The best car insurance in Vermont varies based on individual needs. American Family leads overall and excels for minimum coverage policies. For families with a teen driver, Nationwide stands out. If cost is your primary concern, MoneyGeek also compiled options for the cheapest car insurance in Vermont.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont (March 2024)
In Vermont, American Family stands out with the highest MoneyGeek score, which indicates superior affordability and customer satisfaction for car insurance. The first two runner-ups are State Farm and Vermont Mutual.
Updated: November 1, 2024
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Best Car Insurance in Vermont
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in Vermont based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in Vermont.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Vermont: Overview
American Family stands as the top car insurance provider in Vermont, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 90. Scores among the ranked companies range from 69 to 90, demonstrating that American Family leads a competitive field. This scoring spread represents MoneyGeek's baseline evaluation of insurers but can vary for different types of drivers, as each individual's needs may influence their ideal choice for car insurance.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
When assessing insurers, MoneyGeek places a premium on customer satisfaction and affordability. These factors significantly influence overall MoneyGeek scores, with claims experience and offered coverages also carrying substantial weight. These metrics are crucial in providing a comprehensive view of an insurer's performance and value to the customer.
Certain insurers, like the Concord Group, did not attain a MoneyGeek score due to incomplete data across the five essential scoring components. However, Concord Group exhibits strength in customer satisfaction, signaling that while its overall score was not calculable, it has notable performance in this individual area.
- Best for Customer Service
- Best for Military Background
- Best Overall
- Best for Young Adults
- Best for Seniors
- Best for Those with Driving Offenses
- Best for Minimum Coverage
- Best for Families with Teens
- Best for New Cars
American Family | 90 | $689 |
State Farm | 88 | $591 |
Vermont Mutual | 82 | $538 |
Nationwide | 77 | $903 |
Allstate | 76 | $795 |
Progressive | 76 | $850 |
GEICO | 69 | $1,004 |
Concord Group | No Data | $698 |
Overall Best Car Insurance in Vermont
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Vermont for best full coverage car insurance. When it comes to ensuring that Vermont drivers have the coverage they need, these top providers stand out:
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($689 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($591 per year)
American Family distinguishes itself with a superior blend of affordability and excellent customer satisfaction. Its score reflects a commitment to value and quality in the realm of car insurance. State Farm follows closely behind as a competitive option, offering a blend of robust service and affordability.
In Vermont, drivers have a range of choices to balance cost with service experience. For those looking to economize, MoneyGeek also explored the companies that offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Vermont, providing options for those prioritizing budget.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage and gap insurance.
Ranks top for key coverages.
cons
Doesn't excel in customer satisfaction (rank No. 3).
More costly compared to other insurers (rank No. 3, $689 average annual premium).
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family, with its remarkable scores in claims (20 out of 20) and coverage (10 out of 10), leads the pack with a high MoneyGeek score. This provider offers both common coverages: roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement. Also noteworthy is the presence of reasonably common coverages like accident forgiveness and gap insurance, which enhance the value proposition. Despite the absence of certain rare coverages, American Family's offerings consistently meet diverse customer needs, attesting to its excellent MoneyGeek ranking.
When considering coverages that are both useful and applicable to many drivers, American Family offers the valuable OEM coverage. It ensures that any repairs use original factory parts, maintaining the integrity and value of your vehicle. Additionally, crucial financial protection is provided by auto death indemnity coverage, which delivers security in worst-case scenarios. This level of comprehensive protection aligns with American Family's high satisfaction score of 33 (out of 35) and further justifies its superior status in the competitive auto insurance market.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Vermont for car insurance when it comes to customer service.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($689 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($903 per year)
American Family stands out due to its exceptional customer satisfaction and claims handling, which are major contributors to its high MoneyGeek score. Notably, it provides top-notch service at a more affordable cost than its closest competition, Nationwide.
In Vermont, the car insurance market features a diverse array of companies, each with varying levels of customer satisfaction and claims experiences. It's crucial for an insurance company to offer good customer service and effective claims resolution because these factors significantly influence a customer's overall satisfaction and trust in the insurer. Efficient and empathetic customer service, especially in the aftermath of an accident or loss, can make a tremendous difference in easing the stress and uncertainty that policyholders might face.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers rare OEM coverage and common gap insurance.
cons
Does not excel in customer satisfaction.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
With impressive claims handling and satisfaction contributing foremost to its overall MoneyGeek Score of 96, this insurer meets diverse client expectations. While it boasts common coverages such as roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, American Family's portfolio does miss on other reasonably common coverages, yet it remains a great option given the high scores. It pleasantly includes accident forgiveness, offering clients peace of mind.
