Auto Insurance Minimums for West Virginia

In West Virginia, state law mandates all car owners to purchase the minimum amount of liability coverage. To enforce this law, the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles conducts an annual sample of randomly selected vehicles registered in the state to ensure that owners have obtained the minimum amount of required coverage. If the DMV is unable to verify proof of policy, they will likely suspend both your license and your car’s plate.

This is why it is crucial to either have or inquire about an auto insurance quote for your car. If you do not have insurance in the state of West Virginia you could be penalized for such with license and registration suspension and their subsequent reinstatement fees; fees that can end up piling up.

All drivers must carry proof of auto insurance at all times, failing to do so will lead to license and registration suspension for 30 days, with a second offense costing 90 days. In order to reinstate license in this state for such offense is confirmation of insurance as well as a proof of insurance fee of $100, plus a $50 reinstatement fee.

So don’t find yourself in piles of fees just because you didn’t get an auto insurance quote. Do yourself and other drivers a favor by getting insured today.

West Virginia DUI Law

Driving under the influence in West Virginia can result in jail time, as well as a six month license suspension.  You may also have to complete an alcohol safety/treatment program in order to have your license reinstated.

The blood alcohol content limit (BAC) in West Virginia is 0.08% or higher. For teens and those under the age of 21, it is 0.02%, which is about the equivalent of just one drink. Those driving commercial vehicles may only reach a maximum BAC of 0.04%.

If you are arrested in West Virginia for a DUI you could face a penalty of 1-180 days in jail. You will also have to pay a fine ranging from $100 t0 $500. In addition, you will have to complete a program for alcohol safety and treatment.

West Virginia Teen Driving Laws/Auto Insurance Requirements

Although there is a lower frequency in car collisions in West Virginia, when there is an accident there is usually a teenager involved—usually a young man aged 16-20. Although its teen-related accident rate is low, West Virginia still follows the Graduated Driver Licensing program.

Established in 1999, West Virginia’s Graduated Driver Licensing program offers three levels of licensing to teens:

1.  An Instruction Permit
2.  An Intermediate License
3.  An Unrestricted License 

In order for teens to obtain an instruction permit, they must be 15 years old, pass a vision and skills exam, and provide a current school issued driver eligibility certificate. They must also prove residency in West Virginia, and a social security card and birth certificate.

To obtain an intermediate license, teens must be at least 16 years old, have had their learner’s permit for six months, have a signed certification log sheet detailing their 50 hours of behind the wheel instruction, pass a road test and vision test.

In order to receive an unrestricted license before the age of 18, you will have needed to complete at least 12 months of driving with a clean record and be at least 17 years old. You must also pass another vision test, written test and a road test.

Teens in the state of West Virginia must have at least the state minimum amount of liability insurance, although it is recommended that teens carry more than this amount, due to the higher accident rate among their peers. West Virginia, it should be noted, is also a tort state. If you are involved in an accident in a tort state, you or the other driver must be found at fault, and the party at fault must pay for all damages.