West Virginia Homeowners Insurance
Clear, affordable coverage for your home. We compare HO-3 and HO-5, show replacement cost vs ACV, add water-backup and ordinance/law when needed, and bundle with auto for value.
Table of contents
Overview Homeowners coverage at a glance (WV) FAQs — Policy Basics FAQs — Property Coverages FAQs — Liability & Medical FAQs — Deductibles & Claims FAQs — Endorsements & Special Items FAQs — Pricing, Discounts & Bundles FAQs — Lenders & Administration Service Area — West Virginia Get helpHow WV home policies work
Most West Virginia homes are insured on an HO-3 (or broader HO-5) form. Your policy bundles: dwelling (A), other structures (B), personal property (C), loss of use (D), personal liability (E), and medical payments (F). Then we set the right deductibles and endorsements for your roof, utilities, and risk. For a deeper homeowners coverage guide that makes West Virginia homeowners insurance explained simple, see our homeowners insurance coverage explained.
Why compare with a broker
We shop Progressive, Nationwide, Travelers, Safeco, Liberty Mutual partners and more—apples-to-apples—so you see an affordable, competitive fit without guesswork. Learn how an insurance broker works for you and why it helps with understanding homeowners insurance choices.
Talk it through
Skip the forms… let us compare WV home policies
Text your address, roof age, major updates, and any special items (jewelry, firearms). We run multiple carriers side-by-side and send the best match.
Homeowners coverage for WV families — clear, fast, affordable
Whether you’re a married homeowner in Charleston or a first time buyer in Morgantown, we help you find and get the right plan quickly. This page serves as your West Virginia homeowners insurance explained overview so you can decide what is homeowners insurance doing for your budget and risks. We compare homeowners insurance with bundle options for auto insurance (think a Ford F-150 or Honda Civic) to deliver low cost, competitive protection. Need higher limits, liability insurance for visitors, or scheduled coverage for jewelry? We explain HO-3 vs HO-5, replacement cost vs ACV, and water-backup so you can buy confidently. If you’re a young household (age 18–30) or a business owner working from home, we’ll add endorsements that fit. For WV-specific tips and rates, visit our West Virginia homeowners coverage guide. The goal is simple: fast quotes, clear choices, and strong coverage for your West Virginia address—without overpaying.
Policy Basics
What does a West Virginia homeowners policy cover?
Dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical payments—plus optional endorsements.
What is the difference between HO-3 and HO-5?
HO-3 is standard; HO-5 is broader for belongings (often open-perils + replacement cost). We show both options—see our plain-language homeowners coverage guide for details.
What is “replacement cost” vs “actual cash value”?
Replacement cost pays to restore new for old; ACV subtracts depreciation. Most WV owners prefer replacement cost for structure and contents.
Which perils are typically excluded?
Flood, earthquake, wear/tear, maintenance; sewer/water backup unless endorsed. Wind/hail may have special rules by region.
How do coverage A–F map to real life?
A house; B fences/sheds; C belongings; D hotel/meals; E lawsuits; F guest medical.
Property Coverages
What does dwelling coverage (Coverage A) include?
Structure, attached additions, built-ins; we align limit to current rebuild costs.
What does other structures (Coverage B) include?
Detached garage, fence, shed—default ~10% of Coverage A; adjustable if needed.
What is personal property (Coverage C)?
Belongings anywhere in the world; special limits for jewelry, firearms, collectibles unless scheduled.
What is loss of use (Coverage D)?
Pays extra living costs—hotel, meals, laundry—when a covered claim makes the home uninhabitable.
Are my belongings covered for open perils?
HO-3 is usually named-perils for belongings; HO-5 may broaden to open-perils. We’ll compare both.
How are electronics and appliances valued?
Replacement cost when endorsed/HO-5; otherwise ACV may apply.
What about high-value items like jewelry?
Schedule them for higher limits, lower deductibles, and broader causes of loss.
Liability & Medical
What does personal liability (Coverage E) protect?
Defends and pays covered claims if you’re legally responsible for injury or property damage to others.
How much personal liability should I carry?
Common picks: $300k–$500k, plus a $1M–$2M umbrella for extra protection.
What is medical payments (Coverage F)?
No-fault medical for guests injured at your home—small limits for quick help.
Does liability cover dog bites?
Often yes; some breeds or bite history can be excluded. We’ll confirm carrier rules.
Am I covered off premises for liability?
Typically yes for personal activities (not cars/work). Ask us about special cases.
Deductibles & Claims
What deductible should I choose?
$1k–$2.5k are common; higher deductibles lower premium. We’ll show the price steps.
What is a wind/hail deductible?
A separate deductible (often % of dwelling) for wind/hail in certain WV regions.
Are water damage claims covered?
Sudden/accidental discharge usually is; flood and seepage are excluded. Water-backup requires an endorsement.
Should I file a small claim?
We’ll do deductible math; for minor repairs, self-pay can avoid surcharges.
How does depreciation apply to belongings?
ACV pays minus depreciation; with replacement cost you can recover depreciation after replacement per policy terms.
What documentation helps a claim?
Photos, receipts, serials for high-value items, and a simple inventory speed settlement.
Endorsements & Special Items
What is “extended replacement cost” for the dwelling?
An extra cushion (e.g., +25% or +50%) if rebuild costs exceed Coverage A after a major loss.
Do I need ordinance or law coverage?
Yes if codes require upgrades during rebuild; this endorsement helps pay those added costs.
Is water-backup worth adding?
Often yes—covers sump/sewer backups excluded by the base policy. Limits/deductibles vary.
What about equipment breakdown coverage?
Adds protection for sudden mechanical/electrical breakdown of systems and appliances.
How do I insure jewelry and collectibles?
Schedule items—appraisals/receipts recommended—for higher limits, lower deductible, and broader coverage.
Are home-based businesses covered?
Limited; consider a home-business endorsement or separate policy for inventory/equipment and liability.
Is flood or earthquake included?
No—both require separate policies; we can quote stand-alone flood/quake options.
Pricing, Discounts & Bundles
What affects my premium the most?
Rebuild cost, roof age/material, claim history (CLUE), location, protection class, and deductibles.
Which discounts are common?
Multi-policy, alarm/monitored security, new roof, water shut-off, claim-free.
Does bundling home and auto really help?
Often yes; bundling can reduce total spend and simplify billing. We’ll show the actual numbers.
Will a new roof lower my rate?
Usually; impact-resistant materials may add a discount and reduce storm exposure.
How do inspections affect price?
Carriers may adjust based on updates/condition; we help resolve any inspection items.
Ready to compare West Virginia homeowners quotes
Text your address, roof age, and any updates. We run multiple carriers, match limits, and send a clean side-by-side.
HO-3 vs HO-5
HO-5 broadens belongings to open-perils and often includes RC; price/availability vary by carrier. For a deeper dive, review our homeowners insurance explained guide.
Replacement Cost vs ACV
RC replaces new for old; ACV subtracts depreciation—lower premium but smaller payouts.
Named vs Open Perils
Named lists covered causes; open covers what isn’t excluded—clear for claims.
Endorsements
Water-backup, ordinance/law, equipment breakdown, scheduled valuables—fill common gaps.
Last Updated on by Jayleen Ridgeway