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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

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.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Vermont.

2nd place medal
Amica Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Amica Insurance scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
State Farm

State Farm placed third in this region with a score of 855 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.5 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Vermont drivers pay about 24% less for car insurance on average, with the cheapest major car insurance company being USAA. 

The cheapest car insurance companies in Vermont

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

medal
Cheapest for bad credit: GEICO

The cheapest rates are from GEICO at $1,145 annually, or $95 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage in Vermont, USAA is the cheapest on average. 

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: State Farm

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $832
State Farm $876
GEICO $944
Nationwide $992
Progressive $1,610
Allstate $2,010

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


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

Optional coverage in Vermont (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical Payments
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
car with blue windshield

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.

The Zebra's guide to Vermont car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Vermont with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Vermont.

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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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $215
GEICO $258
State Farm $285
Allstate $449
Nationwide $454
Progressive $532

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $1,145
Nationwide $1,397
USAA $1,537
Allstate $2,322
Progressive $2,773
State Farm $3,000

Cheap auto insurance in Vermont with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $496 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,142
USAA $1,160
GEICO $1,401
Nationwide $1,480
Allstate $2,355
Progressive $2,545

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $2,670
GEICO $2,751
State Farm $2,839
Nationwide $3,475
Progressive $4,564
Allstate $5,338

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. 

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,184 0% $0
None $1,184 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $1,195 1% $11
Not-at-fault accident $1,226 4% $42
One comp claim $1,231 4% $47
Two comp claims $1,280 8% $96
Failure to show documents $1,284 8% $99
Driving without lights $1,287 9% $102
Child safety restraint $1,287 9% $102
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,303 10% $119
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,321 12% $136
Driving with expired registration $1,335 13% $151
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,354 14% $170
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,359 15% $174
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,359 15% $174
Driving too slowly $1,360 15% $176
Speeding in school zone $1,360 15% $176
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,366 15% $182
Failure to yield $1,371 16% $187
Following too closely $1,371 16% $187
Failure to stop at a red light $1,371 16% $187
Illegal turn $1,371 16% $187
Improper passing $1,378 16% $194
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,387 17% $203
Cell phone violation $1,503 27% $318
Texting while driving $1,503 27% $318
In 65 MPH zone $1,531 29% $347
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,555 31% $370
Passing school bus $1,580 33% $395
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,622 37% $437
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,775 50% $591
Open container $1,889 59% $704
Reckless driving $2,081 76% $897
Racing $2,175 84% $991
Driving with a suspended license $2,478 109% $1,294
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,531 114% $1,347
DUI $2,550 115% $1,365
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,599 119% $1,415

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,350
USAA $1,696
Progressive $1,849
Nationwide $1,880
GEICO $2,005
Allstate $2,419

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.

Find an affordable policy in Vermont in minutes!

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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.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Essex Junction $1,112
South Burlington $1,122
Burlington $1,143
Rutland $1,162
Bennington $1,188

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.

The recent pricing trend in Vermont has been fluctuating in the last few years but still remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

VERMONT CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Vermont Yearly Change — Vermont Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,158 $102 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,056 -$93 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,149 $46 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,103 -$693 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

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.

Six-month premiums in Vermont range from $187 for a liability-only to $515 for a full coverage policy.

Vermont is not a no-fault state. All at-fault drivers must pay for the bodily injury they cause in a collision.

Yes, like most states in the U.S., Vermont requires all registered vehicles to carry auto insurance.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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RECENT QUESTIONS

Other people are also asking...

What is the statute of limitations to file a claim with GEICO in Vermont

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Jul 27, 2018 Barre, VT

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.