American Family excels with rare and widely applicable coverages like OEM coverage, enhancing vehicle integrity with original parts in repairs. Additionally, auto death indemnity coverage provides financial security in the worst-case scenarios. Gap insurance is also on offer, safeguarding against losses for newer cars. These options demonstrate the insurer's breadth, complemented by stellar satisfaction (42 out of 45) and perfect claims handling (30 out of 30) scores, showcasing its commitment to client contentment and reliable service.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Minimum Coverage
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Vermont for drivers seeking car insurance with minimum coverage.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($242 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($218 per year)
American Family stands out in Vermont due to its exceptional balance of affordability, customer satisfaction and claims handling. Despite the higher annual cost compared to State Farm, at $242, American Family offers the minimum insurance required by law in Vermont, providing ample protection for drivers looking to stay legally insured.
In Vermont, while numerous companies can provide affordable car insurance for the legally required minimum coverage, purchasing only the minimum can have downsides. It might leave you underinsured in the case of a more serious accident, which can result in out-of-pocket expenses that significantly exceed the cost of a more comprehensive policy. It is always advisable to consider the level of coverage that best meets your needs, taking into account both your personal circumstances and financial security.
American Family
pros
Offers rare OEM coverage.
Ranks No. 1 in claims handling.
cons
Lacks common safe driving discount.
Ranks No. 4 for affordability with a $242 annual premium.
Ranks No. 3 in customer satisfaction.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family shines in the insurance market with robust scores in affordability and claims handling, key factors behind its impressive MoneyGeek Score of 91. With an average annual premium of only $242, the typical driver enjoys comprehensive coverage at a cost that's easy on the wallet. Customers can take advantage of reasonably common air bag and defensive driving discounts, along with rarer discounts such as automatic payment and early signing, which further enhance value.
American Family showcases a breadth of discounts, including all four commonly sought-after discounts: bundling, good student, multiple car and safe driving. Beyond these, policyholders have the option to save more through the early signing discount — if they switch from another insurer before their current policy expires. American Family also offers the less conventional volunteer discount, perfect for drivers under 25 who actively volunteer — a testament to American Family's commitment to both customer savings and community service.
Reaffirming its edge in the market, American Family holds a high affordability score of 37 (out of 40), coupled with perfect scores in coverage and claims handling, each with 10 and 20 points respectively. These scores, along with a near-perfect stability score of 4 (out of 5), solidify American Family's leading position with a comprehensive MoneyGeek score.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont by Driver Age
In Vermont, driver age notably influences car insurance rates due to associated costs and age-specific coverage options and discounts. MoneyGeek found that Nationwide, with a score of 88, is the top choice for teens, offering a balance of affordability at an annual premium of $947 and satisfactory claims handling. For young adults and seniors, State Farm emerges as the premium pick, scoring an impressive 90 for both age groups. Young adults benefit from an annual rate of $640, while seniors enjoy even lower rates at $469, coupled with the highest satisfaction and affordability scores. These superior offerings make State Farm the most advantageous for these age demographics.
Best for teens: Nationwide
Best for seniors: State Farm
Best for young adults: American Family
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Families With Teens
MoneyGeek found that Nationwide is the best option in Vermont for car insurance for teens, offering a premium balance of cost and coverage. Compare the top providers with their respective scores and premiums below:
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($947 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($812 per year)
Nationwide stands out primarily due to its superior claims handling and satisfaction scores. Even though its annual premium for a teen policy is higher than State Farm's, the overall service quality it provides justifies the expense. For a family looking to acquire cheap car insurance for a teen in Vermont, Nationwide's $947 annual cost exemplifies an affordable addition to a family policy compared to securing an independent policy for a teen.
Adding a teen to a car insurance policy in Vermont is typically more expensive due to the higher risk associated with inexperienced drivers. Insurance companies gauge the likelihood of claims from new drivers as higher and adjust premiums accordingly, which is why it's a common trend across many states to see a spike in rates when insuring young drivers.
Nationwide
pros
Offers good student discount.
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Ranks No. 2 for cost ($947 average annual premium for full coverage).
cons
Customer satisfaction score is 28, indicating room for improvement.
Does not offer distant student and driver's education discounts.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nationwide's exceptional MoneyGeek score of 88 is bolstered significantly by full marks in coverage (10 out of 10) and a near-perfect claims handling score (20 out of 20). Parents of young drivers will appreciate Nationwide's inclusion of the good student discount among its offerings, positioning the insurer as an attractive option for families with teens.
Nationwide supports its policyholders with identity theft coverage and total loss deductible waiver. The former protects against the high costs associated with identity fraud experienced by anyone in the household, and the latter offers peace of mind by waiving the deductible if the vehicle is a total loss after an accident. In addition, young drivers who excel academically can take advantage of the good student discount, saving money when a driver on the policy aged 16 to 24 maintains a "B" average or better.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Seniors
MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the best option in Vermont for senior car insurance, garnering the highest MoneyGeek score. Here are the top two providers:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($537 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($717 per year)
State Farm stands out due to its exceptional balance of affordability, claims handling and customer satisfaction, marking it as a leading provider for seniors seeking reliable car insurance coverage. To secure cheap car insurance for a senior in Vermont, the annual cost from State Farm is notable, especially considering that prices for seniors may be marginally higher than for individuals in younger age brackets.
