West Virginia House Bill HB5505

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/26
• Refer: 2/13/26
• Refer: 2/16/26

Caption

Relating to minimum limits for motor vehicle insurance coverage

Summary

HB5505 would amend West Virginia’s financial responsibility law to raise the minimum liability insurance coverage required for motor vehicles. The bill changes the definition of “proof of financial responsibility” in §17D-4-2 to require higher minimum coverage amounts for bodily injury, death, and property damage, replacing the current minimums with larger dollar limits. Under the bill, the minimum required coverage would increase to $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage in one accident. The bill also includes a transition rule stating that policies already in effect on December 31, 2026, meeting the then-current minimums would continue to satisfy the law until they expire or are renewed.

Impact

The bill would directly amend West Virginia Code §17D-4-2, which defines the minimum insurance coverage needed to satisfy the state’s proof of financial responsibility requirements for motor vehicles. Its practical effect would be to increase the minimum auto liability insurance limits that drivers must carry or demonstrate, affecting motorists, insurers, and any enforcement of financial responsibility requirements tied to registration, licensing, or accident-related compliance. Existing policies in force at the transition date would be temporarily grandfathered until renewal or expiration.

Sentiment

The available record shows a straightforward policy proposal with no committee transcript, recorded vote, or formal opposition in the provided materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be presented as a technical but substantive update to insurance minimums rather than a controversial restructuring of law. The overall sentiment in the available context is neutral to supportive, with the bill framed as an increase in required coverage levels.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided committee or vote history, because none is included. In general, bills raising mandatory auto insurance minimums can draw concern from drivers and consumer advocates about higher premium costs, while supporters often argue that higher limits better protect accident victims and reduce underinsured losses. If debated, the likely issue would be the balance between improved coverage and affordability for West Virginia motorists.