October 11, 2024

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Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance: West Virginia (2021)




best cheap motorcycle insurance west virginia


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best cheap motorcycle insurance west virginia

West Virginia motorcycle insurance is required but inexpensive.

Advertiser Disclosure

Insurance rates are lower than average in the Mountain State, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to find the best cheap motorcycle insurance in West Virginia. Because insurance regulations and rates vary from state to state, the best motorcycle insurance option in New York may not be the best choice for the same rider in West Virginia.

In addition to cost, it’s important to consider local reputation and service. Our recommendations below are based on regional satisfaction scores and local quotes collected by our review team. Your rates may vary, so it’s important to reach out for individualized quotes to find the cheapest motorcycle insurance coverage for your bike.

In this article:

  • 5 Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies In West Virginia
  • West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
  • Cost Of West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance
  • What To Know About Riding In West Virginia
  • Final Thoughts: Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance In West Virginia
  • FAQ: Motorcycle Insurance In West Virginia

5 Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies In West Virginia

Our review team reached out for local quotes from several companies to determine the five best motorcycle insurers in West Virginia. We also considered regional satisfaction scores and local reviews. The provider that we ranked highest for West Virginia motorcycle insurance is Geico.

The table below lists the best cheap motorcycle insurance companies in the Mountain State.

Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance in West Virginia RideApart Rating Customer Service Affordability Coverage
1. Geico Motorcycle Insurance 4.5 4.0 5.0 4.5
2. Allstate Motorcycle Insurance 4.0 4.0 3.0 4.0
3. State Farm Motorcycle Insurance 4.5 4.5 4.0 4.0
4. Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.0
5. Erie Motorcycle Insurance 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0

*You may notice that some motorcycle insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take nationwide factors into account, while our ranking looks specifically at which insurance providers are best for motorcycle insurance in West Virginia.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating: A+

AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A++

Geico is a good choice for West Virginia motorcycle insurance because it is a low-cost provider that receives excellent customer service marks for the area. In our quote research, Geico offered the lowest rates for a minimum-coverage policy. The company also ranked fifth in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠ for the Mid-Atlantic region (including Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).

With Geico, riders can purchase the following types of motorcycle insurance coverage:

  • Liability coverage
  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Medical payments
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Accessories coverage
  • Towing and labor coverage

Learn more by reading our full Geico motorcycle insurance review.

BBB Rating: A+

AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A+

In our cost research, Allstate offered some of the cheapest motorcycle insurance quotes in West Virginia. The insurer had the lowest rate for a full coverage policy that includes state-required coverage as well as comprehensive, collision, and medical payments coverage.

On average, Allstate tends to be one of the more expensive motorcycle insurance options, except in West Virginia, where rates are not only competitive but some of the lowest on the market, at least for low-risk motorcyclists with no recent accidents or DUIs.

Allstate motorcycle insurance coverage is comprehensive. In addition to standard policies, customers can purchase the following add-ons with Allstate:

  • Equipment coverage: All policies include $1,000 worth of equipment coverage, but this can be increased up to $30,000.
  • Towing and labor: This add-on provides reimbursement for towing and labor if your motorcycle breaks down or you get in an accident.
  • Rental reimbursement: This policy covers rental costs if your bike is stolen or is in the shop for repairs after an accident.
  • Motorcycle and off-road vehicle transport trailer damage: This provides coverage for damage and loss of your trailer and motorcycle resulting from collision or rollovers.
  • Guaranteed asset protection (GAP) insurance: If your bike is totaled or stolen, this coverage pays the difference between your bike’s actual cash value and the payments you still owe.
  • Rider protection package: This add-on package provides death and dismemberment coverage as well as cash benefits to your family in the event of a fatal accident.
  • New motorcycle extended protection coverage: This insurance option pays for a new bike if yours is totaled in an accident.

For eligible motorcyclists, Allstate guarantees your premium will not increase after the first accident. This is included with all policies at no additional cost.

Find out more by reading our full Allstate motorcycle insurance review.

BBB Rating: Not rated

AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A++

State Farm operates through a network of independent local insurance agents. As a result, customer service with State Farm tends to be better than with many other insurers. In West Virginia, State Farm customer service gets high marks from locals. In the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm placed third for the Mid-Atlantic region, scoring 851 out of 1,000 possible points.

State Farm offers standard motorcycle insurance coverage options with high policy limits. The national provider is well-financed and also provides:

  • Coverage for sidecars
  • Protective gear coverage
  • Emergency roadside assistance

State Farm will insure any type of bike, including:

  • Motor scooters
  • Classic motorbikes
  • Minibikes
  • Trikes
  • Custom-built motorcycles

Read our State Farm motorcycle insurance review to find out more about the company.

BBB Rating: A+

AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A+

Dairyland is a Wisconsin-based insurer that started by specializing in car insurance for high-risk drivers. Today, the company has expanded across the country and includes motorcycle insurance in its list of products. Dairyland is a good choice for high-risk riders and anyone looking for cheap motorcycle insurance in West Virginia.

