For drivers with a fairly decent driving history, you can find the cheapest car insurance companies in Vermont by getting quotes from Co-operative, Concord, and Progressive.
Depending on the area you reside, each carrier can offer quotes from 16% to 22% lower than the median quote for similar profile drivers.
Other carriers to put on your list of quotes are Unitrin, National Grange Mutual, and MetLife.
All three insurers can offer quotes from 14% to nearly 20% lower than the average premium.
In this article, I am going to cover affordable insurers by age and city, minimum requirements, and a few cost-saving tips to help you lower your monthly auto premium.
If you would like to skip to a certain portion of the article, there is a table of contents down a little and to the right.
Note: When querying for quotes the overall lowest prices for a 25 y/o driver are with Co-op, GEICO, and Concord. The quotes clustered between $1,199 and $1,256 per year. Progressive and Unitrin are certainly worth getting quotes from since they are below the median cost for similar age drivers.
Vermont Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Table of Contents
- 1 Vermont Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
- 1.1 Bodily Injury Liability
- 1.2 Property Damage Liability
- 1.3 Uninsured Motorist Protection
- 1.4 Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Vermont
- 1.5 Best Insurance Companies by Consumer Rating, Rate Change, & Number of Complaints
- 1.6 Vermont’s Penalties – Driving without Insurance
- 1.7 Average Premium Cost by City
The state minimum requirements for Vermont are as follows:
| Coverage | Vermont Minimum Liability Coverage | Recommended Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Protection | $25,000 / $50,000 | $100,000 / $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Medical Payments Coverage | Optional | $5,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage | $50,000 / $100,000 | $50,000 / $100,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage | $10,000 with a $150 deductible (In some cases the deductible does not apply) | $20,000 |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Optional | $100 deductible |
| Collision Coverage | Optional | $500 deductible |
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability covers hospital costs for the driver and passengers of the other automobile if the insured party is accountable for the accident.
Under the minimum coverage, the insurance corporation will pay up to $25,000 for a single person and up to $50,000 for all passengers hurt in the accident.
Note: For a 45-year-old driver in Vermont the quotes clustered between $709 and $779 making all of the insurers illustrated competitive. However, Co-op and GEICO are the most competitive offering quotes which are nearly 21% lower than the median price for drivers with a similar age and profile.
Property Damage Liability
Covers for physical damages to the other driver’s automobile as well as public property like guard rails, places or business, or traffic signs.
It includes personal property like someone’s home, garage door, or mailbox.
Under the minimum coverage, the insurance corporation will pay up to $10,000 for damages sustained.
Note: As illustrated in the chart above, the cheapest premium by price for a 55-year-old driver are with Co-op, GEICO, and Concord. With older drivers, particularly those around 55 years of age, the insurers are extremely competitive. For drivers with good credit and with no recent traffic violations, any of the carriers above would want to insure you. And they should be nearly 18% lower than the median premium price compared to other insurers.
Uninsured Motorist Protection
The state of Vermont also requires drivers to carrying uninsured motorist protection or (UM) on the policy in the amount of $50,000 for one passenger and up to $100,000 for more than one passenger in a vehicle during an accident with an uninsured driver.
Uninsured motorist property damage liability is required on the policy with the minimum amount of $10,000.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Vermont
Out of the 10+ insurers in the list below the least expensive overall are Co-op, GEICO, and Concord.
Concord is under Auto-Owners group coverage.
Most of the time, when I queried for quotes for the state of Vermont and various cities, all three carriers are approximately 16% to 22% lower than the median rate.
This applied for drivers from 25 to 55 years of age.
When I queried for quotes this was for a male driver with no traffic violations and good credit.
The next three cheapest are Progressive, Unitrin, (owned by Kemper), and National Grange Mutual.
Depending on the city or zip code you reside in, any of the three carriers recently mentioned may be cheaper than the “top 3” least expensive.
As you will see in the detailed comparison of major cities below.
