What must insurers provide before cancelling an insurance policy in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, insurers are required to provide a written notice of cancellation before they can terminate an insurance policy. This requirement protects policyholders by ensuring they are informed about the cancellation in a clear and formal manner. Written notice allows the policyholder to understand the reasons for the cancellation and provides documentation for reference.

The obligation for a written notification underscores the importance of transparency and communication in the insurance industry, ensuring that policyholders are not left in the dark regarding the status of their coverage. Additionally, written notice allows for a formal record of communication, which can be important for both the insurer and the policyholder in case of disputes or misunderstandings.

The other options do not align with the legal requirements. Oral notification does not provide the same level of assurance or record-keeping as written notice, and no notification at all would leave policyholders vulnerable and uninformed about their insurance status. Although the mention of a specific timeframe, like 30 days' written notice, can apply in certain situations, the key aspect is the requirement for written notice, which makes this answer accurate for the general rule in West Virginia.