Understanding SR-22 insurance in Vermont

SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in Vermont. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most Vermont drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.

"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?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Vermont is $1,517 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.

Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Vermont by violation

The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.

For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.

This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.

ViolationAverage 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 vary by company after one DUI. Insurance rates do increase after a DUI, but the rise isn't as steep as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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 with a reckless driving conviction is State Farm at an average annual rate of $1,206. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Vermont leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance after a ticket for driving without insurance at $1,206 per year.

Vermont requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.

The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had a lapse in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage 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?

In Vermont, drivers typically need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't keep your insurance active during this period, you'll be breaking the law and could face serious fines and other 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

research logo

170+

insurance companies analyzed

research logo

34,000+

ZIP codes examined

research logo

53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance

SR-22 insurance in Vermont: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Vermont?

If you don't keep your insurance active and maintain your SR-22 filing, you could face serious consequences. You might face:

  • Losing your driver's license
  • Paying fines
  • Increased car insurance rates
  • Restarting your SR-22 period
  • Jail time
  • Getting your car's registration revoked

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.

Tip icon You might also be interested in