Vermont car insurance laws
Vermont law requires drivers to maintain at least 25/50/10 in car insurance coverage. In Vermont, drivers are also required to carry UIMBI, UMBI and UMPD. This insurance helps pay for injuries and property damage when you cause an accident. However, if accident expenses exceed the policy limits, you will be responsible for paying the remaining costs yourself.
These limits are in place to ease the financial burden for drivers who cause an accident and for the victims. The at-fault driver knows their insurer will cover medical expenses and property damage up to a certain amount, and victims can more readily access funds to pay for accident costs.
However, a serious crash can generate medical and repair bills that exceed the state minimum limits. Once the available coverage is exhausted, the at-fault driver will be personally responsible for the unpaid amount.
Vermont car insurance requirements
Drivers in Vermont must carry the coverage required by state law, including 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. and any other mandatory protections. The minimum liability limits are 25/50/10. These limits help pay for injuries, property damage, and other required accident-related expenses covered under Vermont law. In Vermont, drivers are also required to carry UIMBI, UMBI and UMPD
Vermont requires the following coverage:
Liability. There are two parts to liability coverage. First, bodily injury liability pays medical costs associated with an accident, such as doctor visits, surgery, and prescriptions. Second, property damage liability covers repairing or replacing items such as vehicles, fences, or buildings.
Vermont liability minimums are 25/50/10.
Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverageAn auto insurance coverage that pays for injuries or damage if you're in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance. helps pay for your medical costs and property damage if the at-fault driver has little or no car insurance. Your insurer would cover expenses up to your limits in addition to any payments from the other insurer.
Vermont requires uninsured motorist coverage of 50/100.
The average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $299. However, Co-operative Insurance Companies has the lowest minimum car insurance rates, averaging $190.
Co-operative Insurance Companies has the lowest minimum car insurance rates, averaging $190.
The table below shows the average rates of the top insurers for minimum coverage in Vermont.
| Company | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Co-operative Insurance Companies | $190 | $16 |
| Allstate | $245 | $20 |
| Auto-Owners | $267 | $22 |
| GEICO | $281 | $23 |
| State Farm | $295 | $25 |
| Progressive | $363 | $30 |
| Vermont Mutual | $385 | $32 |
| Nationwide | $521 | $43 |
| USAA | $200 | $17 |
Vermont car insurance cost for minimum coverage limits
The average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in Vermont is $299. Co-operative Insurance Companies offers the cheapest average policy at $190 annually. However, your actual rate will depend on the company you choose and personal factors such as your age, address, and driving record.
| State minimum coverage limit | 25/50/10 |
| Average annual premium | $299 |
| Average monthly premium | $25 |
Are the minimum coverage requirements changing in 2026 in Vermont?
The minimum car insurance requirements in Vermont will remain the same in 2026. Drivers who already meet the state's mandatory coverage limits do not need to change their policies. If the law changes in the future, insurers will notify customers about the new requirements and any effect on premiums.
Why do limits change?
"Several states have minimum requirements of property damage of $10,000-$25,000," says Zack Pope, agency manager at David Pope Insurance in Missouri. "[Given] the current values of vehicles, that's extremely antiquated coverage values and a main reason that I personally do not offer less than 100/300/100 to customers. It is significantly easier to see a car on the road that is valued at $100,000 than it has been in the past."
What does minimum car insurance cover in Vermont?
Minimum car insurance in Vermont pays for specific accident expenses up to the limits required by law. Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage you cause to other people. These limits pay for injuries, property damage, and other losses covered under Vermont's minimum insurance requirements.
Vermont requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance to help offset accident costs.
Vermont drivers are required to carry liability coverage. Bodily injury liability helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Property damage liability covers items damaged in an accident, such as another vehicle, fence, or other property.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also required. Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for coverage when the at-fault driver doesn't have car insurance, and underinsured coverage assists when the at-fault driver doesn't have enough car insurance to cover injury and property damage costs. Without these coverages, you would have to pay for medical and repair costs that the other driver's insurance didn't cover. You may be able to opt out of this coverage.
PEOPLE ASK:
Is Vermont minimum car insurance enough?
It may not be. Even a moderately serious accident could exceed the state minimum limits of 25/50/10, and minimum coverage may not cover all accident costs. Furthermore, state minimums do not cover your vehicle; you need to add comprehensive and collision coverage.
How much car insurance is enough in Vermont?
The amount of car insurance you need in Vermont depends on your assets, income, savings, and vehicle. Higher liability limits can protect you from lawsuits and major out-of-pocket expenses. Drivers with financed or leased vehicles will also need collision and comprehensive coverageComprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible..
Drivers with substantial savings, property, or other assets should avoid choosing limits that are too low. If you cause an accident that exceeds your policy limits, the injured party may pursue your income or assets for the remaining costs.
