West Virginia insurance laws
Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for West Virginia. Updated May 7, 2026.
West Virginia DOI page content changed
West Virginia DOI Website · May 14, 2026
Department of Insurance
West Virginia's insurance regulatory environment is governed by the West Virginia Code, which outlines the requirements for various types of insurance including auto, health, life, homeowners, and workers' compensation. The state employs a prior approval system for rate filings, ensuring that insurers obtain approval before implementing new rates.
Auto Insurance
Notable Laws
- W.Va. Code § 33-6-31 - Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required at minimum $25,000/$50,000
- W.Va. Code § 17D-2A-3 - Required security and minimum insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000
- W.Va. Code § 33-6-31D - Optional higher limits of UM/UIM coverage must be offered to insureds
- W.Va. Code § 17D-2A-4 - Certificate of insurance requirements for proof of financial responsibility
- W.Va. Code § 33-6-31B - Anti-discrimination in setting auto insurance rates for uninsured motorist coverage
- WV Code § 33-6-31 - Uninsured Motorist Coverage
- WV Code § 17D-4-1 - Financial Responsibility Law
- WV Code § 33-6-31a - Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- WV Code § 33-6-31b - Coverage for Rental Vehicles
- WV Code § 33-6-31c - Coverage for Towing and Labor Costs
Homeowners Insurance
Notable Laws
- W.Va. Code § 33-17A-4a - Nonrenewal permitted for any reason consistent with underwriting standards
- W.Va. Code § 33-17A-5 - 30-day written notice required for cancellation after 60 days coverage
- W.Va. Code § 33-6B-3 - Cancellation or nonrenewal based solely on adverse credit score prohibited
- W.Va. Code § 33-49 - Flood insurance disclosure requirements and coverage standards
- W.Va. Code § 33-20 - Rate filing and form approval requirements for property insurance
- WV Code § 33-17-1 - Homeowners Insurance Coverage Requirements
- WV Code § 33-17-2 - Fair Plan Coverage
- WV Code § 33-17-3 - Cancellation and Nonrenewal
- WV Code § 33-17-4 - Credit Scoring Regulations
- WV Code § 33-17-5 - Flood Insurance Requirements
Recent Bulletins
Prescription Drug Rebate Impact to Commercial Health Insurance Plans
Provides information on effects of prescription drug rebate law on health insurance rates as reported by commercial health insurers, implementing HB 2263 point-of-sale rebate requirements
View bulletin2025 WV Health Insurance Marketplace Data
Provides data on West Virginia health insurance marketplace enrollment and rates for 2026 plan year
View bulletinSummary of 2025 Legislation
Summarizes significant insurance legislation enacted during 2025 Regular Session including insurance holding company systems, prior authorizations, reporting requirements, and PTSD claims
View bulletinUse of Aerial Imagery by Homeowners Insurers
Provides guidance on homeowners insurers use of aerial imagery and drone technology for underwriting and claims purposes
View bulletinArtificial Intelligence Systems
Addresses use of artificial intelligence systems by insurers for underwriting, pricing, and claims decisions
View bulletinRecent Law Changes
Insurance Holding Company Systems
Establishes group capital calculation filing requirements and liquidity stress test reporting for insurance holding company systems to align with NAIC model act
Requires insurers in holding company systems to file additional financial data for regulatory oversight
Effective: 2026-01-01
Prior Authorizations for Medical Care
Permits insurers to require prior authorization for prescription drugs regardless of gold card exemption status
Health care practitioners with gold card exemptions remain subject to prior authorization for pharmaceuticals
Effective: 2025-04-11
Reporting Requirements
Repeals or modifies various insurance reporting requirements including workers compensation and flood insurance notices
Reduces reporting burden on Insurance Commissioner and employers while maintaining flood insurance notification online
Effective: 2025-07-11
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Claims
Expands list of professionals who may diagnose PTSD for first responder workers compensation claims to include certified mental health nurse practitioners and psychiatric physician assistants
First responders have more access to PTSD diagnosis from qualified mental health professionals
Effective: 2025-07-11
Pharmacy Audit Integrity Act Updates
Updated regulation of pharmacy benefit managers including point-of-sale prescription drug rebate pass-through requirements to reduce consumer cost sharing
Health insurers must pass rebates through to consumers at point of sale to reduce prescription drug costs
Effective: 2022-01-01
Health Insurance
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Health, life, workers comp, commercial lines, compliance penalties, rate filing requirements, and real-time DOI monitoring for all 51 jurisdictions.
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