When we reached out for free quotes, Dairyland offered the second-lowest rates for a full coverage policy and competitive rates for minimum coverage. The insurer is a good option if you have an expensive bike and want collision and comprehensive coverage.

In addition to standard motorcycle insurance coverage, Dairyland offers specialty add-ons for:

  • Guest passenger liability
  • Special equipment coverage
  • Physical damage plus
  • Roadside assistance

Read our full Dairyland motorcycle insurance review for more information.

BBB Rating: A+

AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A+

Erie Insurance is a regional provider that is not available everywhere in the United States. However, in states where it does operate, Erie tends to receive high praise from customers for its service and claims departments. In the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, Erie placed second overall for the Mid-Atlantic region, scoring 856 out of 1,000 points.

We reached out for free quotes from Erie and found that full coverage motorcycle insurance rates were competitive, beating out national providers like Geico, Nationwide, and Progressive. Erie policies can include coverage for specialty parts and equipment as well as safety gear and roadside assistance.

West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

To legally operate a motorcycle in West Virginia, all riders must maintain the following state minimum motorcycle insurance coverage:

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

West Virginia is an at-fault state, which means that the person who is at fault in an accident is responsible for filing a damage claim with their insurer. If you are at fault for an accident, liability insurance covers the cost of damages to the other driver and their vehicle.

Riding without motorcycle insurance in West Virginia can result in fines and even a license suspension. If you fail to show proof of insurance, your license plates and license will be suspended until you pay a $150 reinstatement fee and provide proof of insurance.

Cost Of West Virginia Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycle insurance costs vary from state to state and from rider to rider. Factors that can affect the price of your motorcycle insurance coverage include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Bike
  • Riding experience
  • Driving record

To provide you with an idea of motorcycle insurance costs in West Virginia, we reached out to several providers for quotes. The rates below are for a 40-year-old single man with six years of riding experience and no recent accidents. The bike used for the quotes is a 2018 Honda CB300F with a 286cc engine. This type of motorcycle is relatively inexpensive to insure compared to larger bikes or sports motorcycles.

Minimum coverage policies quoted in the table below only include the state-required minimum policy limits for liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage in West Virginia.

Motorcycle Insurance Provider Monthly Cost Down Payment Annual Cost
Geico $13.74 $13.73 $128.82
Allstate $11.00 $10.00 $131.00
Dairyland $137.59
Harley-Davidson $138.08
Nationwide $12.60 $12.60 $151.20
Erie Insurance $13.20 $158.45
Progressive $16.24 $29.57 $208.08

For our full coverage quotes, we requested the state-minimum liability and uninsured motorist coverage as well as $2,000 coverage for medical payments, comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, and collision coverage with a $500 deductible.

Not all of the providers in the table below offered this coverage, and some supplied additional coverage. Progressive, Allstate, and Nationwide policies included $2,500 in medical payments, while Erie did not provide medical payments coverage.

Motorcycle Insurance Provider Monthly Cost Down Payment Annual Cost
Allstate $23.00 $24.00 $277.00
Dairyland $285.16
Harley-Davidson $288.78
Erie Insurance $26.81 $26.81 $321.72
Nationwide $40.10 $40.10 $481.20
Geico $44.20 $44.17 $494.34
Progressive $52.36 $99.70 $675.64

What To Know About Riding In West Virginia

As in most states, you’re required to have a motorcycle endorsement on your license to legally operate a motorcycle on public roads in West Virginia. Obtaining a motorcycle license is fairly straightforward and similar to getting a driver’s license.

You must be 18 years old to apply for a motorcycle license, which requi
res passing a written knowledge test about motorcycle laws and safety. After completing the written test, you must schedule and pass a motorcycle skills test.

You can also complete an approved West Virginia Motorcycle Safety Program (WVMSP). Completion of this program exempts riders from the skills test necessary to obtain a license.

All motorcycle riders must wear helmets as well as safety glasses (or helmets with face shields). Failure to do so can result in a ticket, fines, and even license suspension.

Final Thoughts: Best Cheap Motorcycle Insurance In West Virginia

There are several good options for cheap motorcycle insurance in West Virginia. Average rates in the state are low compared to other places, and the state-minimum motorcycle insurance requirements are not high. We recommend motorcycle riders consider Geico, Allstate, State Farm, Dairyland, and Erie Insurance.

Of course, these aren’t the only providers in the state, and the best option may vary by city. Also consider insurers in your area and reach out for individualized quotes from several providers.

FAQ: Motorcycle Insurance In West Virginia

Methodology

In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of motorcycle insurance providers to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.

  • Industry Standing: Insurers with strong financial ratings, nationwide availability, and customer-first business practices receive the highest scores in this category.
  • Coverage: This rating is based on types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
  • Cost: Our research team reviews motorcycle insurance quotes for a variety of drivers in every state. Companies with lower prices and many motorcycle insurance discount opportunities receive the best scores.
  • Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and consumer feedback studies from experts.

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