosing the right car insurance in West Virginia can feel overwhelming, with so many companies offering different coverage at varying rates. To help, we’ve taken a closer look at the top insurers in West Virginia.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,709 | A+ | 863 | 0.61 | 3.75 |
| Nationwide | $1,215 | A+ | 820 | 0.64 | 3.43 |
| State Farm | $1,691 | A++ | 843 | 0.70 | 3.42 |
| Progressive | $1,825 | A+ | 814 | 0.65 | 3.15 |
| Geico | $2,248 | A++ | 818 | 0.91 | 2.89 |
| Farmers | $2,442 | A | 803 | 0.80 | 2.66 |
| Westfield Insurance | $2,111 | A | 833 | 1.08 | 2.57 |
| Allstate | $3,132 | A+ | 825 | 0.65 | 2.57 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in West Virginia
As drivers age, their needs, driving habits and risk profiles change, influencing their car insurance rates and the types of coverage they need. Understanding which car insurance company caters best to your needs helps you make more informed decisions, potentially leading to better coverage and cost savings.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
| Company | Annual rates | Customer satisfaction rating |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in West Virginia
Insurance premiums are typically higher for teen drivers because of their increased risk and inexperience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are more likely to misjudge or not notice risky situations than older drivers.
Teen drivers are also more likely to make serious mistakes that can lead to major accidents. In 2022, 2,883 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 lost their lives in car accidents, according to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Finding insurance companies that offer competitive rates and benefits for teen drivers, like good student discounts, driver training discounts and accident forgiveness, can help manage these costs.
Erie Insurance is an excellent choice for teen drivers looking to save on premiums. It offers car insurance at $3,962 annually.
When determining the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, several key factors were considered to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The overall score for each company is derived from a weighted analysis of four main factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is assigned a specific percentage weight based on how they performed in each category.
Here are some top choices for teens aged 16-19 based on our analysis:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $3,962 | A+ | 863 | 0.61 | 3.96 |
| State Farm | $4,620 | A++ | 843 | 0.7 | 3.54 |
| Nationwide | $3,879 | A+ | 820 | 0.64 | 3.43 |
| Geico | $4,789 | A++ | 818 | 0.91 | 3.25 |
| Progressive | $9,502 | A+ | 814 | 0.65 | 2.73 |
| Farmers | $8,488 | A | 803 | 0.8 | 2.65 |
| Allstate | $10,954 | A+ | 825 | 0.65 | 2.57 |
| Westfield Insurance | $5,191 | A | 833 | 1.08 | 1.81 |
Best for young adults in West Virginia
Young drivers must find the right insurance company, as they usually encounter higher premiums due to their perceived risk. According to an analysis by the National Safety Council, drivers aged 20 to 24 were involved in 7,300 fatal crashes in 2022, which accounts for 11.2% of the total number of drivers involved in these incidents.
Companies like Erie Insurance and Nationwide offer affordable rates for those aged 20-24 in West Virginia.
For our 2024 ranking of the best car insurance companies for young adults, we considered four factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor has been weighted accordingly to evaluate overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $2,691 | A+ | 863 | 0.61 | 3.75 |
| Nationwide | $1,937 | A+ | 820 | 0.64 | 3.43 |
| State Farm | $2,739 | A++ | 843 | 0.70 | 3.40 |
| Geico | $3,053 | A++ | 818 | 0.91 | 3.03 |
| Progressive | $3,370 | A+ | 814 | 0.65 | 3.00 |
| Farmers | $3,943 | A | 803 | 0.80 | 2.63 |
| Allstate | $4,876 | A+ | 825 | 0.65 | 2.57 |
| Westfield Insurance | $3,373 | A | 833 | 1.08 | 1.55 |
Best for adult drivers in West Virginia
Different age groups have varying needs and priorities when it comes to car insurance. The key considerations for adult drivers aged 25 to 60 are coverage options, better customer service and premium costs.
In West Virginia, Erie Insurance stands out as the best car insurance provider for adult drivers. It offers full coverage at an average annual cost of $1,723 and boasts the highest overall rating of 3.73 among the companies analyzed.
We have evaluated and curated a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers based on four key factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost in West Virginia (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are usually seen as less risky than younger drivers because they have more experience on the road and as a result, they often pay lower insurance premiums.
Find below the list of the best car insurance companies in West Virginia and their average annual premiums for adult drivers aged 25-60.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $1,723 | A+ | 863 | 0.61 | 3.73 |
| Nationwide | $1,191 | A+ | 820 | 0.64 | 3.43 |
| State Farm | $1,689 | A++ | 843 | 0.70 | 3.41 |
| Progressive | $1,860 | A+ | 814 | 0.65 | 3.12 |
| Geico | $2,282 | A++ | 818 | 0.91 | 2.87 |
| Farmers | $2,412 | A | 803 | 0.80 | 2.67 |
| Allstate | $3,116 | A+ | 825 | 0.65 | 2.57 |
| Westfield Insurance | $2,208 | A | 833 | 1.08 | 1.51 |
Best for senior drivers in West Virginia
Erie Insurance provides the cheapest car insurance premiums among the companies analyzed at an average cost of $1,745 a year. It is an affordable option for senior drivers.
