Average cost of car insurance in Vermont

How much is car insurance in Vermont?

Vermont car insurance averages $1,061 for full coverage and $238 for minimum coverage per year. These rates are 47 percent and 62 percent cheaper than the national average of $2,014 and $622, respectively.  Rates can vary widely by personal factors, which can include age, marital status, credit score, driving record and claims history. The company you choose, your coverage choices, limits and deductibles also factor into auto insurance premiums.

Vermont car insurance rates by city 

While Vermont rates are far below the national average, some cities have higher average rates than others. We compared average rates for five of the largest Vermont cities to show how rates may differ. For instance, drivers living in Bennington pay around 1 percent more than the state average, but if you live in Burlington, you save about 7 percent. Characteristics like population density, crime statistics, weather and repair costs help determine rates by city.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Vermont

Although some states exclude age and gender as factors in car insurance rating, Vermont is not one of them. Young drivers typically pay more than older drivers, with rates usually dropping after age 25. Generally, rates for females are lower than for males, and in Vermont, rates may be lowest for drivers from ages 50 to 70. Gender tables reflect rates for drivers on their own policy, but rates for 16-year-olds are for drivers on their parents' policy.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Vermont  

While 16- and 17-year-old drivers usually must be on their parents’ policy, drivers 18 and older can choose to be on their own. This choice often comes at a cost, as you can see in the table below. An 18-year-old driver could save around 36 percent being listed on their parents’ policy rather than their own. Note that some companies may require you to live in the same home as your parents to be listed on their policy.

*16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Vermont?

Although Vermont’s average insurance rate is $1,061 for full coverage, you typically pay more if you have a ticket or accident on your record. Below are the average amounts drivers pay with one speeding ticket, accident or DUI in their driving history. If you have more than one, or a combination of violations, you will likely pay more for car insurance and may need to look into high-risk car insurance options.

Car insurance rates in Vermont by credit score

Vermont car insurance rates may also vary based on your credit score, though this is not a factor in some other states. Drivers with an average credit score could see rates around 10 percent higher than the Vermont average, while having an excellent credit score could save you around 11 percent. It might pay to improve your credit score, since drivers with poor credit pay an average of 72 percent more for car insurance in the Green Mountain State.

Vermont car insurance rates by vehicle type

Car insurance rates may vary greatly based on the value and age of your vehicle. Choosing the right make and model could get you cheap car insurance in Vermont. Luxury vehicles or those with high repair costs typically are more expensive to insure.

How to save on car insurance in Vermont

Vermont car insurance rates are low compared to other states, but your rates might be even lower with the right steps. Here are our top five ways to save on car insurance:

1. Shop around: If you want to find the cheapest car insurance, most insurance professionals recommend comparing quotes for the same coverage levels from various carriers. This may help you see who can offer you the lowest rates for your circumstances. 
2. Compare discounts: Most carriers offer at least a handful of discounts to help drivers save. Looking for discounts which you may be eligible for could help you choose the cheapest auto insurance company. Common discounts to look for include safe driver, paid-in-full, good student and bundling. 
3. Increase your deductible: The higher your deductible is, the less you will typically pay each month for car insurance. You can compare different deductible options to see if a lower deductible offers meaningful savings and choose a deductible amount that fits your budget and comfort level.
4. Drive an older car: New cars typically cost more to insure because they have more expensive parts and labor costs. An older car may save you money, but it depends on the car. Consider finding one that is reliable and has a high safety rating. To save even more, you might look for a car that also pairs with qualifying vehicle discounts.
5. Increase your credit score: In Vermont, it is legal for car insurance companies to increase your premium because of a low credit score. Insurance companies do this because drivers with low credit scores are statistically more likely to file a claim than drivers with strong credit scores. With an improved credit score, your premium will often decrease.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Vermont

Frequently asked questions