Uninsured drivers have become a serious problem all across the country, and in recent years almost every state in the union has enacted some type of mandatory insurance or financial responsibility law. The state of West Virginia is no exception to this trend.
The state of West Virginia requires all motorists to carry proof of insurance in the form of a WV-1 Certificate of Insurance at all times and must be presented at the request of any law enforcement officer at any time.
All current registered vehicles are subject to random verification at any time during the registration year. If you receive a notice, you are required to send back proof of coverage, failure to do so will result in suspension of driver’s license as well as suspension of registration.
The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires insurance verification at the time of registration for every vehicle. Even if your vehicle is inoperable, coverage must be maintained or an Owner Notice of Cancellation (WV-4C) along with the vehicle’s plates must be returned to the DMV. The same is true for motorists who cancel their policy, or have had their policy canceled for any reason.
West Virgina requires a minimum payout of $20,000 per accident with bodily injuries, and $40,000 per accident for two or more individuals with injuries. West Virginia also requires an additional $10,000 in coverage for property damage.
Several penalties exist for failing to provide proof of coverage including; suspension of registration and reinstatement fee of $100 plus proof of insurance as well as having your license suspended for 30 days for a first offense and 90 days for a second offense and a $50 reinstatement fee. All of this is in addition to any criminal penalties imposed. If your are unfortunate enough to have been involved in an accident , you are subject to license and registration suspension until all financial obligations are paid in full or you enter into an installment agreement.
The simplest way to avoid all of these penalties is to get yourself covered, and stay covered. There are literally hundreds of providers just waiting to offer you coverage. From Allstate and State Farm, to Geico, Progressive and Safe Auto. You can visit an office, call a provider or even set up a policy online from the comfort of your own home. The bottom line is…get covered!
