West Virginia enforces the Compulsory Insurance Law to make sure each resident who owns a vehicle is able to take financial responsibility in the event his vehicle is involved in an accident.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

In this state, purchasing an insurance policy from a carrier licensed to sell insurance in West Virginia is the only way to establish financial responsibility. If you’re unsure about a carrier’s license, you can check with the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner.

West Virginia Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles

In order to register and legally operate your vehicle on West Virginia roads, you must purchase a liability insurance policy from a licensed auto insurance carrier. At the very least, that policy must include:

• $10,000 for property damages

• $20,000 for one accident, one injury/death

• $40,000 for one accident, two injuries/deaths

Of course, you can purchase more than the required minimum amount of liability insurance. Keep in mind, too, that some situations (such as those involving leasing companies and lienholders) will require you to purchase additional types of coverage.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

In order to help enforce the Compulsory Insurance Law, the DMV will request and verify your insurance information when you register your vehicle and when you renew that registration. The DMV may even request that you provide proof of insurance at random throughout the year.

Even though the DMV verifies your insurance, you must still carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. If you’re involved in an accident or are stopped for a traffic violation, the law enforcement officer will ask for your proof of insurance.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

If the DMV or a law enforcement officer catches you with no proof of insurance, the DMV will:

• Suspend your registration. In this case, you must obtain insurance and show proof of that insurance, as well as pay a reinstatement fee of $100 before the DMV will reinstate your registration. You’ll also have to pay an extra $50 if the DMV sends the state police a secure order on your license plate.

• Suspend your driver’s license for 30 days if it’s a first-time offense, and 90 days if it’s a second-time offense. After the suspension period is up and you obtain and provide proof of insurance, you’ll have to pay $50 to reinstate your license.

For more information about auto insurance requirements and what to do if the DMV suspends your registration and driver’s license, contact the Compulsory Insurance Section of the Capitol Complex office at (800) 642-9066.