Cheap Car Insurance in West Virginia for Drivers With an SR-22 From $62
West Virginia doesn’t require SR-22 insurance, but the state uses an insurance verification program for all drivers.
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An SR-22 isn’t an actual type of insurance — it’s a form that some states require to prove you have the minimum amount of coverage after you commit a certain driving offense, like accumulating too many tickets or getting a DUI.
While many states have SR-22 filing requirements, drivers in West Virginia don’t need to file one. Learn more about West Virginia’s points system and how a driving incident can affect your car insurance rates.
Does West Virginia require SR-22 insurance?
West Virginia doesn’t require SR-22 insurance, but the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles monitors insurance coverage of every licensed driver in the state. The state tracks dangerous driving behavior through a points system. A driver who commits a moving violation gets points assigned to their license depending on the severity of the infraction.
Some of the offenses that can put the most points on your license include fleeing an officer, speeding in a school zone, reckless driving, and committing a hit-and-run. After receiving a certain number of points on your license, you face license suspension. The length of the suspension depends on the number of points you receive.1
Once the suspension period ends, you can reinstate your license by paying a reinstatement fee and showing proof of insurance. West Virginia’s DMV doesn’t disclose the precise reinstatement fee amount.
West Virginia also automatically suspends the license of any driver convicted of driving under the influence. To regain your license after a DUI suspension, you must take part in DUI education and treatment.2 The required Safety and Treatment Program includes 18 hours of DUI education, as well as a substance abuse evaluation and assessment that may result in further treatment.
Cheapest companies for liability insurance in West Virginia
West Virginia has nearly 100 different insurance companies to choose from for auto insurance, and narrowing down your choices for the most affordable options isn’t an easy task.
Here’s a look at a few cheap car insurance companies that can help you get coverage without spending more than you need to.
What is SR-22 insurance?
SR-22 insurance is a way for the state to keep an eye on drivers who’ve made major driving mistakes. It’s a bit of a misnomer because SR-22 isn’t a kind of insurance policy — it’s a form that acts as a type of proof of insurance. Your insurance company can send it to the state to prove your policy meets the minimum liability insurance requirements.
While every driver (except drivers in New Hampshire) must have car insurance, you only need SR-22 certification if your state requires it. Think of it like an extra step if you’ve had trouble with your driving record, like a DUI conviction or driving without insurance.
Although West Virginia doesn’t have SR-22 laws, if you’re in a state that requires it, you may need an SR-22 certificate to get your license back.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
SR-22 and FR-44 certifications are similar, but FR-44 certificates are only required in Florida and Virginia. Drivers must get FR-44 coverage when they have a more serious violation on their record, like repeat DUIs.
FR-44 certificates also come with higher minimum coverage requirements. In the neighboring state of Virginia, for example, drivers with an FR-44 requirement must have double the coverage they’d need with an SR-22.3
When you need SR-22 insurance
SR-22 insurance is a common requirement to reinstate a suspended driver’s license. Certain driving problems can lead to a suspension, such as numerous car accidents or a recent DUI.4 When that happens, the state will likely want proof that you have proper insurance in place. You may need to file an SR-22 to get your driver’s license back.
Another big reason is being caught driving without insurance. If an officer pulls you over or you’re in a crash and don’t have insurance coverage, the state can ask for an SR-22 to make sure you don’t drive uninsured again.
How long a driving incident stays on your record in West Virginia
In West Virginia, a driving incident will stay on your motor vehicle record for five years. During this time, you’ll likely pay more for car insurance.
For example, West Virginia drivers with a clean record pay $83 per month for liability-only policies. The cost increases to $100 per month for drivers with a speeding ticket and $134 per month for drivers with a DUI conviction.
Even without an SR-22 requirement, West Virginia drivers with serious violations can still face steep prices on insurance. Insurers view drivers with incidents on their record as a higher risk to insure, so they charge more to offset the risk that you might file a claim.
How to improve your driving record in West Virginia
An incident on your driving record puts you in the high-risk category in the eyes of insurance companies, which usually means you’ll pay more in premiums for the next few years. But you have a few options to improve your situation and get your rates down over time: