Vermont (VT) auto insurance
Obtain Vermont auto insurance coverage to limit exposure to liability and financial risks.
Vermont is a primarily rural state with a high level of car dependency. Vermonters drive 20% more than the national average, as access to public transportation is limited in many areas. Vermont also happens to be one of the most affordable states for car insurance. Drivers in the Green Mountain State can use the VIU by HUB comparison tool to find the lowest quotes for Liability, Collision or Comprehensive Vermont car insurance coverage from A-rate insurance carriers.
There are more than 470,000 licensed drivers in Vermont as of 2019. The mountainous landscape and severe winter weather of this state both pose risks on the road. Here are a few more reasons why Vermonters should maintain auto insurance coverage:
• Vermont had more highway fatalities in 2021 than any year in the past decade.
• The Green Mountain State ranks in the lower third of all the states for ease of driving.
• Only three states have more days with precipitation than Vermont.
Winter weather can also be perilous for drivers in Vermont. Average yearly snowfall amounts along the Connecticut River Valley and western division range from 55 to 65 inches. Total snowfall in other parts of the state can vary based on elevation. Approximately 24% of weather-related crashes that occur across the country every year are due to snowy, slushy or icy road surfaces.
Vermont requires all drivers to have insurance policies that meet or exceed mandated minimums. These financial responsibility policies must include liability insurance coverage for bodily injuries and property damage. Vermonters do not have to carry additional medical payments coverage as part of automotive policies.
A 25/50/10 policy satisfies the Liability requirements for car insurance in Vermont. Qualifying insurance policies meet the following minimum limits:
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $25,000 per person.
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $50,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability coverage of $10,000 per accident.
Vermont drivers must also carry Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage. This coverage pays your expenses when you are hit by an at-fault driver who either didn’t carry insurance (uninsured) or didn’t carry enough insurance to address all the medical bills or car repair costs (underinsured). The following limits are the minimum that must be purchased:
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage of $100,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability coverage of $10,000 per accident (with a $150 deductible).
Vermont drivers should consider higher liability limits and the optional Collision Coverage or Comprehensive Coverage. Policies that offer higher levels of coverage will have higher monthly premiums, but more coverage offers greater peace of mind in the event of a major motor vehicle accident.
The average monthly rate for auto insurance in Vermont is $125 per month, which is just over half of the national average of $240.
Insurers consider several factors when determining car insurance coverage rates. In general, insuring teenage drivers, or drivers over the age of 70, costs more than covering middle-aged drivers. Vermonters who receive speeding tickets or other traffic citations can also expect to pay higher insurance premiums. All of the following can also affect policy quotes:
• Home address.
• Credit score.
• Gender.
• Insurance claims history.
• Vehicle specifications.
• Vehicle garaging location.
The number of drivers on the roads in an urban or rural location also affects the car insurance cost. Crime rates in highly populated areas may indicate a higher risk of theft or vandalism, particularly for residences that only have street or lot parking. Insurers can check a driver’s credit history and review past insurance claims. The make, model and age of a vehicle, along with any relevant safety features, can also raise or lower Vermont auto insurance quotes.
Vermonters have many options for coverage that go beyond mandated minimum liability limits. The low average cost of car insurance in the Green Mountain State eases the increased cost that a driver has to pay for higher limits or more comprehensive vehicle protection. Learn more about some of the most popular options for car insurance policies in Vermont.
This coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from causes other than collisions. Opting for this coverage should be considered, especially in a region where snowstorms and blizzards are common seasonal occurrences. Damage from a downed tree limb or other falling object are other reasons to buy this coverage.
Liability-only policies do not cover damage to your vehicle after an accident in which you are at fault. Car insurance that includes Collision Coverage, while the premium will be higher than liability-only coverage, can lower out-of-pocket expenses by covering the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged or totaled vehicle.
This policy option can cover some costs associated with medical bills for a policyholder or passengers. Medical Payments only covers personal medical payments and does not extend to non-medical benefits such as lost wages or household expenses.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
