Average Cost of Car Insurance in Vermont for 2024

From its ski slopes to its hiking trails, Vermont is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. But what about car owners?

Although the Green Mountain State has a higher cost of living than most states, auto coverage here is relatively affordable. The average cost of car insurance in Vermont is $1,274 per year for full coverage policies — compared to the national average of $1,582.

Your premiums in Vermont may vary based on your driving record, location, and credit history. But you may also be eligible for valuable discounts that could reduce your rates.

Key takeaways

• The average cost of car insurance in Vermont is $1,274 per year for full-coverage policies.
• State-minimum liability car insurance averages $348 per year in Vermont.
• Teen drivers pay an average of $3,651 per year for coverage in Vermont.

How much does car insurance cost in Vermont?

While Vermont is a popular tourist destination, its resident population density is relatively low. As a result, fewer cars are on the state’s roads here. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that there are just 608,000 registered vehicles in Vermont — far less than the national average.

With fewer cars in the state, there’s less chance of being involved in an accident, so car insurance tends to be relatively cheap. The average cost of full-coverage policies, which include liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, is just $1,274 per year, while the national average is $1,582. And drivers that choose Vermont’s state-minimum liability policies pay an average of just $348 per year.

Avg. cost for full coverage	Avg. cost for minimum coverage	Cheapest insurance provider
$1,274/year	$348/year	USAA

Avg. cost for young drivers	Avg. cost for seniors	Avg. cost for high-risk drivers
$3,651/year	$1,149/year	$1,675/year

Average cost of car insurance in Vermont by provider

Several insurers underwrite policies in Vermont, including smaller insurance companies like Concord. Rates can vary significantly by company, so getting quotes from several insurers before purchasing coverage is wise.

We found that USAA has the cheapest average premiums for both full coverage and state-minimum liability policies. At $779 per year, the average insurance premiums for USAA’s full-coverage policies are significantly less than the state average of $1,274.

Provider	Full coverage	Minimum liability coverage
Concord	$984/year	$444/year
Nationwide	$1,137/year	$456/year
Allstate	$1,815/year	$439/year
Progressive	$1,373/year	$420/year
GEICO	$1,007/year	$297/year
State Farm	$840/year	$297/year
USAA	$779/year	$205/year

How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Vermont?

People in Vermont tend to have good credit. According to Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, the average credit score in Vermont was 736 in 2022 — 22 points higher than the national average.

Good credit can help you save money in Vermont. Insurers consider your credit when setting premiums, so a higher credit score can help you secure a lower rate. We found that those with excellent credit tend to pay significantly less for coverage than those with poor credit.

Credit health	Avg. annual premium
Poor (550-649)	$1,806/year
Average (650-699)	$1,764/year
Good (700-749)	$1,716/year
Excellent (750+)	$1,464/year

Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Vermont

Maintaining safe driving habits and driving conservatively can keep you safe (and help you maintain low car insurance premiums). But if you commit driving violations, those offenses can substantially impact your premiums in Vermont.

We found that yearly premiums increase by an average of $743 after a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction and $357 after one at-fault accident in Vermont.

Violation	Avg. annual premium before violation*	Avg. annual premium after violation	Avg. cost increase
At-fault accident	$1,274/year	$1,631/year	$357
DUI	$1,274/year	$2,017/year	$743
Speeding ticket	$1,274/year	$1,365/year	$91

*Assumes clean driving record with good credit

How does age affect car insurance rates in Vermont?

Vermont has a higher percentage of older adults than other states. The Vermont Department of Health reported that the state’s median age is 43, while the national median is just 38.

But as in other states, older residents pay less for car insurance. Vermont drivers in their 60s have the lowest premiums, averaging just $1,007 per year — less than the state average.

On the other end, teens pay the highest average premiums. The average premium for drivers 18 years of age is $3,894 — more than three times the state average.

Age	Avg. annual premium
18	$3,894/year
25	$1,407/year
30	$1,213/year
40	$1,168/year
60	$1,007/year

Vermont car insurance rates by city

Drivers living in areas with higher population densities and crime rates pay more for car insurance. In Vermont, drivers in Winooski have the highest average premiums, paying $1,286 per year.

The higher rate is due to the higher crime rate in the city compared to the rest of the state. According to NeighborhoodScout, Winooski has a crime rating higher than 96% of Vermont cities and towns.

City	Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Winooski	$1,286/year
Burlington	$1,284/year
South Burlington	$1,267/year
Rutland	$1,235/year
Barre	$1,210/year
Newport	$1,162/year

VT’s minimum car insurance requirements

Vermont’s laws require all drivers to have car insurance and carry proof of coverage. Policies must meet the following coverage minimums:

• $25,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
• $50,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
• $10,000 in property damage insurance

Drivers in Vermont also must have uninsured motorist protection that meets the following requirements:

• $25,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
• $50,000 in bodily injury insurance per accident
• $10,000 in property damage

Those coverage requirements are fairly low, and state-minimum coverage doesn’t provide any coverage for your own vehicle or property. Since Vermont has some intense weather and averages over 80” of snow per year, fender benders involving ice and slippery roads are common. You may also want to consider a full-coverage policy that includes collision and comprehensive insurance.

How to save money on car insurance in Vermont

Car insurance in Vermont is relatively inexpensive, but you could reduce your premiums even more by following these tips:

• Contact your agent if there have been any changes: If it’s been a while since you purchased your car insurance, review your coverage and contact your agent if your life circumstances have changed. For example, if you got a job closer to home, a child moved out, or you installed an anti-theft device in your car, you may be eligible for a reduction in premiums.
• Ask about discounts: You may be eligible for discounts you aren’t aware of, so ask your agent about available programs. Common discounts in Vermont include safe driver, low mileage, good student, and paperless billing discounts.
• Enroll in pay-per-mile insurance: Pay-per-mile insurance, also known as usage-based insurance, can be a good idea for drivers with short commutes or those who drive fewer miles per month. Since these policies base your premiums on how many miles you actually drive and your driving habits, you could save money compared to conventional policies. In Vermont, pay-per-mile insurance is available from multiple insurers, including Nationwide, Progressive, and State Farm.
• Shop around: When it comes to car insurance, loyalty rarely pays off. It’s wise to shop around and get quotes from several companies to find the best car insurance rates. You may find that you can save hundreds of dollars by switching insurers.

FAQs about car insurance costs in VT