West Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License Exam Overview
The West Virginia Property & Casualty Insurance License Exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). West Virginia's unique geography and economy—including coal mining, natural gas, and manufacturing—create specialized insurance needs.
Passing this exam qualifies you to sell property insurance, auto insurance, liability coverage, and related products throughout West Virginia—a state with approximately 1.8 million residents, significant flood exposure, and an energy sector that creates substantial commercial P&C insurance demand.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 150 multiple-choice |
| Scored Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% (105 correct answers) |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE |
| Exam Fee | $88 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 40 hours required |
Why Get P&C Licensed in West Virginia?
- Growing market — Energy sector and infrastructure growth
- Unique exposures — Flood, mining, and mountain terrain
- Lower pre-licensing — Only 20 hours required
- Less competition — Fewer agents per capita
- Solid compensation — Average P&C agent salary over $55,000
Start Your FREE West Virginia P&C Exam Prep
Ready to begin studying? Our comprehensive, completely free West Virginia P&C exam prep covers everything you need to pass.
Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. Property Insurance (30%)
Homeowners Insurance:
- HO-2, HO-3, HO-4, HO-5, HO-6, HO-8 policy forms
- Coverage A (Dwelling), B (Other Structures), C (Personal Property)
- Coverage D (Loss of Use), E (Personal Liability)
- Dwelling fire policies
West Virginia-Specific Property Topics:
- West Virginia FAIR Plan (residual market)
- Flood insurance (major WV exposure)
- Landslide and earth movement coverage
- Mine subsidence coverage
- Mountain terrain property considerations
Commercial Property:
- Building and personal property coverage forms
- Business income coverage
- Equipment breakdown
- Inland marine coverage
2. Liability Insurance (30%)
Personal Liability:
- Homeowners liability (Coverage E)
- Personal umbrella policies
- Medical payments coverage
Commercial Liability:
- Commercial General Liability (CGL)
- Products and completed operations
- Professional liability (E&O)
- Workers' compensation requirements
West Virginia Workers' Compensation:
- Required for most employers
- Managed by private insurers since 2008
- BrickStreet (major carrier)
- Self-insurance options available
3. Auto Insurance (25%)
West Virginia Auto Insurance Requirements:
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $25,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist | $25,000/$50,000 |
Additional Auto Topics:
- Personal Auto Policy (PAP) coverage parts
- West Virginia financial responsibility law
- Uninsured motorist coverage (required)
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- SR-22 requirements
- Commercial auto insurance
4. West Virginia Insurance Code and Regulations (10%)
Chapter 33 Key Provisions:
- Producer licensing requirements
- Unfair trade practices
- Unfair claims settlement practices
- Policy cancellation and nonrenewal rules
- Advertising guidelines
Licensing Requirements:
- Pre-licensing education: 20 hours required
- Continuing education: 24 hours every 2 years
- Ethics requirement: 3 hours included in CE
- Background check required
5. Ethics and Professional Conduct (5%)
- Fiduciary duties to insureds
- Premium handling requirements
- Claims reporting obligations
- Privacy and confidentiality
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Property insurance fundamentals | 12-14 |
| Week 2-3 | Liability insurance | 12-14 |
| Week 3-4 | Auto insurance and WV requirements | 12-14 |
| Week 4 | West Virginia regulations (Ch. 33) | 8-10 |
| Week 5 | Practice exams and review | 12-14 |
Total recommended study time: 55-65 hours
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the West Virginia P&C exam.
West Virginia-Specific Exam Tips
1. Know West Virginia Auto Minimums
West Virginia requires 25/50/25 liability coverage:
- $25,000 per person bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident bodily injury
- $25,000 property damage (higher than many states)
2. Master Flood Coverage
West Virginia has significant flood exposure:
- River valleys — Primary flood risk areas
- Flash flooding — Mountain terrain accelerates runoff
- NFIP participation — National Flood Insurance Program
- Flood exclusions — Standard policies exclude flood
3. Understand Mining-Related Coverage
West Virginia's mining heritage creates unique exposures:
- Mine subsidence coverage
- Earth movement considerations
- Environmental liability
- Equipment and machinery coverage
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | West Virginia Requirement |
|---|---|
| Auto minimums | 25/50/25 |
| WC threshold | Most employers |
| Pre-licensing | 20 hours |
| CE requirement | 24 hours/2 years |
| Passing score | 70% |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating flood exposure — Major WV property concern
- Not knowing auto minimums — WV is 25/50/25 (higher PD)
- Ignoring mine subsidence — Important for many WV properties
- Forgetting UM coverage — Required in West Virginia
- Not practicing timed exams — 2 hours for 150 questions
- Cramming last minute — Spread study over 4-5 weeks
After Passing Your Exam
- Apply for license through West Virginia OIC online portal
- Complete background check — Required for all applicants
- Pay license fee — $50 for initial resident license
- Affiliate with insurer — Get appointed by carrier
- Maintain CE compliance — 24 hours every 2 years
- Begin selling — Your license is valid for 2 years
2026 West Virginia Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Flood coverage requirements and rate changes
- Auto insurance rate adjustments
- Enhanced consumer protection regulations
- Updated claims settlement requirements
Start Your West Virginia P&C Insurance Career Today
The West Virginia P&C license opens doors to a specialized regional insurance market. With proper preparation, you can pass the exam on your first attempt.
Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- West Virginia-specific regulations (Chapter 33)
- Study guides and summaries
- AI-powered study assistance
Don't pay for expensive prep courses when everything you need is available FREE.