Key Takeaways
- The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) regulates all insurance activities in the state
- The Insurance Commissioner is APPOINTED by the Governor (not elected)
- OIC handles insurer regulation, producer licensing, market conduct, and consumer protection
- West Virginia insurance law is found in Chapter 33 of the West Virginia Code
- The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Governor with no fixed term
Last updated: January 2026
West Virginia Regulatory Agencies
national Life & Health exam preparationFree exam prep with practice questions & AI tutor
West Virginia regulates insurance through a single regulatory agency, the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner.
Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)
The Offices of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is responsible for:
- Regulating all insurance companies doing business in West Virginia
- Licensing and monitoring insurance producers (agents)
- Reviewing and approving insurance rates and policy forms
- Investigating consumer complaints
- Conducting market conduct examinations
- Monitoring insurer solvency
Commissioner Selection
The West Virginia Insurance Commissioner is:
- APPOINTED by the Governor
- Serves at the Governor's pleasure (no fixed term)
- Must meet statutory qualifications
- Confirmed by the West Virginia Senate
Exam Tip: Remember that West Virginia's Insurance Commissioner is APPOINTED, not elected. Only 11 states elect their insurance commissioner.
West Virginia Insurance Code
West Virginia insurance law is contained in Chapter 33 of the West Virginia Code:
Key Articles
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| Article 1 | Definitions and General Provisions |
| Article 2 | Insurance Commissioner - Powers and Duties |
| Article 12 | Insurance Producers, Adjusters, and Other Licensees |
| Article 15 | Life Insurance Policies |
| Article 16 | Accident and Sickness Insurance Policies |
| Article 25 | Health Care Corporations |
Article 12 - Producer Licensing
Article 12 is particularly important for licensing exams as it contains:
- Agent and agency licensing requirements
- Pre-license education requirements
- Appointment procedures
- Continuing education requirements
- Prohibited practices and disciplinary procedures
OIC Divisions
| Division | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Producer licensing, appointments, CE oversight |
| Market Conduct | Examinations, complaint investigations |
| Financial Conditions | Insurer solvency monitoring |
| Legal | Enforcement, hearings, regulations |
| Consumer Services | Consumer complaints, assistance |
Contact Information
- Agent Licensing Division: (304) 558-0610
- Consumer Services: (888) 879-9842
- Address: P.O. Box 50540, Charleston, WV 25305-0540
- Email: agent.licensing@wvinsurance.gov
- Website: www.wvinsurance.gov
Loading diagram...
Test Your Knowledge
How is the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner selected?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which chapter of the West Virginia Code contains insurance law?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which division of the OIC handles producer licensing?
A
B
C
D