Insurance rates tend to increase for drivers around age 70 and older. This rise is due to insurers’ perception of increased risk associated with aging. Factors like slower reflexes, poor eyesight and a higher likelihood of health issues that could affect driving ability contribute to this perception. As a result, seniors may see their premiums increase, despite having years of driving experience and possibly a long history of safe driving.
Determining the best car insurance companies for senior drivers requires a comprehensive analysis of several factors. Each insurer’s overall score is derived from a weighted analysis of four important factors: the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance (25%), the J.D. Power score (30%), the AM Best rating (25%) and the NAIC rating (20%).
The best auto insurance companies in West Virginia are listed below for senior drivers aged 65-75.
| Company | Monthly cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $145 | A+ | 863 | 0.61 | 3.72 |
| State Farm | $133 | A++ | 843 | 0.70 | 3.45 |
| Nationwide | $99 | A+ | 820 | 0.64 | 3.43 |
| Progressive | $166 | A+ | 814 | 0.65 | 3.07 |
| Geico | $181 | A++ | 818 | 0.91 | 2.93 |
| Farmers | $178 | A | 803 | 0.80 | 2.80 |
| Allstate | $262 | A+ | 825 | 0.65 | 2.57 |
| Westfield Insurance | $169 | A | 833 | 1.08 | 1.60 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Best overall car insurance company in state
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Selecting the right insurance company is heavily influenced by your driver profile. Here’s how to choose the best insurer to meet your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in West Virginia
Look for companies that offer various car insurance discounts, such as safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, or discounts for automatic payments. These can significantly reduce your premiums. Some insurers offer flexible payment plans that can ease the financial burden, such as monthly, quarterly or bi-annual payments.
Find below the list of the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $424 | $455 | $1,215 |
| State Farm | $395 | $463 | $1,691 |
| Erie Insurance | $368 | $440 | $1,709 |
| Progressive | $701 | $757 | $1,825 |
| Westfield Insurance | $368 | $443 | $2,111 |
| Geico | $578 | $678 | $2,248 |
| Farmers | $681 | $716 | $2,442 |
| Encova Insurance | $778 | $913 | $2,933 |
| Allstate | $774 | $837 | $3,132 |
| USAA | $270 | $325 | $1,189 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 25/50/25.
For high-risk drivers in West Virginia
If you’re a high-risk driver or someone with multiple traffic violations or DUIs on their record, look for insurers that specialize in high-risk policies. Focus on improving your driving record by attending a defensive driving course. These steps can help reduce your rates over time.
High-risk status is not permanent. Regularly compare insurance rates and options, as improving your driving record and altering your risk profile can lead to more affordable car insurance rates over time.
| Company | 6-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $940 | $1,879 |
| Erie Insurance | $1,139 | $2,278 |
| State Farm | $1,234 | $2,467 |
| Progressive | $1,309 | $2,617 |
| Westfield Insurance | $1,480 | $2,960 |
| Allstate | $2,069 | $4,138 |
| Farmers | $2,106 | $4,211 |
| Geico | $2,452 | $4,904 |
| USAA | $879 | $1,757 |
By understanding their unique driver profiles and conducting thorough research, high-risk drivers can find insurance companies that best meet their needs.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in West Virginia?
The average cost of car insurance in West Virginia is $2,005 per year. This rate can vary based on factors such as the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limit.
How much car insurance coverage do I need in West Virginia?
When determining how much car insurance you need in West Virginia, it’s important to consider the legal requirements. The minimum coverage required in West Virginia typically includes $25,000 in bodily injury per person, $50,000 in bodily injury per accident and $25,000 in property damage liability.
Beyond West Virginia’s-required minimums, you should consider purchasing higher liability limits if you have significant assets to protect. Experts recommend that you purchase full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
This means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount that your insurance will cover for injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage that you cause to another person’s property in an accident.
These higher limits are recommended because they provide more comprehensive protection against financial losses. It’s also wise to consider factors such as your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing coverage limits.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance rates in West Virginia?
Based on CarInsurance.com’s data analysis, Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance for West Virginia drivers at $101 a month or $1,215 a year.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed September 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for West Virginia drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:
- Teens: Age 16-19
- Young adults: Age 20-24
- Adults: 25- 60
- Seniors: 60-75
The different coverage levels include:
- Annual full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:
- 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit
The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.
- Average annual cost: 25%
- J.D. Power score: 30%
- AM Best rating: 25%
Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of West Virginia