West Virginia Personal Lines Law & Coverage Rules
This chapter covers the West Virginia-specific personal lines rules that sit on top of the shared national property & casualty fundamentals: who regulates insurance in West Virginia, the minimum auto liability limits, the mandatory uninsured motorist coverage, the state's tort system, and the notice rules governing cancellation and nonrenewal. Figures below were checked against the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner this session; always confirm current numbers before advising a client.
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner
Insurance in West Virginia is regulated by the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), led by an appointed Insurance Commissioner. The OIC licenses producers and companies, reviews policy forms and rates, investigates complaints, and enforces the insurance code. There is no federal insurance department. Official site: https://www.wvinsurance.gov.
Minimum Auto Liability Limits (25/50/25) and Mandatory UM
To satisfy West Virginia's financial-responsibility law, a personal auto policy must carry at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage (written 25/50/25). West Virginia also mandates uninsured motorist (UM) coverage at limits at least equal to the liability minimums. Note that the $25,000 property-damage minimum is higher than the $10,000 common in other states. Verify current figures with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
Tort (At-Fault) System
West Virginia is a traditional tort (at-fault) state: the driver who causes a crash — and that driver's liability insurer — is responsible for the other party's injuries and property damage. West Virginia is not a no-fault state and does not use a full-tort/limited-tort election. Confirm current rules with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
Cancellation and Nonrenewal
State law limits the reasons an insurer may cancel a personal auto or homeowners policy mid-term (for example nonpayment or material misrepresentation) and requires advance written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal. The exact number of days depends on the reason and line — verify current West Virginia notice periods with the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner rather than memorizing a single number.