Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in West Virginia in 2026
West Virginia law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under the West Virginia Code Chapters 17A and 17D, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the state's Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Law.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
The West Virginia Code establishes financial responsibility requirements for all motor vehicles registered in West Virginia. Under West Virginia Code § 17D-2A-4, all insurance carriers transacting insurance in West Virginia must supply a certificate to the insured certifying that a motor vehicle liability policy is in effect. West Virginia requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, even if the vehicle is not being driven.
Operating a vehicle without required insurance may result in suspension of the driver's license for 30 to 90 days, suspension of vehicle registration, fines. The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
5707 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-3802
Official Website: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
West Virginia law establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner regulates insurance companies operating in the state. West Virginia requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $50,000 total |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident | $50,000 total |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $25,000 |
West Virginia law requires both liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage as mandatory minimum requirements. All vehicle insurance policies must be issued by insurance companies licensed to sell insurance in West Virginia. Vehicle owners may purchase higher optional limits of coverage and underinsured motorist coverage.
Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility are not specified under West Virginia's compulsory insurance system. All registered vehicles must maintain an active insurance policy with a licensed insurance carrier.
West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner
900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302
Phone: (304) 558-3386
Official Website: West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner
Proof of Insurance Documents
West Virginia requires vehicle operators to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation when requested by law enforcement officers during traffic stops or vehicle crash investigations. The following formats are accepted:
- A Certificate of Insurance (WV-1B) issued by an insurance company licensed in West Virginia, listing the policyholder name, vehicle owner name if different, and National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) number
- An insurance policy or a mechanically reproduced copy of an insurance policy
- An image displayed on a wireless communication device showing the required certificate information
- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles
- A copy of the current registration issued to a motor carrier by the Public Service Commission
Law enforcement officers may verify insurance coverage through the West Virginia Online Verification (WVOLV) system, which provides real-time verification of motor vehicle insurance.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
West Virginia's compulsory insurance law applies to all registered vehicles with very limited exceptions:
- Vehicles registered under proportional registration agreements for interstate commercial vehicles
- Vehicles owned by members of the Armed Forces stationed in West Virginia when properly registered in their state of residence
- Vehicles owned by members of the Armed Forces stationed in another state or country when properly registered in that state or country
- Seasonally used vehicles during documented storage periods when the owner has submitted a Seasonal Statement of Insurance (WV-4B) to the Division of Motor Vehicles
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in West Virginia or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance certificate must show the NAIC number identifying the insurance company for any vehicle registration transactions with the Division of Motor Vehicles.
New West Virginia residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. New residents must obtain West Virginia insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements before completing vehicle registration.
West Virginia motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the Division of Motor Vehicles website, by mail using the registration renewal notice, or in person at Division of Motor Vehicles regional offices. The Division of Motor Vehicles monitors all registered vehicles through the electronic insurance verification program to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements.
Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses or is canceled will have their driver's license and vehicle registration suspended. The Division of Motor Vehicles will mail a suspension notice requiring the vehicle owner to provide proof of West Virginia liability insurance.
Vehicle registration suspension requires a $100 reinstatement fee, plus an additional $50 penalty fee if a state police secure order is issued on the plate.