It's important to recognize that while car insurance rates for seniors do not inherently surpass those for middle-aged adults, there is a general upward trend in premiums with increasing age. MoneyGeek's rates reflect senior drivers in their 60s, and while those in their 70s and 80s might experience slightly increased rates, it is a nuanced aspect of insurance pricing that takes into account various risk factors associated with age.
State Farm
pros
Offers roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks No. 1 for cost, with an average annual premium of $537.
cons
Doesn't excel in customer service.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm stands out with high affordability and satisfaction scores as primary contributors to its exceptional MoneyGeek score of 90. With essential coverages like roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, State Farm ensures that its customers are cared for in case of an accident, despite not offering all rare coverages. This insurance giant's average annual premium is $537, and it provides a senior driver discount, allowing seniors to benefit from additional savings.
State Farm's customer-centric coverages are a boon, especially for seniors who might need an extra layer of protection on the roads. The roadside assistance coverage offers comprehensive services, such as towing, tire changing and jump-starts, ensuring help is at hand when seniors need it most.
Meanwhile, the rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage takes the worry out of vehicle unavailability, covering the cost of a rental car when the insured vehicle is out of commission. These coverages, combined with State Farm's high satisfaction (30 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30) scores, underscore its commitment to providing value and peace of mind to all its policyholders.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Young Adults
MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option in Vermont for car insurance for young adults. This top ranking is based on its high MoneyGeek score, which is an indication of customer satisfaction, affordability and other factors.
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($904 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($739 per year)
American Family stands out for its exceptional balance of affordability and customer satisfaction, showcasing its value for drivers in their 20s looking for quality coverage in Vermont. To secure a policy with American Family at the competitive annual cost of $904, a young adult in Vermont will likely incur slightly higher expenses than more mature drivers due to the inherent risk insurers associate with younger, less experienced drivers.
For a young adult in Vermont, finding cheap car insurance can be a challenging endeavor. Premiums are typically higher for young adults, as statistics indicate they are more prone to accidents and risky driving behavior compared to their older counterparts, leading to higher costs for insurers and therefore higher premiums. Despite this, MoneyGeek's analysis helps identify the most cost-effective options for this demographic.
American Family
pros
Ranks No. 1 for claims handling.
Offers good student, distant student and driver's education discounts.
cons
Doesn't excel in customer service.
Ranks No. 4 for cost with an average annual premium of $904.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
American Family's impressive MoneyGeek score is largely due to its exceptional satisfaction and coverage scores. The company offers two key discounts for young drivers: good student and distant student, which, despite lacking driver's education discounts, are adequately offset by its leading scores in affordability and service. Additionally, American Family provides both common coverages, rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, ensuring comprehensive protection for motorists.
American Family stands out with its rare coverage offerings, especially the widely applicable OEM coverage, ensuring that repairs utilize original parts, preserving vehicle integrity and value. Additionally, accident forgiveness offers peace of mind, preventing premium increases after your first at-fault accident.
Auto death indemnity coverage provides financial support in the tragic event of a policyholder's death due to an auto accident, highlighting American Family's coverage that prioritizes the well-being of its customers. With satisfaction, affordability and claims scores of 33 (out of 35), 24 (out of 30) and 20 (out of 20), respectively, these offerings contribute to a comprehensive auto insurance experience that values customer needs and security.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Drivers With Offenses
MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the best option in Vermont for drivers with driving offenses, offering a perfect blend of affordability, satisfaction and a solid claims handling record. The two highest-ranking providers for such drivers are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($649 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($1,065 per year)
State Farm stands out as the leading car insurer for motorists with driving offenses in Vermont. Notably, MoneyGeek used a dataset comprising drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs to arrive at these conclusions. Major contributors to the MoneyGeek score include customer satisfaction, affordability and claims handling — services critical to policyholders seeking value and reliability.
It's impressive that State Farm not only leads in overall score but also offers the lowest annual cost at $649 for drivers with offenses. To obtain cheap car insurance as a high risk driver in Vermont, one may anticipate paying more than the rates typically seen by drivers in their 30s, 40s or 50s due to the elevated risks associated with such driving records.
After a ticket, at-fault accident or DUI, car insurance premiums in Vermont and elsewhere tend to be higher because insurers adjust rates based on perceived risk. Driving offenses suggest a higher likelihood of future claims, prompting insurance companies to raise premiums to offset the potential costs of these higher risk profiles.
