Vermont Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re on a ski trip to Stowe, trout fishing in Batten Kill Stream near Manchester, exploring the covered bridges and wineries of Southern Vermont, attending the Burlington Jazz Festival, the State Fair in Rutland or doing business in Montpelier, the Green Mountain State is full of history and open roads. From Shaftsbury to Beecher Falls, St. Albans to West Dover, Vergennes to White River Junction, car insurance is crucial to being a responsible Vermont driver.

 

Auto Insurance Resources for VT State Residents

As of 2010, there were more than half a million drivers in the Green Mountain State. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 6% of Vermont drivers are uninsured. The Vermont Department of Public Safety reported 13,769 traffic accidents in 2008 resulting in 46 fatalities. Excessive speed, driving too fast for the road conditions, alcohol and a high number of non-resident drivers on vacation were leading causes in Vermont car accidents. Distracted, drunk and reckless drivers are good reasons to make sure you have enough car insurance while living and driving in the Green Mountain State.

 

Vermont State Minimum Car Insurance

Vermont state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance or face severe penalties. The Green Mountain State has a tort-based system. That means if you cause an accident, you can be sued. While Vermont does not require you to carry additional personal liability or Collision and Comprehensive, if you own property or other valuable assets, you would be wise to supplement the minimum requires shown below:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability
• $50,000/$100,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury
• $10,000 uninsured motorist property damage

 

Vermont Car Insurance Laws

Vermont law requires that you carry proof of Vermont auto insurance in your vehicle and produce it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Driving without the required Vermont car insurance carries a $100 fine for a first offense. You will also have 2 points added to your license and be required to keep an SR-22 proof of insurance form on file with the Vermont DMV.

If you cause an accident, or are cited for fleeing the scene of an accident, driving recklessly or driving under the influence without insurance, you license will be temporarily suspended.

Vermont requires that your insurance company (not your agent) verify your coverage with the state. You must complete a form and submit it so that the state can contact your insurer. Failure to do so can result in suspension of your license and/or registration.

 

Regulating Agency and References

Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration
This agency is responsible for regulating vehicle insurance policies sold in Vermont. For more information, visit their website at www.bishca.state.vt.us

Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
This is the agency responsible for licensing drivers and registering vehicles. You can learn more about Vermont auto insurance requirements, penalties and related information at dmv.vermont.gov

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
This is an organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories. NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policies when appropriate. NAIC members are elected or appointed state government officials who regulate the conduct of insurance companies and agents in their respective states or territories. Visit NAIC at www.naic.org

Insurance Information Institute (III)
This organization’s mission is to improve public understanding of insurance – what it is and how it works. Visit III at www.iii.org/

 

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