Additionally, if you drive very little or have a short commute, your chances of causing an accident are relatively low. Also, you may choose to skip coverages such as collision and comprehensive if your car isn't worth much, or you can afford to pay for a new vehicle if yours is damaged. However, if you have a loan or lease, you will be required to carry this coverage by your lender.
Consider your financial situation when determining how much car insurance you need.
Vermont penalties for driving without car insurance
Driving without required car insurance in Vermont can result in fines, a suspended driver's license, vehicle registration penalties and higher future insurance rates. Penalties become more severe after repeated violations. You will also have to pay accident-related expenses out of pocket if you cause a crash while uninsured.
Failing to carry Vermont car insurance has penalties, including those listed below. Keep in mind that repeated infractions have more severe penalties, such as jail time.
| Fines | $500 |
| Other penalties | License suspension |
| Jail time | No |
Vermont minimum coverage cost by age group
Minimum coverage rates in Vermont vary significantly by age because insurers use driving experience and claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. risk when setting premiums. Younger drivers generally pay the highest rates, while premiums often decrease as drivers gain experience. Co-operative Insurance Companies is the cheapest for teens, and Co-operative Insurance Companies is the cheapest for adults.
The table below breaks down the cost of car insurance for various age groups. Co-operative Insurance Companies has the best rates for teens, with minimum coverage averaging $509. Co-operative Insurance Companies offers the cheapest coverage for adults at $198.
Additionally, females and males pay different rates. The average rate for a 40-year-old female is $298, and the average rate for a 40-year-old male is $300, a difference of $2.
Vermont minimum coverage cost by city
Minimum coverage is cheapest in Newport, where drivers pay an average of $284. Essex Junction has the highest average minimum coverage rate in Vermont at $342. Differences in traffic, accident claims, theft, and local repair costs can cause premiums to vary from one city to another.
The table below shows average minimum coverage rates for cities in Vermont.
| City | Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|
| Barre | $301 | $25 |
| Bellows Falls | $296 | $25 |
| Burlington | $336 | $28 |
| Essex Junction | $342 | $28 |
| Montpelier | $299 | $25 |
| Newport | $284 | $24 |
| Rutland | $316 | $26 |
| South Burlington | $336 | $28 |
| St. Albans | $295 | $25 |
| Winooski | $337 | $28 |
Optional car insurance coverage in Vermont
The minimum coverage required in Vermont does not protect your vehicle against most types of damage. Optional insurance, such as collision and comprehensive, will pay to repair or replace your car. Rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap coverage can also help with costs that are not included in a minimum liability policy.
Drivers may choose optional coverages such as:
- Collision coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you cause an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage. This coverage pays for damage to your car unrelated to an accident, such as fire, flood, falling debris, and hail.
- Rental car coverage. This pays for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim and usually has time and cost limits.
- Roadside assistance coverage. If you run out of gas, need a tire changed, or have a dead battery, roadside assistance will send someone to help.
- Gap coverage. Gap coverage pays the difference between what you owe on a car loan and the vehicle's value.
Why do limits change?
State lawmakers increase minimum car insurance limits when existing requirements no longer reflect current accident expenses. Rising medical bills, repair costs and vehicle values can make current limits insufficient. Raising the required coverage gives accident victims access to more insurance money and reduces the amount drivers pay.
Methodology
Insurance.com partners with Quadrant Information Services to field average car insurance rates across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. National and state average rates are based on state minimum coverage and on the following parameters:
- 40-year-old driver
- Honda Accord LX
- Good credit
- A clean driving record
- 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage
State laws were gathered from state DMV and insurance department websites.
Learn more about our data and methodology.
Vermont car insurance laws and requirements: FAQs
Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Vermont?
Yes, drivers in Vermont must carry the minimum coverage required by state law. Required coverage includes 25/50/10, UIMBI, UMBI and UMPD, 50/100. Failing to maintain mandatory insurance can lead to fines, license or registration penalties, and higher insurance costs when you purchase another policy.
Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?
Yes, your car insurance will cover an eligible claim when you drive in another state. If the state where the accident occurs requires higher liability limits, your policy will automatically adjust to meet those limits for the claim. However, this does not add collision or comprehensive coverage to a minimum policy.
What happens if I drive without car insurance in Vermont?
Driving without car insurance in Vermont can lead to fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and increased insurance premiums. Repeat offenses may carry more serious consequences, including jail time. You will also be personally responsible for medical bills, repairs, and other damages if you cause an accident while uninsured.
Compare state minimum requirements with other states
You might also be interested in- Vermont DUI and insurance: How much does a DUI raise your insurance?
- Speeding ticket calculator in Vermont
- SR-22 insurance in Vermont
- Non-owner car insurance in Vermont: Best and cheapest companies
- Vermont gap insurance: Everything you need to know
- Low-income car insurance in Vermont
- Vermont car insurance guide
- Vermont car insurance coverage calculator
- Cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers in Vermont
- Cheapest home and auto insurance bundle in Vermont