At the end of the day your best bet is to compare quotes and the list is only a guide or a starting point to find additional savings.
| Vermont Company | Average Annual Rate 25 Y/O Driver | 30 Y/O Driver | 40 Y/O Driver | 45 Y/O Driver | 55 Y/O Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-op Insurance | $1,199 | $987 | $789 | $709 | $601 |
| GEICO | $1,234 | $1,021 | $804 | $713 | $611 |
| Concord | $1,256 | $1,055 | $810 | $756 | $614 |
| Progressive | $1,267 | $1,084 | $815 | $776 | $619 |
| Unitrin | $1,367 | $1,100 | $845 | $779 | $645 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,389 | $1,116 | $880 | $779 | $678 |
| Allstate | $1,411 | $1,132 | $911 | $809 | $654 |
| State Farm | $1,524 | $1,267 | $918 | $834 | $652 |
| Travelers | $1,590 | $1,280 | $987 | $856 | $689 |
| 21st Century | $1,622 | $1,314 | $1,055 | $903 | $698 |
| Farmers | $1,623 | $1,342 | $1,096 | $965 | $709 |
| Union Mutual | $1,654 | $1,370 | $1,133 | $1,008 | $756 |
| MetLife | $1,765 | $1,429 | $1,249 | $1,007 | $798 |
Best Insurance Companies by Consumer Rating, Rate Change, & Number of Complaints
Below are 11 top carriers in the state of Vermont with the amount of written premiums, rate change over a 12 to 18 month period, complaints, and consumer rating.
I have included the amount of written premiums since the number of complaints is include too.
This is important since the amount of complaints is relative (normally) to the amount of written premiums.
For example, if a company has millions of premiums the likelihood of more complaints is higher.
There is nothing out of the ordinary which should deter you from buying a policy from any of the carriers below.
The rate change ranges from 2% to 3.9% depending on the carrier and is not out of the ordinary either.
Typically, the top companies raise their rates a little less than smaller local companies.
The consumer ratings average are from JD Power & Associates, AM Best, and other reputable online rating companies.
What I did it take an average among all of them.
Typically the larger companies have higher rating and smaller ones are slightly lower.
Nothing in the details should prevent you from buying a policy from any of the listed insurers.
| Vermont Company | Written Premiums | Rate Change < 18 Months | # of Complaints | Rating out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $21,343,000 | +2.8% | 9 | 4.7 |
| Concord General Mutual | $7,435,465 | +3.6% | 6 | 4.2 |
| Progressive | $23,456,476 | +2.7% | 14 | 4.7 |
| Essentia | $3,442,563 | +3.9% | 1 | 4.1 |
| Liberty Mutual | $14,574,492 | +2.7% | 11 | 4.7 |
| Nationwide | $8,548,227 | +2.9% | 8 | 4.5 |
| National Grange Mutual | $9,327,433 | +3.3% | 6 | 4.2 |
| State Farm | $20,378,030 | +3.0% | 19 | 4.7 |
| Hartford | $11,328,478 | +3.2% | 9 | 4.5 |
| Vermont Mutual | $7,432,376 | +3.9% | 2 | 4.0 |
| Allstate | $18,233,873 | +3.1% | 13 | 4.3 |
Vermont’s Penalties – Driving without Insurance
-
First offense – $250 fine
-
Second offense – $500 fine
-
Required to file an SR-22 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
-
When convicted your license and registration are reinstated after you show proof of financial responsibility with a SR-22
Average Premium Cost by City
In the table below is a list of 22 less populated cities and the average premium price for a 30 year old driver.
Included is the percentage difference from the state average.
Most of the time when I queried for quotes they were less than the state average price for a premium in Vermont.
If you receive quotes which are higher than those below you may have a mark on your traffic record, a low credit score, or possibly a lapse in your premium.
There are a number of other factors which raise your premium above the average price.
If you are a young driver, less than 25 years old age, your prices are going to much higher than those listed below.
The quotes are for a 30 year old male driver with no traffic violations and good credit.
