Auto Insurance in Vermont 2026

Vermont drivers enjoy some of the most affordable auto insurance rates in the Northeast, reflecting the state’s low population density, relatively uncongested roads outside Burlington, and competitive market. However, Vermont’s weather creates unique challenges: severe winter driving conditions with heavy snowfall and ice, spring flooding that can wash out roads and cause significant vehicle damage (as dramatically illustrated by the July 2023 floods), and moose collisions that represent a significant risk on rural roads. The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation under Commissioner Kevin Gaffney has maintained strong consumer protections while keeping the market competitive. Seasonal residents and those with recreational vehicles should plan for Vermont’s specific seasonal coverage considerations.

Quick Answer: Auto insurance in Vermont costs an average of $340/year for minimum coverage and $1,110/year for full coverage — the second cheapest state in New England after Maine. Vermont has the lowest population density of any eastern US state. Vermont requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 50/100 — strong consumer protection at a very low price.

Vermont Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements 2026

Vermont is an at-fault (tort) state. Vermont mandates generous uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, giving Vermont drivers solid baseline protection.

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury (per person)	$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$50,000
Property Damage	$10,000
Uninsured Motorist (per person)	$50,000
Uninsured Motorist (per accident)	$100,000
Underinsured Motorist (per person)	$50,000
Underinsured Motorist (per accident)	$100,000

Vermont’s mandatory UM/UIM at 50/100 is higher than what most states even recommend as voluntary coverage.

Average Auto Insurance Rates in Vermont 2026

Vermont is one of the cheapest states in New England. Rural lifestyle, minimal congestion, and low crime rates keep rates very low. Even Burlington, the largest city, has rates well below national city averages.

Coverage Type	Annual Cost	Monthly Cost
Minimum Coverage	$340	$28
Full Coverage	$1,110	$93
National Average (Min)	$635	$53
National Average (Full)	$1,765	$147

Best Auto Insurance Companies in Vermont 2026

Vermont Mutual is a Vermont-based regional insurer with a long history in the state. Amica Mutual is the top-rated insurer in New England overall and competes strongly in Vermont.

Company	Est. Annual (Min)	Est. Annual (Full)	Best For
USAA	$272	$888	Military families
Vermont Mutual	$306	$999	VT-based, local service
State Farm	$296	$968	Overall value
Amica	$306	$999	Customer service
Geico	$313	$1,021	Low rates online
Allstate	$384	$1,254	Local agent network

Cheapest Cities for Auto Insurance in Vermont

St. Johnsbury — Northeast Kingdom with very low rates (~$240/year min)
Newport — Far northern Vermont with minimal congestion (~$235/year min)
Rutland — Central Vermont hub with below-Burlington rates (~$255/year min)
Middlebury — College town with very low accident rates (~$245/year min)
Montpelier — Smallest state capital in the US with very low traffic (~$250/year min)

Most Expensive Cities for Auto Insurance in Vermont

Burlington — Vermont’s largest city and most expensive market (~$440/year min)
South Burlington — Burlington suburb with above-rural rates (~$410/year min)
Winooski — Dense Burlington suburb with elevated rates (~$400/year min)
Essex — Burlington metro area with above-average premiums (~$390/year min)

How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in Vermont

Vermont Mutual for local value: Vermont Mutual has been insuring Vermont drivers for over 175 years and understands VT-specific risks including winter driving and wildlife collisions.
Mandatory UM/UIM at 50/100 is exceptional: Vermont’s required uninsured motorist coverage is more generous than most states’ voluntary recommendations — you’re already well-protected at the minimum.
Wildlife collision coverage: Vermont has significant deer, moose, and black bear populations. Moose collisions are particularly dangerous — comprehensive is essential.
Bundle home and auto: 10–18% multi-policy savings.
Winter driving counts: Vermont winters are severe. Proper winter tires reduce accident risk significantly and may earn discounts.
Raise your deductible: $500 to $1,000 saves 10–15%.
Report accurate low mileage: Vermont’s rural lifestyle and seasonal residents often result in below-average annual mileage.

Vermont Auto Insurance Laws You Must Know

Mandatory UM/UIM at 50/100: Vermont requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident — among the highest mandatory UM minimums in the US.

Pure Comparative Fault: Vermont follows pure comparative fault — you can recover damages even if mostly at fault, with your award reduced proportionally.

Moose Collision Risk: Vermont has significant moose populations, particularly in the Northeast Kingdom and northern Vermont. Moose can weigh up to 1,500 lbs — collisions are frequently fatal and almost always total the vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is essential.

Sugar Season Mud: Vermont’s spring “mud season” (March–May) damages roads and creates unusual hazards. Comprehensive covers road damage to your vehicle from these conditions in some circumstances.

SR-22 Requirement: Required after DUI, driving without insurance, or serious violations. Filed with the Vermont DMV, typically for three years.

How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Vermont

Ensure safety — Vermont’s rural roads are often narrow and winding.
Call 911 for accidents with injury or significant damage.
For moose or deer collisions, do not approach the animal. Contact Vermont Fish & Wildlife for large animal removal.
Exchange insurance and contact information.
Report to your insurer promptly.
Vermont statute of limitations: 3 years for personal injury, 3 years for property damage.
Work with your adjuster for settlement.

Vermont Insurance Commissioner & Consumer Resources

Commissioner Kevin Gaffney oversees the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, which launched significant consumer outreach following the July 2023 flood disaster.

Vermont Department of Financial Regulation: dfr.vermont.gov
Consumer Services: 802-828-3301
File a Complaint: dfr.vermont.gov/insurance/insurance-complaints
DFR Consumer Resources: dfr.vermont.gov/insurance

State-Specific Discount Programs

Good driver discounts — clean record for 3+ years earns significant discounts; Vermont’s safe roads reward careful drivers
Defensive driving course discounts — Vermont-approved courses qualify for discounts with most major carriers
Low-mileage discounts — seasonal vehicle storage and rural Vermont lifestyles often mean below-average mileage that qualifies for discounts
Bundling home and auto — 10-18% multi-policy discount; Vermont Mutual and Amica especially competitive
Affinity group discounts — Vermont’s strong employer, alumni, and professional group networks often provide access to group insurance discounts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in Vermont? 25/50/10 liability plus mandatory UM/UIM at 50/100.

Is Vermont a no-fault state? No — Vermont is an at-fault state with pure comparative fault rules.

Why is Vermont’s mandatory UM coverage so high? Vermont requires UM/UIM at 50/100 — higher than most states even recommend as voluntary coverage. This reflects Vermont’s consumer-protective insurance regulatory approach.

What is Vermont Mutual Insurance? Vermont Mutual has been insuring Vermont residents since 1828 — making it one of the oldest insurance companies in the US. It offers competitive rates and genuine local expertise.

Are moose dangerous for Vermont drivers? Yes — Vermont moose collisions are among the most dangerous wildlife accidents in the US. Moose are very dark, stand at vehicle hood height, and their body mass (up to 1,500 lbs) means collisions are often fatal. Drive slowly at dawn and dusk in moose country.

Which insurer is cheapest in Vermont? USAA for military; Vermont Mutual and State Farm are most competitive for civilians.

This guide was researched and written by the ZappMint Editorial Team, a group of licensed insurance analysts and personal finance writers. Our team monitors state insurance department bulletins, rate filings, and industry reports to keep our guides current. Last verified: April 2026.

Have a question or correction? Contact us at editorial@zappmint.com

Auto Insurance in Vermont 2026 — Rates, Requirements & Best Companies