Here's what you need to know when driving in Vermont
Car insurance is very affordable in Vermont. Drivers in the state pay an average of $1,156 per year for their auto insurance — $392 less than the national average. In fact, Vermont is the eighth-cheapest state for car insurance.
A number of details factor into car insurance rates, including the company you select. Compare rates from the most popular auto insurance companies in Vermont to begin your search for cheap coverage.
Affordable Insurance Premiums in Vermont
What's the cheapest car insurance in Vermont?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safeco | $472 |
| 2 | Cal Casualty | $509 |
| 3 | The Hartford | $633 |
| 4 | Travelers | $733 |
| 5 | Vermont Mutual | $1,086 |
| 6 | MetLife | $1,106 |
| 7 | State Farm | $1,278 |
| 8 | Nationwide | $1,299 |
| 9 | Progressive | $1,732 |
| 10 | Allstate | $2,025 |
Compare quotes from 20 insurance companies that provide coverage throughout Vermont. Enter your ZIP code below to get started.
Compare cheap rates from top companies now!
Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Vermont
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Vermont drivers without a recent moving violation save just 14% on their car insurance premiums, on average — compared to the national average of 17%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $181 | 14.94% |
| No Accidents | $476 | 31.67% |
| Good Credit | $911 | 46.99% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Vermont
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. The average teen driver in Vermont pays $4,285 annually — approximately $700 less than the average teen driver nationally, but about four times as much as an older driver in Vermont.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $4,766 | $5,078 |
| 17 | $4,552 | $4,385 |
| 18 | $4,655 | $4,119 |
| 19 | $3,925 | $2,801 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Vermont
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably enjoy relatively cheap car insurance rates. Conversely, a driving record with citations and violations will cause your costs to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 39% after a DUI, 31% after an at-fault accident, and 14% after a speeding ticket in Vermont. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in the Mountain State are similar to nationwide averages. If you have a clean driving history, be sure to inquire about your insurance company's safe driver discount.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,504 | 31.67% |
| DUI | $1,702 | 39.63% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,208 | 14.94% |
| Bad Credit | $1,939 | 46.99% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Vermont
Every car insurance company boasts about its cheap costs. But as with any product, the most affordable car insurance option isn't always the best idea. Considering the stakes, it's worth doing your homework to obtain an auto policy that will cover your vehicle after an accident. Be patient and look for the best value, rather than settling for the cheapest car insurance you find.
Compare top auto insurers' financial strength and claims satisfaction ratings to better predict the quality of service they'll provide. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Poor" to "Superior" — assesses an insurer's financial strength and ability to satisfy its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| Cal Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Co-Operative Insurance | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Concord | Not Rated | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| MMG Insurance | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Safeco | 3 | Excellent |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| The Hartford | 4 | Excellent |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
| Vermont Mutual | Not Rated | Superior |
See insurance rates for Vermont's best companies!
What is the Best Auto Insurance Coverage in Vermont?
The minimum insurance requirement in Vermont is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $10,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you carry the minimum required coverage in Vermont, expect to owe an average of $378 each year. These rates are more affordable than the nationwide average by 43%. If you elect better coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by auto collisions, auto theft, or weather incidents. Better auto insurance comes at a cost: in Vermont, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $908, 140% more than liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 173% more than you would for liability-only coverage.
Compare typical rates for basic and comprehensive policy levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Vermont | $377.62 | $907.56 | $1,031.16 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Vermont Auto Insurance Laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Vermont
In Vermont, the state minimum coverage requirements are as follows:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $100,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Vermont (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
Learn more about Vermont's car insurance requirements.
Driving Laws in Vermont
Vermont Texting and Driving Laws
- Ban on hand-held cell phones
- Ban on all cell phones for drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
Vermont DUI Laws
Vermont’s DUI lookback period is 10 years. Multiple offenses within this timeframe subject offenders to harsher penalties.
In addition to the below penalties, drivers guilty of a DUI in Vermont are subject to an assortment of fees for attendance in treatment programs, screenings, and license reinstatement. Penalties are also enhanced for any DUIs that result in serious injury or death.
First-time DUI offenses in Vermont lead to:
- Up to two years in jail
- Up to $750 in fines
- License suspension for 90 days
Ticket Impact on Auto Insurance Rates in Vermont
If you receive a ticket, your car insurance premiums will probably get more expensive. By how much depends on the severity of the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at typical auto insurance rates in Vermont after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $2,021 | 88% | $946 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,952 | 82% | $877 |
| DUI | $1,952 | 82% | $877 |
| Racing | $1,666 | 55% | $591 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,730 | 61% | $655 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $1,891 | 76% | $816 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,528 | 42% | $453 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,575 | 47% | $500 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,270 | 18% | $195 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,313 | 22% | $238 |
| Improper Passing | $1,284 | 19% | $209 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,284 | 19% | $209 |
| Speeding | $1,273 | 18% | $198 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,284 | 19% | $209 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,284 | 19% | $209 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,261 | 17% | $186 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,284 | 19% | $209 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,265 | 18% | $190 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,265 | 18% | $190 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,675 | 56% | $600 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,166 | 8% | $91 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,153 | 7% | $78 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,157 | 8% | $82 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,108 | 3% | $33 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,108 | 3% | $33 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,095 | 2% | $20 |
Get Vermont car insurance now!
Vermont Car Insurance FAQs
How much is car insurance in Vermont?
Six-month premiums in Vermont range from $187 for a liability-only to $515 for a full coverage policy.
Is Vermont a no-fault insurance state?
Vermont is not a no-fault state. All at-fault drivers must pay for the bodily injury they cause in a collision.
Does Vermont require auto insurance?
Yes, like most states in the U.S., Vermont requires all registered vehicles to carry auto insurance.
How much does car insurance cost in Vermont cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Winooski, Vermont, and the most expensive in Newport, Vermont.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newport | $1,180 |
| 2 | Northfield | $1,173 |
| 3 | Brattleboro | $1,159 |
| 4 | Bellows Falls | $1,156 |
| 5 | Barre | $1,155 |
| 6 | Montpelier | $1,154 |
| 7 | Swanton | $1,153 |
| 8 | West Rutland | $1,144 |
| 9 | White River Junction | $1,143 |
| 10 | Bennington | $1,142 |
| 11 | Burlington | $1,137 |
| 12 | Essex Junction | $1,133 |
| 13 | Springfield | $1,131 |
| 14 | Bristol | $1,131 |
| 15 | Vergennes | $1,128 |
| 16 | Rutland | $1,122 |
| 17 | South Burlington | $1,121 |
| 18 | Winooski | $1,119 |
Recent Vermont Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Statute of limitations to file a claim with Geico in Vermont
Insuring a vehicle owned by someone else
If I'm buying my first car, is there a grace period to get insurance?
Vermont Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Vermont area, while also getting an insider view of the Green Mountain State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.