If you would like a detailed comparison for the most populated cities in Vermont please read further below.
| City | Average Rate | Percentage Change vs State Average | City | Average Rate | Percentage Change vs State Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $1,093 | -5% | Dover | $1,042 | -5% |
| Barnette | $1,043 | -5% | Enosburg | $1,039 | -5% |
| Barton | $1,022 | -7% | Hardwick | $1,087 | -4% |
| Bethel | $936 | -7% | Hydeville | $1,112 | -4% |
| Bondville | $965 | -7% | Jericho | $1,114 | -4% |
| Bradford | $996 | -7% | Lyndon | $1,011 | -5% |
| Brandon | $1,076 | -5% | Morristown | $1,025 | -5% |
| Castleton | $1,011 | -5% | Newport | $1,076 | -4% |
| Chelsea | $1,043 | -5% | Peacham | $1,097 | -4% |
| Cornwall | $1,099 | -4% | Swanton | $1,002 | -5% |
| Dorset | $1,113 | -4% | Westminster | $1,028 | -5% |
Burlington, VT
The average insurance rate in Burlington, Vermont is $1,100.
The least expensive insurers are Progressive, Co-op, and Concord.
I queried each at $877, $909, $1,005 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Or approximately 15% to 20% lower than the median quote for similar age drivers in Burlington.
A 45-year old can find affordable quotes with Progressive, Co-op, and Concord.
I queried each at $622, $679, and $709 per year for full coverage.
Which is 19% cheaper than the average premium quote for similar profile drivers.
| Burlington Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $865 | $611 |
| Progressive | $877 | $622 |
| Co-op | $909 | $679 |
| Concord | $1,005 | $709 |
| Unitrin | $1,008 | $754 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,113 | $813 |
One of the coolest places is Burlington’s historic downtown or boat tours of Lake Champlain.
The lake is one of the first naval battles of the Revolutionary War.
Many enjoy the Burlington Bike Path and separate hiking trails which outdoor enthusiasts love.
Essex Junction, VT
If you are in need of cheap auto insurance in Essex Junction then get quotes from Co-op, Progressive, and Concord.
I queried each at $812, $899, and $912 for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 16% to 22% lower than the median quote for similar profile drivers.
Unitrin is another low-quote option since they are 15% lower at $915.
A 45-year old can find inexpensive quotes with Co-op, Progressive, and Concord.
I queried each at $598, $643, $680 respectfully per year for full coverage.
Which is 16% to 21% lower than the median quote for Essex Junction drivers.
| Essex Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op | $812 | $598 |
| GEICO | $843 | $622 |
| Progressive | $899 | $643 |
| Concord | $912 | $680 |
| Unitrin | $915 | $708 |
| National Grange Mutual | $954 | $725 |
Essex Junction established itself as a mill town along falls created by the construction of a dam on Winooski River.
The history of the village was influenced by IBM which arrived in 1958.
Now it is Global Foundries.
As of the latest census there are a little under 10,000 residents.
Rutland, VT
Drivers in Rutland can find quotes clustering between $756 and $848.
Your best options are with Co-op, Progressive, and Concord.
I queried each at $756, $809, and $843 respectfully for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 14% to 19% lower than the citywide average premium in Rutland.
A 45-year old can find the best options with Co-op and Progressive.
I queried each at $547 and $580 per year for full coverage.
Or approximately 16% to 20% lower than the average premium for 45 year old drivers.
| Rutland Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op | $756 | $547 |
| GEICO | $766 | $560 |
| Progressive | $809 | $580 |
| Concord | $843 | $613 |
| Unitrin | $845 | $620 |
| National Grange Mutual | $848 | $640 |
Rutland is situated in the Green Mountains with beautiful scenery for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The town is on the outskirts surrounding the city of Rutland.
Unknown to most, the Rutland area became one the largest producers of marble.
Bennington, VT
The average rate for drivers in Bennington is $1,000 for a 30-year-old driver and $850 for a 45-year-old driver.
Your lowest options are with Co-op, Progressive, and Concord.
I queried each at $721, $745, and $765 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 16% lower than the median quote for similar age drivers.
A 45-year old can find cheap quotes with Co-op.
I queried them at $510 per year for full coverage.
Other carriers to put on your list of quotes are Unitrin and Grange Mutual.
Both carriers can offer competitive quotes for all age drivers.
| Bennington Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op Insurance | $721 | $510 |
| GEICO | $726 | $525 |
| Progressive | $745 | $540 |
| Concord | $765 | $569 |
| Unitrin | $802 | $600 |
| National Grange Mutual | $807 | $607 |
Many visitors to the Bennington area are drawn by its rich history.
