Auto Insurance In Vermont: What's The Law?

Auto insurance is required in Vermont. The minimum amount of liability insurance required is set by Statute, 23 V.S.A. § 800. This includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. In the event of a covered accident, the minimum coverage limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 per incident for property damage liability. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also legally required in Vermont, with minimum coverage limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per incident for property damage.

Vermont's minimum auto insurance requirements

In Vermont, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without a minimum amount of liability insurance. The minimum insurance requirements for Vermont are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries you cause to others in an accident.
• Property damage liability coverage: $10,000 per accident. This covers damage you cause to other people's property in an accident.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. This covers your medical expenses if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident.
• Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $10,000 with a $150 deductible (in some cases, the deductible does not apply).

These are the minimum required car insurance limits in Vermont, and higher coverage amounts may better protect your financial well-being. It is important to note that Vermont is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for an accident must cover the injuries of the other driver and their passengers.

If you are found guilty of driving without insurance in Vermont, you may face penalties such as a civil penalty of up to $500, suspension of your license until you can show proof of insurance, and the requirement to file an SR-22 certificate.

Driving without insurance in Vermont

In Vermont, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without a minimum amount of liability insurance. Driving without insurance or other evidence of financial responsibility can result in a fine of up to $500, a license suspension, and other penalties.

Vermont's Insurance Requirements

Vermont law sets a minimum liability insurance requirement of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. This insurance coverage is necessary to safeguard yourself financially in case of accidents, damage to another person's property, or bodily injury to others involved.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Vermont

If you are caught driving without insurance in Vermont, you will face several consequences:

• Fine: Driving without insurance can result in a monetary fine of up to $500. This penalty is separate from any other fines you may incur due to traffic violations or accidents.
• License Suspension: Failure to provide proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement will result in a license suspension. Your driving privileges will be revoked until you can provide valid proof of insurance that meets the state-required coverage.
• Increased Financial Burden: If you are found at fault in an accident while uninsured, you will be responsible for covering all the costs associated with the damages and injuries out of pocket. This can result in significant financial strain, especially if the accident involves extensive property damage or serious injuries.
• Difficulty Obtaining Future Insurance: Having a record of driving without insurance can impact your ability to obtain affordable auto insurance in the future. Insurance carriers may consider you a high-risk driver, leading to higher insurance premiums or difficulty finding coverage.
• Legal Consequences: Driving without insurance is a serious offense and can result in legal repercussions, including citations and court judgments.
• SR-22 Filing Requirement: To reinstate your driving privileges after a license suspension due to driving without insurance, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 filing. This serves as proof of financial responsibility and must be maintained for three years from the date of the event that caused the suspension.

Importance of Maintaining Insurance Coverage

Maintaining proper insurance coverage is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you can cover the costs of any damages or injuries you may cause in an accident. Secondly, it protects your financial well-being by providing a safety net in case of unexpected incidents. Finally, driving without insurance puts you at risk of legal consequences and can significantly impact your driving record and future insurance options.

Financial Responsibility Insurance

In Vermont, it is illegal to operate a vehicle without a minimum amount of liability insurance. This minimum amount is set by Statute, 23 V.S.A. § 800. The minimum amount of Vermont auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$10,000. In other words, in the event of a covered accident, your limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It also covers up to $10,000 for damage to another person’s property.

If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle without insurance in Vermont, they may be issued a civil traffic citation. This will result in the required payment of a fine, the assessment of points against their driving privileges and/or license, and the requirement that they file Financial Responsibility Insurance with the Vermont DMV.

SR-22 Filing

In the state of Vermont, auto insurance is required. The minimum amount of liability insurance required is set by Statute, 23 V.S.A. § 800. Anyone caught driving without insurance may be issued a civil traffic citation, resulting in a fine, the assessment of points against their driving privileges and/or license, and the requirement to file Financial Responsibility Insurance with the Vermont DMV.

The SR-22 filing is typically required for three years from the date of the event that caused it to be mandated. For example, if an operator is ticketed for a DWI on 01/01/2011 and incurs a 90-day suspension that ends on 03/31/2011, the filing would be required for three years from that date. If the policy lapses or is cancelled during this time, the insurance company must notify the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles immediately, and the individual's license will be suspended.

The liability limits required to obtain an SR-22 in Vermont are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. These limits are the same as the minimum insurance requirements for the state.

If an out-of-state driver needs an SR-22 for Vermont, their insurance company must provide the SR-22 to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles to secure their driver's license in their home state. The company submitting the SR-22 filing must be licensed in both Vermont and the driver's home state.

Optional car insurance coverage

In Vermont, you can purchase optional coverage to further protect yourself from financial loss. The following are some of the optional car insurance coverages available in Vermont:

Physical Damage Protection

Physical damage protection is made up of two different coverages: collision and comprehensive. Collision coverage will cover the cost to repair your car after a crash, while comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your car resulting from any other kind of incident. This includes non-collision-related incidents such as theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and contact with animals. Regardless of your liability in a crash, your collision coverage will still pay for the cost of repairs to your car. It is common for Vermont motorists who purchase this coverage to opt for deductibles of $500 for both.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

MedPay covers any medical and funeral expenses resulting from an auto accident, regardless of your liability. This includes the cost of hospital visits and stays, doctor's visits, EMT and ambulance fees, and funerals. Many Vermont drivers purchase MedPay for added peace of mind in the event of an accident.

Accident Forgiveness

With this optional coverage, your insurance provider will not raise your auto insurance rates following your first at-fault automobile accident. This can be especially useful if you are a new or inexperienced driver, as it provides some financial cushion in the event of an accident.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage can be a valuable addition to your policy, offering services such as fuel delivery, lockout service, and jump-starts. This type of coverage is often available at different levels, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your budget and needs.

Loss of Use/Rental Car Expense Coverage

If your car is out of commission due to a covered loss, this coverage will come in handy. It helps pay for a rental car or other transportation expenses, ensuring you can stay on the road while your vehicle is being repaired.

Frequently asked questions