Everything You Need to Know About the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner

If you live in West Virginia and are in need of insurance, you may have heard of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner. This regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the state’s insurance industry, ensuring that insurance companies and agents comply with state laws and regulations, and protecting consumers from illegal or unethical insurance practices.

What is the Role of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner?

The West Virginia Insurance Commissioner is a state-level regulatory body that oversees the insurance industry in West Virginia. Its primary role is to ensure that insurance companies and agents are complying with state laws and regulations, and that they are treating consumers fairly and honestly.

The Insurance Commissioner has the authority to investigate and take enforcement action against insurance companies and agents that engage in illegal or unethical practices, such as fraud, misrepresentation, or discrimination. The Commissioner can also revoke or suspend licenses, impose fines, and issue cease and desist orders.

Some of the specific responsibilities of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner include:

Responsibility
Description
Licensing and Regulation
The Commissioner is responsible for licensing and regulating insurance companies and agents, ensuring that they meet legal and financial requirements and are operating in compliance with state laws and regulations.
Consumer Protection
The Commissioner is responsible for protecting consumers from illegal or unethical insurance practices, such as fraud, misrepresentation, or discrimination. This includes investigating consumer complaints and issuing enforcement actions against violators.
Market Conduct Examinations
The Commissioner conducts market conduct examinations to ensure that insurance companies and agents are complying with state laws and regulations and treating consumers fairly and honestly.
Rate Regulation
The Commissioner has the authority to regulate insurance rates in certain circumstances, such as when rates are deemed excessive or unfairly discriminatory.

Who is the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner?

The current West Virginia Insurance Commissioner is James A. Dodrill, who was appointed to the position in 2021 by Governor Jim Justice. Dodrill has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, including serving as president and CEO of United Security Assurance Company and as chairman of the board of directors for the West Virginia Healthcare Authority.

Dodrill’s role as Insurance Commissioner is to oversee the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (WVOIC), which is responsible for implementing and enforcing state insurance laws and regulations. The WVOIC has offices in Charleston, Morgantown, and Beckley.

How Do I Contact the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner?

If you need to contact the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner, you can do so via phone, email, or mail. The contact information for the WVOIC is as follows:

Charleston Office:
1124 Smith St
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 558-3386
Email: consumerservices@wvinsurance.gov

Morgantown Office:
33 Sterling Dr
Suite 206
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: (304) 285-1522
Email: consumerservices@wvinsurance.gov

Beckley Office:
407 Neville St
Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: (304) 558-3386
Email: consumerservices@wvinsurance.gov

You can also visit the WVOIC website at www.wvinsurance.gov for more information about insurance in West Virginia and to file a complaint or ask a question online.

FAQ

What types of insurance does the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner regulate?

The West Virginia Insurance Commissioner regulates a wide range of insurance types, including health, life, property and casualty, and workers’ compensation insurance.

What should I do if I have a complaint against an insurance company or agent in West Virginia?

If you have a complaint against an insurance company or agent in West Virginia, you can file a complaint with the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. You can do so online, by phone, or by mail. The WVOIC will investigate your complaint and take appropriate enforcement action if necessary.

How can I find a licensed insurance agent in West Virginia?

You can search for licensed insurance agents in West Virginia on the WVOIC website. The website allows you to search for agents by name, license number, or location.

What should I do if I suspect insurance fraud?

If you suspect insurance fraud, you should report it to the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner. You can do so online, by phone, or by mail. The WVOIC will investigate your report and take appropriate enforcement action if necessary.

Does the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner regulate insurance rates?

The West Virginia Insurance Commissioner has the authority to regulate insurance rates in certain circumstances, such as when rates are deemed excessive or unfairly discriminatory. However, the Commissioner does not set rates for insurance products.