How Much Is Vermont Car Insurance?

Ever wonder how much drivers in Vermont pay for car insurance? Check out the average price that most people pay and see if you can find a cheaper rate.

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Affordable Car Insurance in Vermont

Vermont is the second least populous state in the country, edging out Wyoming by only about 50,000 people. That’s one reason this beautiful, maple syrup-rich New England state has some of the lowest average car insurance premiums in America. The low population and density mean fewer motorists and less traffic congestion—adding up to lower accident rates.

That’s right; Vermont generally appears in the bottom seven states when ranked by average auto insurance costs. Great news, to be sure, but we have even better news. You have plenty of ways to get your payments down even lower, and we’ll walk you through a number of them on this page.

Most important, though, is shopping around for the lowest possible rate on coverage that’s tailored to your vehicle and lifestyle. That’s what we’re all about here at SmartFinancial. We quickly connect you directly to competing quotes from leading insurers in the state so you can efficiently comparison shop. And, best of all, we do it for free in an unbiased, carrier-neutral way.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates in Vermont

Carriers look at multiple variables when determining your insurance rate. Your age, location, driving history, and state requirements are all factors in determining the price you pay. We used our in-house reporting to determine the companies that offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Vermont. came in with the lowest rate currently available in Vermont at per month. Followed by at per month and at per month.

RankCompanyAvg monthly rate
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Top 10 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities you are likely paying some of the lowest car insurance rates available in Vermont. According to our data, Wilmington comes in at the cheapest at only $62.79 per month. Other cities that made the top 10 list include Newbury at $63.44 per month, Bristol at $67.81 per month, and Hardwick at $68.17 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Wilmington, VT$62.79 / month
2 Newbury, VT$63.44 / month
3 Bristol, VT$67.81 / month
4 Hardwick, VT$68.17 / month
5 Chittenden, VT$69.19 / month
6 Pittsford, VT$70.12 / month
7 Milton, VT$71.38 / month
8 Windsor, VT$71.45 / month
9 Montpelier, VT$73.61 / month
10 Plainfield, VT$73.81 / month

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance

These top 10 cities ranked as the most expensive places in Vermont for car insurance. Location is a big factor when determining the price you pay for car insurance and these cities came in at the top. Manchester Center is the most expensive city in Vermont at $157.45 per month. Second and third place goes to Bradford at $128.63 per month and Chelsea at $124.79 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Manchester Center , VT $157.45 / month
2 Bradford , VT $128.63 / month
3 Chelsea , VT $124.79 / month
4 Jericho , VT $113.69 / month
5 Stowe , VT $112.34 / month
6 Northfield , VT $107.92 / month
7 Hyde Park , VT $106.68 / month
8 Williston , VT $105.09 / month
9 Danby , VT $104.44 / month
10 Richmond , VT $103.95 / month

Average Quotes by Top Companies

Rates can vary wildly from company to company. Here is a quick look at a few rates from some of the top car insurance companies in Vermont.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Vermont

SmartFinancial helps thousands of drivers every day find and compare the best car insurance rates available. Here is a list of some recent quotes that we recently found for drivers in Vermont.

CompanyMonthly rateVehicle
Safe Auto $1392020 Ford F150
General $942020 Toyota Camry
ClearCover $1112020 Toyota Camry
Everest $1102020 Toyota Camry
Everest $1302016 Chrysler 200
Infinity $1292016 Chrysler 200
21st Century $1302016 Chrysler 200
Mercury $652000 Ford Escort
ClearCover $542000 Ford Escort
General $552000 Ford Escort
ClearCover $652009 Dodge Charger
General $1412011 GMC Acadia

Methodology

The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Vermont

Every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Vermont drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

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$25,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

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$50,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Coverage for multiple people injured in a single accident

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$10,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Vermont drivers are obligated to carry minimum limits of $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $10,000 property damage liability coverage.

This is a fault, or tort, state. Residents may file a claim through their own carrier or through the at-fault party’s insurer, and they may also file a personal injury lawsuit.

The desire to stick with minimum coverage is understandable, especially if you’re on a tight monthly budget. But when it’s feasible, it’s well worth increasing your limits and even picking up some optional coverages. This all helps ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of a serious accident, and optional add-ons provide coverage in a number of common circumstances that aren’t included under basic liability insurance.

Optional Coverage in Vermont

  • Auto Loan/Lease (or "gap")
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Customized Parts and Equipment
  • Emergency Road Service
  • Excess Electronic Equipment
  • Medical Payments
  • Rental Coverage
  • Towing and Labor
  • Travel Expenses
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Some exclusions will apply.

For those of you with vehicle financing, keep in mind that lenders often insist that you take out certain optional coverages—usually comprehensive and/or collision—as conditions of your loan.

Vermont Car Safety

Traffic accident fatalities jumped from 44 in 2014 to 57 in 2015, and to 65 in 2016 in Vermont. According to the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety Program’s 2016 Annual Report (PDF), drug and alcohol-impaired driving, speeding, and failure to use (or improperly using) seat belts were the three leading contributors to crash-related deaths.

Car Safety for Vermont Kids

Vermont car seat laws and recommendations are specific, strictly enforced, and designed to keep your children safe when riding in a motor vehicle. Babies must be properly restrained in a Federally approved car seat every time you travel, even if you’re only going a short distance.

State laws require that infants ride in a rear-facing seat until at least 1 year of age and 20 lbs. However, if infants who do not exceed the maximum weight and height requirements for the car seat should continue riding in the rear-facing seat and position until they do (up to 35 lbs.). After babies outgrow their rear-facing position or seat, they can safely ride facing the front of the vehicle.

