- Understanding SR-22 insurance in Vermont
- How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Vermont?
- Average SR-22 insurance cost in Vermont by violation
- Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Vermont
- How long do you need an SR-22 in Vermont?
- Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Vermont
- Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Vermont
- Methodology
- SR-22 insurance in Vermont: FAQ
- Compare Vermont SR-22 rates with other states
Understanding SR-22 insurance in Vermont
SR-22 insurance isn't a type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance required to drive in Vermont. SR-22 insurance generally refers to auto insurance coverage that requires an SR-22 filed by your insurance company for you.
Most drivers in Vermont don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who do need an SR-22 have been convicted of serious violations like reckless driving, DUIs, or multiple offenses in a short time. If you are required to file an SR-22, you will be informed of how long you need to keep it.
"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Vermont?
Filing an SR-22 form is inexpensive, but the fines and higher insurance rates will be pricey. On average, SR-22 insurance in Vermont costs $1,517, but rates depend on the driver and the violation.
Insurance rates vary from company to company, so it's best to shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.
Average SR-22 insurance cost in Vermont by violation
Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.
For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.
This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.
| Violation | Average annual premium |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | $1,321 |
| DUI/DWI first offense | $2,550 |
| DUI/DWI second offense | $4,080 |
| Reckless driving | $2,443 |
| SR22 Filing Only | $1,517 |
| SR22 with 1 DUI | $2,789 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI
Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $1,053. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.
The table below shows how average insurance rates change after one DUI, based on the company. Insurance rates do go up after a DUI, but the increase isn't as high as it is for multiple violations.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,053 | $88 |
| State Farm | $1,206 | $101 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,663 | $139 |
| Nationwide | $1,783 | $149 |
| Allstate | $2,375 | $198 |
| GEICO | $3,503 | $292 |
| Farmers | $4,414 | $368 |
| Vermont Mutual | $5,153 | $429 |
| USAA | $1,640 | $137 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving
The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance after a reckless driving conviction is State Farm, with an average rate of $1,206 per year. Reckless driving tickets can be given for different reasons, like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the cause, reckless driving in Vermont leads to fines, an SR-22 requirement and higher car insurance rates.
Check the table below to compare average insurance rates for reckless driving from different companies.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,206 | $101 |
| Progressive | $1,399 | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,663 | $139 |
| Nationwide | $1,783 | $149 |
| Allstate | $2,375 | $198 |
| GEICO | $2,634 | $220 |
| Farmers | $4,414 | $368 |
| Vermont Mutual | $5,153 | $429 |
| USAA | $1,174 | $98 |
SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance
The cheapest company for car insurance after getting a ticket for driving without insurance is State Farm, with an average rate of $1,206 annually.
In Vermont, drivers must have at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you can face fines, higher insurance rates and an SR-22.
Below are the car insurance rates by company for drivers with a lapse in coverage.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,206 | $101 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,273 | $106 |
| Progressive | $1,274 | $106 |
| Vermont Mutual | $1,870 | $156 |
| USAA | $921 | $77 |
Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Vermont
Vermont might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.
It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Vermont.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Vermont?
Typically, Vermont drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.
Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Vermont
Most Vermont drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.
Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Vermont include:
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
- Failure to maintain auto insurance
- Refusing a breathalyzer
- At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death
Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Vermont
Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.
Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:
- Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
- Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
- Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
- Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Vermont.
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and driving without insurance
SR-22 insurance in Vermont: FAQ
What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Vermont?
The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:
- Revoked driver's license
- Fines
- Increased auto insurance
- Restarting your SR-22 time period
- Having your car impounded
- Jail time
Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?
Yes, you can switch auto insurers while you have an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must refile the SR-22, and you need to have insurance in place with your SR-22 filed before canceling your previous policy.
Compare Vermont SR-22 rates with other states
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