A number of factors can place a driver in high-risk status. An insurance company will consider you a high risk driver if there are three things that can make you high-risk: an at-fault car accident, a speeding ticket, DUI conviction, or lapsed insurance coverage.
Vermont is one the smallest states by population but there are still a lot of high-risk drivers. In 2016, more than 2500 Vermont drivers were arrested for DUI. Drivers with high-risk records in Vermont pay higher auto insurance rates that drivers who have a clean criminal record and no other insurance-related offenses.
Vermont rates for high-risk auto insurance
Vermont drivers pay a different rate on their car insurance. When determining your rate, insurance companies consider personal factors such as your ZIP code and credit score. You may be considered a high-risk driver if you have certain criteria, such as your driving record or your age. You will need to pay more for Vermont high-risk auto insurance if you have a speeding ticket or have been involved in an accident that was at fault.
Rates for speeding tickets
Although speeding tickets aren’t the most serious traffic offense, they can impact your Vermont car insurance rate. Rate increases will depend on the insurance company you use and how many speeding tickets have been received.
Your rate of interest will likely rise if you have multiple speeding tickets. A Vermont speeding ticket will result in points being taken off your driving record, and you will have to pay a fine.
Even the most expensive car insurance will charge drivers who have been cited for speeding tickets higher rates. Below is the average increase in car insurance rates after one speeding ticket by six of the largest car insurance companies in Vermont.
Rates for an accident
Your Vermont auto insurance premium is likely to increase by at least 10% after an accident. Your insurance company may raise your rate if you have multiple accidents on your record. You will also be required to pay an insurance deductible in the event of any injury. Additionally, your driving record will be affected.
The cost of high-risk car insurance in Vermont can vary based on which insurance company you choose. Allstate has the lowest rate increase at 20% and Geico has the highest rate increase at 51%. Below are the average rate hikes after an accident for several Vermont car insurance providers:
Rates for DUI
DUI convictions are among the most serious traffic offenses in Vermont and will have the largest impact on your car insurance rate. Your rate will increase if you have multiple DUI convictions. It is possible that your insurance provider will cancel your coverage.
DUI in Vermont can lead to higher car insurance premiums. You will lose your driving privileges and be required to do community service. Additionally, you will also have a heavy fine. To prove your compliance with Vermont’s minimum vehicle insurance requirements, you will need to purchase SR-22 insurance.
A DUI will no longer affect the cost of Vermont high-risk auto insurance after three to five years. These are the average rates of increases following a DUI by different insurance providers in Vermont.
Teen drivers: Rate
Vermont’s young drivers are high-risk. They have less driving experience and are more likely than older drivers to be in an accident. When a driver is in their twenties, their auto insurance rates should start to fall. Below is a table that shows the average Vermont teen driver’s annual premiums from several car insurance companies.
Who are high-risk drivers?
It is difficult to define a high-risk driver. A high-risk driver is someone with a single DUI conviction, an at-fault car accident, or a lapsed insurance policy. A high-risk driver is defined by the industry as someone with a bad driving record. However, it can also include drivers with poor credit scores or an active SR-22 certificate.
How to lower your rate for high-risk drivers
There are many ways to lower your premium for Vermont high-risk auto insurance. These are some tips that will help you get affordable car insurance in Vermont.
- Compare rates: Get quotes from several insurance companies before you make a decision.
- Discounts: Look out for companies that offer multiple discounts when you compare insurance providers to get the best savings.
- Increase your deductible. While raising your deductible will lower your monthly premium you should ensure that you are able to afford the higher out of pocket cost.
- Your credit score can be improved: Drivers with high credit scores pay the lowest rates. This means that you could get lower car insurance premiums by improving your credit.
Questions frequently asked
What is the minimum amount of car insurance required in Vermont?
Vermont drivers must have 25/50/10 liability coverage. This includes $25,000 for bodily injuries per person, $50,000 per accident bodily injury coverage, and $10,000 per accident property damage coverage.
Which is the best Vermont car insurance company?
Every driver will have a different experience with the best car insurer in Vermont. It all depends on what coverage you need, how much you are willing to spend, and what discounts you may be eligible for. To find the best provider for you, we recommend shopping around.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Vermont?
The average cost for car insurance is $1,207 for a full coverage policy, and $101 for a minimal coverage policy. These average rates only apply to drivers with clean records. Car insurance rates in Vermont for high-risk drivers will be higher.