West Virginia Car Insurance Rates: Mandatory Coverage
In West Virginia the mandatory coverage is relatively low when compared to many other states. The government mandates liability coverage in the amounts of $20,000 bodily injury per person; $40,000 bodily injury per accident; and $10,000 property damage per accident. Those levels can easily be surpassed in a serious accident, which is why most professionals recommend liability coverage of $100,000 bodily injury per person; $300,000 bodily injury per accident; and $100,000 property damage per accident.
The other form of mandatory coverage for West Virginia car owners is uninsured motorist coverage. 10.8% of drivers in the state are uninsured, making it the 28th highest in terms of uninsured motorists. This form of insurance protects you if you have an accident with one of these drivers.
West Virginia Car Insurance Rates: Recommended Coverage
Personal property damage coverage is very important to carry if your vehicle has a significant value or would cause a financial difficulty if you had to replace it unexpectedly. In addition, this type of coverage is mandatory according to lenders if your vehicle is financed. Personal property damage is made up of comprehensive coverage which provides for damages from perils such as fire, vandalism and theft; and collision coverage which provides from damages from at-fault accidents.
Industry professionals also recommend additional medical expense coverage in the form of personal injury protection, which is also known as PIP. Underinsured motorist coverage will also provide additional protection in case you are in an accident with a driver who carries insufficient liability coverage. Towing and labor coverage is available and convenient if your vehicle is undriveable. Rental car reimbursement can also be a very valuable form of coverage when your car needs to be in the shop.