Young children who have outgrown the harness system on their car seat, which usually happens at around 40 inches or 40 lbs., can move to a booster seat and use the car’s lap and shoulder belt. Children should continue using a booster seat until they are 4’9” tall and are able to properly use the adult seat belt. Children under 12 years of age should always ride in the back seat.

Leaving a young kid unsupervised in your car, SUV, van, or truck is dangerous. There’s the risk of injury or of being targeted by a stranger. And, if you leave the vehicle keys behind, there’s the additional concern of the child setting the car into motion, which can cause damage, injuries, or even death. Also, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach extreme levels that may prove temporarily or permanently damaging, or even deadly.

Vermont isn’t one of the handful of states that has enacted legislation to criminalize leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. It’s still a negligent and dangerous thing to do, though, so please don’t. If such actions do lead to harm, existing child neglect or abuse laws may be applied for prosecution purposes.

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329

Number of serious injuries from crashes in 2016

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65

Number of traffic crash fatalities in 2016

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22

Number of DUI-related fatalities in 2016

Driving Green in Vermont

Vermont is a lushly green state, and many of its residents are equally green-minded. If you strive to make more ecologically responsible decisions about your vehicle and driving habits, you likely qualify for certain financial rewards. We’ve listed just a few examples below.

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Exemption from Emissions Testing

Vermont requires annual vehicle safety inspections as part of the registration and renewal process. Emissions testing is a mandatory part of these inspections unless you drive an electric or other emissions-free autos. Hybrids and other alternative fuel vehicles that use gasoline are not exempted.

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Discounted Registration for Electric Vehicles

Do you drive an electric vehicle registered in Vermont? If so, you can save about 50%—that’s more than $50—each year on your vehicle registration fees.

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Reduced Car Insurance Rates

Most auto insurance carriers licensed in Vermont offer some sort of incentives for greener driving. For example, it’s common for them to offer reduced premiums for the economy, electric, alternative fuel, and hybrid vehicles. Also, many have a pay-as-you-drive option or a discount for maintaining annual mileage below a designated limit; these are great for people who drive as little as possible to be more environmentally friendly.

Vermont Car Insurance FAQ

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Vermont?

It is. Insurance companies have found an inversely proportional relationship between credit scores and the number of claims filed. So, except for in a few states that prohibit it (and Vermont isn’t one of them), carriers reference consumers’ credit history in deciding whether to offer coverage and at what rates.

Does Vermont offer a good-driver discount?

In Vermont, the majority of auto insurance companies have a good-driver discount in their roster of offerings. There are usually plenty of other possibilities, too, and we’ve listed some common ones below. Ask your agent if a good-driver discount is available, and what the eligibility requirements are; typically, you need to have no accidents or moving violations on your driving record for a certain number of years. Other possible discounts to ask about include:

  • Claims-Free Discount
  • Credit Score
  • Anti-Lock Brakes, Air Bags, or Daytime Running Lights
  • Good Student Grades
  • Continued Policy Renewals
  • Accident-Free
  • Anti-Lock Brake
  • Anti-Theft Device
  • Home Ownership
  • Multi-Car
  • Multiple Line
  • Passive Restraint

Does Vermont allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Yes. Request an official electronic card from your carrier and display it on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other mobile devices when you need to show proof of coverage. So much easier than digging through all that stuff in your glove compartment!

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Driving with lapsed coverage is considered a traffic violation in Vermont and will result in a fine of up to $500. You’ll be required to show proof of coverage to be able to continue driving.

What are Vermont's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It’s illegal to drive in Vermont with the following BAC percentages:

.08%+ at 21 years old or older
.04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
.02%+ at under 21 years old

In Vermont, you don’t have to display outward signs of intoxication to be arrested for DUI if you register a BAC of at least 0.08%. Conversely, if you are showing any signs of impairment in a police officer’s opinion, you don’t have to have a BAC of at least 0.08% to be arrested and convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Vermont?

Vermont’s “implied consent” law makes it mandatory to take a blood, breath, or urine test to screen for alcohol or drugs when stopped for a suspected DUI. A first-time refusal results in an automatic driver’s license suspension for 6 months; this jumps to 18 months for a second refusal.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

DUI penalties vary in Vermont depending on certain circumstances. For example, the number of prior convictions has great bearing on the consequences, and registering a BAC of 0.16% or higher leads to enhanced penalties. Even for a first offense without enhanced penalties, violators of DUI laws may face a temporarily suspended license, fines and fees, possible imprisonment, compulsory installation of an ignition interlocking device, and other penalization.

Does Vermont offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Auto insurance companies frequently offer reduced rates for people who complete a defensive driving program approved by the State. Ask your agent if this is available to you.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Vermont car insurance?

According to the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, car insurance rates vary between carriers in the state by as much as 50% for virtually the same coverage. It goes on to say that comparison shopping for the best rates is so important to get the most out of the competitive marketplace.

Aside from this, there are a variety of other ways to save. In general, strive to maintain a clean driving record, uninterrupted coverage, and a high credit score. Take a higher deductible in exchange for a lower premium and, if possible, get a lower rate by skipping the monthly payments and shelling out for a full term of coverage upfront. Also, remember to ask about available discounts, like the many mentioned on this page.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Vermont?

This type of coverage is protection against uninsured drivers and hit-and-run accidents. It’s not mandatory in Vermont, but it’s a recommended optional coverage so you aren’t left high and dry in the event of a crash with one of these law-breaking motorists.

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