Navigating Motorcycle Insurance in West Virginia

West Virginia is a great state for motorcycle riding with its mountain roads and scenic landscapes. But before hitting the open road, it’s essential to get proper motorcycle insurance coverage in West Virginia.

West Virginia requires all motorcycles to carry minimum liability insurance. Beyond that, having ample protection for your bike and yourself in case of an accident is crucial.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about West Virginia motorcycle insurance laws recommended coverages, costs discounts, and more to help you ride protected.

West Virginia Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

To legally operate a motorcycle in West Virginia you must carry these minimum liability insurance limits

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability

This coverage protects other parties if you cause an accident resulting in injuries or property damage. However, it leaves you unprotected. That’s why it’s recommended you add more robust coverages beyond the minimums.

Additional West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Coverages

Liability insurance alone covers damage and injuries you cause others, but it does nothing to repair or replace your own bike and gear or cover your medical bills in an accident.

That’s why every riders should consider adding these extra motorcycle insurance coverages in West Virginia:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Covers injuries to you and any passengers when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Comprehensive – Protects against damage to your motorcycle from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire, and animal collisions.

Collision – Repairs or replaces your motorcycle after an at-fault accident regardless of who’s at fault.

Medical Payments – Covers medical treatment for you and any passengers for injuries sustained in an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

Personal Injury Protection – Provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages due to injury, and other damages to you and your passengers arising from a motorcycle accident, no matter who’s at fault.

Accessories coverage – Protects any aftermarket parts or accessories like saddlebags, turbo kit, audio system, passenger backrest, etc. Basic policies won’t cover these upgrades.

Helmet and protective gear coverage – Reimburses you for the cost to repair or replace your helmet, jacket, pants, boots, gloves, etc. damaged in an accident.

By bundling these options with your West Virginia motorcycle liability coverage, you can ensure complete protection at reasonable rates.

Average Motorcycle Insurance Costs in West Virginia

Motorcycle insurance prices vary widely in West Virginia depending on your bike, driving history, coverage limits, and other factors. On average though, riders in West Virginia pay:

• Minimum liability: $317 per year
• Full coverage: $983 per year

Insurers determine your exact premium based on:

• Age, driving record, and riding experience
• Type of motorcycle
• Selected coverages and limits
• Where you live
• Anti-theft systems
• Discounts eligibility

Shopping around is the best way to find the most affordable rate for the protection you need. Comparing quotes from insurers like Progressive, Geico, State Farm and others takes just a few minutes.

How to Save on West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance

The good news is there are many ways to secure a cheap motorcycle insurance policy in West Virginia. Top ways to lower your premium include:

• Take an approved riding safety course
• Bundle multiple policies with the same insurer
• Increase your deductibles
• Limit your annual mileage
• Install anti-theft devices
• Maintain good credit
• Choose a bike with high safety ratings
• Keep a clean driving record
• Ask about discounts for responsible riding clubs, affiliations or organizations you belong to.

Finding the sweet spot between adequate coverage and discounted premiums may take some work, but the reward is hitting the open road worry-free.

Steps to Getting a West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Policy

Ready to get correctly insured for motorcycling in West Virginia? Here are the steps:

1. Compare quotes – Get estimates from as many companies as possible to find the best rate for the coverage you want. Be sure to accurately represent your specific situation.

2. Select a policy – Weigh factors like price, financial stability of the insurer, customer service reputation, discounts offered, and policy extras to choose the right fit.

3. Complete the application – Provide details about you, your motorcycle, and your driving history. Agree to a mileage cap if required to get lower premiums.

4. Pick your effective date – This is when your policy starts. Avoid gaps between policies that would leave you uninsured.

5. Make your first payment – Initial payment options include check, credit card, money order, or bank draft from your account. Ongoing bills can be paid monthly or in full.

6. Obtain proof of insurance – Carry your insurance card as proof of coverage when riding. You may also need to provide it when registering your bike.

7. Review at renewal – An annual policy review ensures you still have the right coverages, limits and deductibles as your situation changes.

With the proper preparations, finding affordable motorcycle insurance in West Virginia can be smooth sailing. Ride on!