West Virginia Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Insurance for your motorcycle is mandatory by law in West Virginia. The law also sets a minimum required amount of:
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Individual: $20,000
- Bodily Injury Liability Limit for Every Person in Accident: $40,000
- Property Damage Liability Limit: $10,000
When looking for insurance quotes in West Virginia, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
Please visit these West Virginia websites for updated and detailed information
Helmet Laws
Helmets are required for riding motorcycles in West Virginia. Every rider must have helmets and it must worn by riders and passengers. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find West Virginia motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in West Virginia. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
Accidents and Safety in West Virginia
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 48,435 motorcycles registered in West Virginia with only 49 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| WV | 48.435 | 49 | 77% | 23% | 31% |
| PA | 397.466 | 227 | 49% | 51% | 40% |
| MD | 79.488 | 84 | 88% | 12% | 31% |
| VA | 82.602 | 82 | 93% | 7% | 46% |
| KY | 64.994 | 93 | 40% | 60% | 28% |
| OH | 368.957 | 194 | 30% | 70% | 36% |
Sweet Rides in West Virginia
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- Coal Heritage Trail
- Highland Scenic Highway
- Historic National Road
- Midland Trail
- Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike
- Washington Heritage Trail
Biking Clubs
- Huntington Motorcycle Club
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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