Farmers Direct Asks for 20% Auto Rate Increase in West Virginia

The West Virginia Insurance Commissioner’s Office is accepting comments on a proposed 19.9% auto liability insurance rate increase for Farmers Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Co.

The proposed increase is one of the latest in auto insurance price hikes across the country. Insurers have said inflation, car thefts and a rise in accidents, claims severity and fraud have contributed to the need for higher premiums.

The Farmers Direct increase would affect about 1,489 policyholders. Comments can be mailed to the West Virginia Office of Insurance Commissioner, P.O. Box 50540, Charleston, WV 25305-0540.

Comments will be accepted until Jan. 16, the office said in a bulletin.