The city is known for the Battle of Bennington which has monument to commemorate the Revolutionary War battle.
Over 700 British were taken captive after the end of the battle.
Battleboro, VT
Drivers in Battleboro can find the cheapest car insurance with Co-op, Progressive, and Concord.
I queried each at $767, $787, and $806 respectfully per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is approximately 16% to 21% lower than the citywide average premium.
A 45-year old can quotes clustering between $526 and $648.
Your best options are with Co-op and Progressive.
Each queried at $540 and $550 per year for full coverage.
Which is 19% lower than the median quote for similar profile drivers.
Unitrin and Grange are two carriers to put on your list for quotes.
Since each are 10% lower than the median rate for drivers in Battleboro.
| Battleboro Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $755 | $526 |
| Co-op | $767 | $540 |
| Progressive | $787 | $550 |
| Concord | $806 | $602 |
| Unitrin | $833 | $622 |
| National Grange Mutual | $856 | $648 |
Brattleboro is in southeastern Vermont on the Connecticut River and along the border with New Hampshire.
As of the 2010 census there are over 12,000 residents.
Home to the Alpine Ski Jumping’s renowned Fred Harris Memorial Tournament and Women’s Film Festival.
Montpelier, VT
Drivers in Montpelier can get cheap auto insurance if they get quotes from Concord, Progressive, and Co-op.
I queried each at $875, $904, and $915 for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 14% to 18% lower than the median rate for the city.
Out of the all the carriers illustrated National Grange Mutual is near the median rate.
A 45-year old can get the lowest premium with Concord, Progressive, and Co-op.
Each queried at $612, $640, and $680 per year for full coverage.
Or approximately 17% lower than the “mean” rate for drivers in Montpelier.
Unitrin and National Grange are equally good contenders with quotes below the median rate.
| Montpelier Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Concord | $875 | $612 |
| Progressive | $904 | $640 |
| Co-op | $915 | $680 |
| Unitrin | $965 | $723 |
| GEICO | $980 | $743 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,043 | $803 |
Montpelier is the capital of Vermont with approximately 8,000 residents.
The interesting thing is, during the daytime the population increases to nearly 25,000 due to the large number of jobs within city limits.
Montpelier was incorporated as a village in 1818.
Stowe
Drivers in Stowe can get a low premium by getting quotes from Concord, Co-op, and Progressive.
I queried each at $880, $924, and $965 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
All three are over 14% lower than the median rate for a driver of similar age and profile.
Unitrin and National Grange Mutual should definitely be on your list to get quotes too.
Since both approach 10% lower than the median quote.
A 45-year old can get the best prices with Concord, Co-op, and Progressive.
Each queried at $623, $656, and $687 per year for full coverage.
Or approximately 12% to 16% lower than he median quote for similar age drivers.
| Stowe Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Concord | $880 | $623 |
| Co-op | $924 | $656 |
| Progressive | $965 | $687 |
| Unitrin | $1,043 | $728 |
| GEICO | $1,067 | $758 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,080 | $812 |
Stowe was chartered June 8, 1763 by Royal Governor Benning Wentworth with a few residents.
Today, Stowe is a small community of approximately 4,500 residents.
Its most popular attractions are the Stowe Mountain Resort and the Stowhof Hotel.
Middlebury
Residents of Middlebury can get inexpensive premiums by getting quotes from Unitrin, Concord, and Co-op.
I queried each at $890, $936, and $968 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 16% to 19% lower than the median rate for drivers with a similar age and profile.
However, it should be noted that National Grange was quoted near the median rate.
A 45-year old can get the lowest policy price with Unitrin, Concord, and Co-op.
Each queried at $687, $700, and $712 per year for full coverage.
Which is approximately 16% lower than the “mean” quote citywide.
| Middlebury Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Unitrin | $890 | $687 |
| Concord | $936 | $700 |
| Co-op | $968 | $712 |
| Progressive | $1,055 | $725 |
| GEICO | $1,089 | $780 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,132 | $832 |
Colonial Governor Benning Wentworth chartered the town in 1761.
