Short answer: West Virginia requires liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. Matching uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory. Insurers must also offer higher UM limits and the option to buy underinsured motorist coverage. Carry proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times.
Mandatory limits
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner mandatory limits page lists:
| Coverage | West Virginia minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 |
The WV Division of Motor Vehicles consumer insurance information page confirms that registered vehicles must carry liability insurance at those levels and that proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Chapter 17D of the West Virginia Code sets out the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law that underpins compulsory liability.
Required offers above the floor
OIC says the laws require all insurers to offer higher optional limits of uninsured motorist coverage and to provide the option to purchase underinsured motorist coverage. The mandatory optional offerings listed by OIC include:
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury up to $100,000/$300,000 and UM property damage up to $50,000
- Underinsured motorist bodily injury starting at $25,000/$50,000 and UIM property damage at $25,000, with increased UIM available up to the liability limits on the policy
Read selection and rejection forms carefully. Declining higher UM or any UIM is a separate decision from carrying the mandatory UM minimums.
Proof and enforcement
Carry your insurance card (or electronic proof your insurer provides) whenever the vehicle is on the road. DMV and law enforcement use proof checks as part of the compulsory insurance system; driving or registering without the required coverage can lead to suspension and related penalties under Chapter 17D. For questions about compulsory insurance administration, OIC points consumers to DMV at 304-558-3900 or 800-642-9066.
Where the minimum falls short
A $25,000 property-damage limit may not replace a newer vehicle, and serious injuries can exceed $25,000 for one person quickly. Collision and comprehensive remain optional unless a lender requires them. Consider whether the mandatory UM floor and the optional UIM offer match your assets and medical exposure.
How West Virginia differs from neighboring liability-only floors
Some nearby states stop at liability minimums and treat UM as optional. West Virginia builds UM into the compulsory package at the same bodily-injury numbers as liability, then requires a second conversation about higher UM and any UIM purchase. When you renew, look at the declarations page: confirm UM is present at least at 25/50/25, then decide whether the optional higher UM and UIM offers belong on the policy given your assets and medical exposure.
Shopping tip from OIC
OIC's mandatory-limits page is short on purpose—it separates what the law requires from what the law forces insurers to offer. Bring that distinction to your agent. "I declined UIM" should be a conscious choice recorded on the offer form, not an accident of a bundled quote.
Physical damage is still your choice
Mandatory liability and UM do not repair your own vehicle after a crash, hailstorm or theft. Collision and comprehensive remain optional unless a lienholder requires them. West Virginia drivers who carry only the compulsory package should budget for the possibility of paying their own body-shop bill even when the other driver is uninsured—UM property damage helps in some uninsured scenarios, but it is not a full substitute for collision coverage on your car.
Where to confirm the numbers
OIC publishes the mandatory limits; DMV explains proof-in-vehicle and compulsory insurance administration. If a quote shows liability without UM, or UM property damage missing the $25,000 floor, send it back. West Virginia's compulsory package is a four-part minimum—BI, PD, UM BI and UM PD—not liability alone.
Bottom line
West Virginia's package is 25/50/25 liability plus mandatory UM at the same bodily-injury floor. Use our car insurance minimums by state page when you compare West Virginia with neighboring states.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in West Virginia and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in West Virginia?
Liability of $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage, plus matching uninsured motorist coverage.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in West Virginia?
Yes. UM at $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage is mandatory.
Must West Virginia insurers offer underinsured motorist coverage?
Yes. OIC states insurers must provide the option to purchase UIM, with increased limits available up to your liability limits.
Do I have to carry proof of insurance in West Virginia?
Yes. DMV says proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
Where can I confirm West Virginia's mandatory auto limits?
The Offices of the Insurance Commissioner publish the mandatory limits, and DMV handles compulsory-insurance questions for registered vehicles.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.