By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO, Licensed Insurance Advisor
Vermont pairs fairly low liability minimums with uninsured motorist requirements that are twice as high. That mix surprises many drivers, and it’s one of several Vermont rules worth knowing before you buy a policy. Here’s what the law requires, how mountain winters and rural roads shape the coverage that matters, and how we help Vermont drivers compare auto insurance options by phone, email and online.
Vermont auto insurance: key facts
- Liability insurance is required to operate a registered vehicle in Vermont (23 V.S.A. §800).
- Minimum liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident bodily injury and $10,000 property damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: at least $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident (23 V.S.A. §941).
- UM also includes property damage coverage of up to $10,000 per claim, subject to a $150 deductible in some cases.
- If your liability limits exceed 50/100, your UM limits match them unless you direct otherwise.
Vermont Minimums
What Vermont Law Requires
Under 23 V.S.A. §800, no owner or licensed operator may drive a registered vehicle in Vermont without a liability policy or bond of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage. The Department of Financial Regulation’s consumer guide notes that some consider these limits insufficient, and that drivers with a home or other major assets should probably buy more.
25/50/10 liability
Vermont’s $10,000 property damage minimum is the lowest in New England. One collision with a late-model truck can exceed it.
50/100 uninsured motorist
Vermont requires uninsured/underinsured coverage at higher limits than liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
UM property damage
Vermont’s UM law also pays property damage up to $10,000 per claim, with a $150 deductible that can be waived if you carry other direct damage coverage.
Driver protections
Vermont DFR guidance says insurers can’t exclude a named driver outright and generally can’t use intra-family liability exclusions.
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UM/UIM in Vermont
Why Vermont’s Uninsured Motorist Rules Stand Out
Vermont is unusual: its required UM limits are higher than its liability minimums. Section 941 also makes your UM limits match any higher liability limits you buy, unless you choose otherwise. In plain terms, your own policy is built to protect you if a driver with low limits, no insurance or a hit-and-run causes your injuries. We’ll show you how your liability and UM choices work together.
Local Context
Driving Vermont: Mountains, Mud Season and Moose
Vermont roads climb and twist. Winter brings steep, snow-covered grades on routes like 100 and 4, ski-season traffic to the resorts, and long stretches between towns. Spring mud season turns dirt roads soft, and moose and deer are common in the Northeast Kingdom and Green Mountains. Comprehensive coverage handles animal strikes and falling trees, and towing coverage helps when the nearest shop is miles away. Many Upper Valley residents also cross the river daily between Vermont and New Hampshire; see our Hanover, NH car insurance page if that’s your commute.
Your Options
Carriers We Work With for Vermont Auto
For Vermont drivers, we can compare auto coverage from carriers including the ones below, which are among the 40+ carriers we work with. Availability depends on the driver and vehicle, so we’ll tell you which options fit your situation.
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About 90% of quotes within 24 hours. We don’t charge any fees. Prefer to talk? Call (603) 431-4020.
Related Pages
More From PAI
For an overview of every coverage type, visit our auto insurance hub. Neighbors across the river can read about New Hampshire auto insurance.
Questions
Vermont Auto Insurance FAQs
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Vermont?
Vermont requires liability coverage of at least $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Why is Vermont’s uninsured motorist minimum higher than its liability minimum?
Vermont law (23 V.S.A. §941) sets UM coverage at no less than 50/100 to protect you from drivers who carry little or no insurance. If you buy higher liability limits, your UM limits match them unless you direct otherwise.
Does Vermont uninsured motorist coverage pay for vehicle damage?
Yes. Vermont’s UM law includes property damage coverage up to $10,000 per claim, subject to a $150 deductible that doesn’t apply if you have other direct damage coverage such as collision.
Is $10,000 of property damage liability enough in Vermont?
It meets the law, but many vehicles cost far more than $10,000 to replace. Vermont’s own consumer guide suggests drivers with assets to protect consider higher limits.
Can you help Vermont drivers if you’re based in New Hampshire?
Yes. We’re licensed in Vermont and serve Vermont drivers by phone, email and online from our Portsmouth, NH office.
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If you’re moving to Vermont, buying a car, or want a clearer view of your UM coverage, we’ll compare options with you. Call (603) 431-4020 or request a quote online.
Get Your Auto Insurance Quote(603) 431-4020
Compare options from 40+ carriers. No obligation. We don’t charge any fees.