The Insurance Requirement
W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-4 — proof of insurance carried in the car, and proof brought to court
In the car. The certificate of insurance or other proof is carried by the insured in the vehicle as proof of security, and presented at vehicle inspection. Violating that is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $5,000.
At a crash or a stop for reasonable cause, the officer asks about insurance and checks the online verification program, and notifies the Division of Motor Vehicles within five days if there is none.
A defendant charged with a traffic offense that requires a court appearance presents proof that the required security was in effect at the time.
Other violations of the article carry a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $5000, or jail of not less than 15 days nor more than one year. A particular case is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-4 — Certificate of insurance
- W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-6 — Investigation by law-enforcement officer to include inquiry regarding required security
- W. Va. Code § 17D-2A-9 — Criminal penalty
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.