The first settlers arrived in the area in 1766.
It was named Middlebury because of its location between New Haven and Salisbury.
Barre
The average premium price in Barre is higher than other cities in the state.
To get the cheapest premium start by getting quotes from Concord, Unitrin, and Co-op.
I queried each at $900, $923, and $956 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 13% to 15% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar age and profile.
Although higher in price, Progressive and National Grange Mutual are worth getting quotes from since discounts or other benefits may drive down the cost.
A 45-year old can get the cheapest premium with Concord and Unitrin.
I queried each at $698 and $732 respectfully for a 45 year old driver.
Or approximately 16% lower than the average policyholder’s price for a premium in Barre.
| Barre Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Concord | $900 | $698 |
| Unitrin | $923 | $732 |
| Co-op | $956 | $765 |
| Progressive | $1,031 | $832 |
| GEICO | $1,065 | $850 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,154 | $866 |
Barre, Vermont is known as the “Granite Capital of the World” with the amount of granite deposits at Millstone Hill.
With arrival of the railroad and granite productions Barre saw a boom in the late 19th century.
Barre is a community of approximately 9,000 residents and is part of the Montpelier-Barre micropolitan area which has over 60,000 residents.
Saint Albans
If you are in the market for an inexpensive premium in St. Albans, then start by getting quotes from Co-op, Concord, and Unitrin.
I queried each at $880, $911, and $945 per year for a 30-year-old driver.
Which is 13% to 16% lower than the average premium citywide.
Progressive is a good option too with a lower than average quote at $987.
A 45-year old can get a cheap premium with Co-op, Concord, or Unitrin.
I queried each at $698, $708, and $754 respectfully per year for full coverage.
Or approximately 14% to 17% lower than the “mean” rate for drivers in St. Albans.
Other companies to consider are Progressive and National Grange Mutual since both are below the median quote for similar age drivers.
| Saint Albans Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op | $880 | $698 |
| Concord | $911 | $708 |
| Unitrin | $945 | $754 |
| Progressive | $987 | $779 |
| GEICO | $1,032 | $832 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,127 | $858 |
Saint Albans city, not be confused with the town, is a community of approximately 6,000 people.
It was settled in 1783, but delays from the Revolutionary War didn’t make it official until 1785.
St. Albans is most noted for the northernmost conflict of the Civil War.
Essex
Drivers in Essex can get cheap car insurance by getting quotes from Co-op, Concord, and Unitrin.
I queried each at $896, $932, and $967 per year for a 30-year old.
Which is 14% to 17% lower than the median rate for a driver of similar age and profile.
Both Progressive and MetLife are good contenders for a cheaper rate too with quotes at $1,087 and $1,128 respectfully for full coverage.
A 45-year old can get the least expensive premium with Co-op, Concord, and Unitrin.
I queried each at $697, $758, and $779 per year for full coverage.
Which is 12% to 16% lower than the median rate for a 45-year-old driver in Essex.
There is a significant variance among the lowest, Co-op, and the highest, MetLife, which is $157.
Or over 22% difference among them.
| Essex Company | 30 Y/O | 45 Y/O |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op | $896 | $697 |
| Concord | $932 | $758 |
| Unitrin | $967 | $779 |
| Progressive | $1,087 | $832 |
| MetLife | $1,128 | $854 |
| National Grange Mutual | $1,165 | $903 |
Essex is the 2nd largest city in the state behind Burlington, Vermont with approximately 22,000 residents.
Other communities are Butlers and Pages Corner and most outsiders would refer to the city as Essex.
The city was incorporate in 1763 and named after the Earl of Essex.
Insurance Resources & DMV Information
| Department of Insurance | Department of Transportation | Department of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 89 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 828-3301 | 380 Ballard Rd, Milton, VT 05468 (802) 524-6033 | 4 Market St, South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 828-2085 |
| Website | Website | Website |
Sources
http://www.dfr.vermont.gov/insurance
https://www.co-opinsurance.com/news/1-best-value-for-auto-insurance-in-vt-and-nh-for-2016
http://www.mass.gov/vermont.pdf
http://www.concordgroupinsurance.com/
