Car Insurance in Vermont

Here's what you need to know when driving in Vermont

Car insurance is very affordable in Vermont. The average car insurance rate in Vermont is $1,158 per year — 24% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Vermont car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Vermont based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Vermont

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Vermont.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Vermont

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Vermont auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Vermont. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Vermont, expect to pay an average of $335 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 38%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Vermont, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

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

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Vermont, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,010, 201% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 249% more than you would for basic coverage.

Vermont car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Vermont.

Cheap auto insurance in Vermont for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Vermont, the average cost for minimum coverage is $28 per month, or $335 yearly — a savings of $833 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Vermont with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Vermont drivers with poor credit pay 51% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Vermont

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Vermont, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $3,371 per year — that's $1,425 less than the nationwide average and twice as much as a typical Vermont driver.

Vermont auto insurance rate by violation

In Vermont, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. 

Vermont DUI laws

In Vermont, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $923. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Vermont

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Vermont, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Vermont, State Farm, advertises annual rates 35% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Vermont is USAA, while the priciest firm is Metropolitan, with prices 41% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Vermont SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Vermont to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Vermont might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Vermont

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Essex Junction, Vermont, and the most expensive in Jeffersonville, Vermont.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Vermont's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Vermont

In Vermont, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $102 in the past year. A typical Vermont driver pays an average of $1,158 per year.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Vermont car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Vermont auto insurance.