Vermont Auto Insurance Car Insurance Comparison

As "The Green Mountain State", Vermont is the second healthiest state in the U.S. Not a suprise when you consider that state's 272 miles of hiking trails. Kind of surprising when you consider it's also the home of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.

Requirement : Yes

Car insurance is required in Vermont . Drivers must have a minimum of liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability, and uninsured motorist coverage is required:

• $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
• $10,000 for property damage per accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.
• $50,000 for bodily injury to one person.
• $100,000 for total injury per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability, and uninsured coverage is the only requirements for Vermont motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

• Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
• Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
• Medical Payments – Helps cover your medical or funeral costs due to an accident.
• GAP Insurance - If your vehicle is loaned or leased and totaled, Gap insurance may pay for the difference between the cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the loan or lease.
• Rental reimbursement – Reimburses you if you have to rent a car after an accident.
• Roadside assistance/towing coverage – Typically adds coverage for towing, tire changes, lockout services, and more.

• Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:

• $115,000 cash or securities deposit with the state comptroller.

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times.  

Valid forms of proof of financial responsibility include:

• Insurance card.
• Certification of financial responsibility.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

• Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
• $100 fine.
• Suspension of driver’s license until proof of insurance is furnished.

SR-22:

A SR-22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR-22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

• An SR-22 certification may be required to reinstate your license or registration if you’ve been convicted of:
• A traffic accident.
• Involved in a car accident.
• If you’re required to file for an SR-22 it must be held for a minimum of 3 years.

  Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All Vermont drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers should try to find a provider that specializes in high-risk, non-standard drivers.

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

• Credit history
• Driving history
• Deductible
• Year, make, model of vehicle
• Neighborhood, city of residence

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in Vermont:

• Anti-theft discount
• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Homeowner discount.
• Multi-vehicle discount.

Cellphone Use:

Drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using their cell phones while driving. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting violations are considered primary offenses. Violators face a $100 fine for first offense, $250 fine for subsequent offenses.