It should come as a welcomed fact that the average cost of homeowners insurance in West Virginia is a few hundred dollars lower than the national average. And while the price is an important factor when choosing the best homeowners insurance companies in West Virginia, customers also need to look at factors like coverage, claims support, and unique features.
Thankfully, many providers check all of these boxes. Some of the current leading companies in the state include Allstate, USAA, Erie Insurance, and State Farm.
The 4 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in West Virginia
*J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale
Best West Virginia Homeowners Insurance Companies
Allstate
Allstate’s discounts add up to lower premiums, making the company a good choice for anyone who’s looking to save a few dollars on their premium costs. Allstate is also generous in its coverage, providing up to $10,000 for accidental damage.
Best for New Homeowners
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Comprehensive online claims tools
- Low average annual premium
Cons
- Some areas may have coverage limits
Discounts available
- Multi-policy discount
- Claim-free discount
- Early signing discount
Unique features
Allstate does offer a variety of discounts for its policyholders. For example, you can save 25% if you bundle your auto policy with your home insurance policy, and an additional 5% if you sign up for autopay.
*J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale
Further Reading on Allstate:
USAA
Like Amica, USAA appears at the top of rating lists for its excellent customer service, comprehensive policies, and fair prices. The only catch is that you must be a current or former member of the military community to purchase a policy — but if you are, the company should be your first stop.
Best for Military Members and Families
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Top customer satisfaction ratings
- Discounts for multiple policies
Cons
- Only available to active military, their families, and veterans
- Rates are average
Discounts available
- Bundle discounts
- Discount of 10% if no claims in the last five years
Unique features
Rates are middle of the road, but one major standout is that USAA is one of the best-reviewed insurance companies. If you are an active or retired military member, consider getting a quote from USAA. It offers a variety of coverage options that may suit
*J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale
Further Reading on USAA:
Erie Insurance
Homeowners insurance isn’t a one-plan-fits-all type of thing, and Erie knows it. The company offers customizable insurance coverage so you can craft the right policy for your needs.
Best for Customized Policies
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Strong financial rating
- Customizable insurance coverage
Cons
- Higher annual premiums
- Limited availability
- No mobile app
Discounts available
- Multi-policy discounts averaging around 20% (16% – 25%)
- Advanced quote discounts
- Fire, burglary alarm, and sprinkler system credits
Unique features
With over 5,000 employees and 13,000 independent agents, Erie is no small fry when it comes to homeowners insurance in West Virginia. The company pushes “no gray areas” in coverage, helping you to understand every aspect of your policy as clearly as possible.
*J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale
Further Reading on Erie:
State Farm
State Farm offers above-average customer support along with competitive pricing and solid coverage options. For those new to home ownership, its Simple Insights blog can tell you everything you need to know about home ownership in general.
Best for Claim Payments
Why we chose it
Why we chose it
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage for homeowners
- Unique add-ons like identity theft and inflation protection
Cons
- Expensive premiums
Discounts available
- Multiple line discount
- Home alert protection discount (fire, smoke, or burglar alarms)
- Roofing discounts based on the type of roofing products on the house
Unique features
What’s unique and worth noting is that State Farm offers the ability to file a claim online, which isn’t offered by all home insurance companies. Additionally, the company has a robust collection of learning tools that potential customers can access for free.
*J.D. Power 2020 Home Insurance Customer Satisfaction Survey, based on a 1,000-point scale
Further Reading on State Farm:
Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in West Virginia
The average annual cost of insurance in West Virginia is $1,053, which is a bit under the national average of $1,192. The age of your home will affect the price of your insurance the most in West Virginia. Newer homes that are five years old or less can save you significantly on your annual premium.
Home Insurance add-ons that will further protect you
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, flooding is the most costly and fastest-growing natural disaster across the nation, and West Virginia is no exception. The overwhelming majority of land in West Virginia falls into the “100-year floodplain” as designated by FEMA, which means the chance of seeing a damaging flood within anyone’s lifetime is quite possible. Yet less than 5% of the state holds a flood insurance policy.
West Virginia’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management works to mitigate these kinds of damages by employing Floodplain Management. This agency regulates issues like development of high-risk areas by inspecting building practices such as elevating homes or building near or below Base Flood Elevations (BFE). Even with this dedication to creating a safer home environment for West Virginians in the most flood-prone areas, there are still risks.
The Cheapest Homeowner Insurance Companies In West Virginia
| Largest Companies by Market Share in West Virginia | Average Annual Premium |
| Allstate | $564 |
| USAA | $737 |
| American Select Ins Co | $744 |
| Erie Insurance | $800 |
| State Farm | $1,324 |
Cost of Homeowners Insurance by Age of Home
| Age of Home (Years) | Sample Annual Premium |
| 5 | $824 |
| 20 | $1,113 |
| 35 | $1,142 |
| 50 | $1,131 |
| Average Across Ages | $1,053 |
Quadrant home insurance rate data as of 12/01/2019.
These rates are a sample set meant only for general comparison. Your own premium will vary. Learn how we tested rates for the cheapest home insurance companies in our methodology.
Top 2 Cheapest Homeowner Insurance Companies in West Virginia
- Allstate – $564
- USAA – $737
Top 3 Most Expensive Homeowner Insurance Companies in West Virginia
- State Farm – $1,324
- Erie Insurance – $800
- American Select Insurance Company – $744
West Virginia home insurance companies vary greatly in terms of the average annual premium for the state, with Allstate offering a low $564 and State Farm averages reaching $1,324. All of these numbers are based on averages, with the condition and age of the home having a lot to do with your actual price. Get a more accurate estimate of your premium by requesting personalized quotes.
Helpful Resources for West Virginia Homeowners
Looking for a little additional information on getting a homeowners insurance policy in the state of West Virginia? The state government created a nice list of local resources to help you in your search. The resources discuss things like types of policies, FAQs for the state, tips for selecting a provider, and even how to get a free smoke alarm.
Homeowners Insurance FAQ
Is homeowners insurance required in West Virginia?
Homeowners insurance in West Virginia is optional when it comes to state legislation. However, if you have a mortgage on your home, most likely, your lender will require you to carry coverage. Additionally, it may be in your best interest to carry coverage to protect your home and belongings from unexpected occurrences.
What is the cheapest homeowners insurance in West Virginia?
When it comes to the least expensive homeowners insurance companies in West Virginia, the leading companies are Allstate, USAA, and American Select Insurance Company. Keep in mind, though, that your rates may vary based on the provider, so it’s best to shop a few options before making a final selection.
Methodology
We evaluated the companies based on their customer rating and experience, financial stability, and coverage to determine the best providers. To compare home insurance companies across the board, we then calculated a Reviews.com score based on the following:
- Customer Ratings — Customer ratings are an indication of satisfaction with the process of filing a claim. We measured this using J.D. Power Homeowners Satisfaction ratings.
- Coverage — As there isn’t one company to fit everyone’s needs, we evaluated companies by the amount of coverage options and add-ons available.
- Confidence — It is extremely important for insurance companies to fulfill customers’ claims. Companies with sound financial strength will not have issues paying out claims, regardless of the amount. However, companies with weak financial strength might not be able to pay out claims. We measured this using AM Best’s ratings, which specializes in assessing the financial strength of insurance companies.
- Customer Experience — The amount of complaints a company receives is an indicator of the overall customer experience as it expresses dissatisfaction. We have based this measure on the NAIC National Complaint Index.
About the Authors
Lauren Ward is a personal finance writer who regularly covers consumer insurance products. Her work has appeared in a variety of online publications, including Bankrate and The Simple Dollar. She graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in Japanese.