State Farm
pros
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks first for cost with an average annual premium of $649 for full coverage with driving offenses.
Offers roadside assistance, rental car/travel reimbursement and accident forgiveness.
cons
Does not excel in customer service.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm's high MoneyGeek score, ranking at 90 (out of 100), is greatly influenced by its superior scores in affordability and satisfaction, demonstrating its commitment to providing valuable service at a competitive price point. For those with a spotty driving record, State Farm offers important coverages like roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement, enhancing the policy's value. With an average annual premium of $649, State Farm presents an affordable option, especially for drivers with offenses who typically face higher rates, backed by a strong affordability score of 30 (out of 30).
State Farm's roadside assistance coverage provides essential services, such as towing, tire changes and jump-starts, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with a history of vehicle issues. Its rental car and/or travel reimbursement ensures that you're not left stranded, covering transportation costs up to a chosen limit if your car is out of commission due to an accident. With a satisfaction score of 30 (out of 35) and a claims handling score of 19 (out of 20), this company demonstrates its capacity to meet customer needs efficiently and empathetically, ensuring peace of mind for drivers who may worry about the aftermath of potential incidents on the road.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for New Cars
MoneyGeek found that Allstate is the best option in Vermont for new drivers seeking car insurance. With providers analyzed for their performance on several metrics, the following stand out:
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($1,437 per year)
Allstate distinguishes itself as the leading provider of car insurance for new drivers in Vermont not only by achieving a perfect MoneyGeek score but also by ensuring the inclusion of essential coverages. MoneyGeek filtered out insurers that don't offer new car replacement and/or better car replacement coverages, acknowledging their significance for drivers with new vehicles.
The key factors contributing to Allstate's top MoneyGeek score include customer satisfaction, affordability of premiums, claims handling, available coverage options and company stability. With an annual cost of $1,437, opting for an insurer like Allstate that provides new or better car replacement coverages could signify financial savings in the event of an accident, even if the premiums are marginally higher. In the absence of these coverages, drivers can be compensated for the depreciated value of their vehicle, which may be considerably lower than the cost of a new car.
Allstate
pros
Ranks top for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks top for claims handling.
Leads in affordability with a $1,437 annual premium for full coverage.
Offers new car replacement coverage.
cons
Does not excel in customer service.
Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Leading the pack with stellar satisfaction (35 out of 35) and coverage (10 out of 10) scores, Allstate sets the bar high in the MoneyGeek score system. Offering new car replacement as an optional add-on, Allstate provides peace of mind for drivers with new cars by covering the cost of a new vehicle, not just the depreciated value, in case of total loss. Drivers looking at Allstate can expect an average annual premium of $1,437.
With new car replacement, Allstate caters to owners of newer models by ensuring they can get back on the road in a brand-new car after a total loss. This coverage is especially valuable considering the rapid depreciation new cars face as soon as they leave the lot. Beyond this, Allstate also offers a suite of common coverage options, including roadside assistance and rental car or travel reimbursement, plus rarer coverage such as custom parts coverage and portable electronics and media coverage, enhancing the protection for your vehicle’s bespoke features and valuable in-car devices.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for Military Backgrounds
MoneyGeek found that USAA is the best option in Vermont for car insurance tailored to the needs of military personnel. Evaluating the providers for their MoneyGeek scores, the top two companies are as follows:
- USAA: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($500 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($689 per year)
Additionally, for those with a military background, USAA remains a notable option even if based on the MoneyGeek score, which values a balance of service quality and affordability, it did not win in Vermont.
USAA stands out due to its high satisfaction, affordability and claims handling scores, which are significant contributors to its overall MoneyGeek score. The annual cost of $500 makes USAA not just the best in service but also the most affordable choice for those eligible. For military drivers who are predominantly cost-focused, exploring the cheapest car insurance in Vermont for military drivers can provide additional options.
USAA
pros
Ranks No. 1 for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks No. 1 for cost with an average annual premium of $500 for full coverage.
Offers common coverages, such as roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.
cons
Does not excel in customer service with a score of 35.
Does not offer rare coverages like accident forgiveness.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
USAA leads the rankings primarily due to its exceptional satisfaction and affordability scores, demonstrably providing valuable service and cost-efficiency. Catering exclusively to military families, both active-duty and retired, USAA's commitment is apparent with an average annual premium of $500.
USAA offers a range of reasonably common and common coverage options that are essential for drivers. For example, its roadside assistance is invaluable when unexpected vehicle issues arise, providing services like towing and jump-starts.
Additionally, the rental car and/or travel reimbursement covers the cost of a rental while your vehicle is undergoing repairs — a crucial benefit that minimizes inconvenience during downtimes. Accident forgiveness, which secures your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident, underscores USAA's understanding of customer concerns over rates spiking due to mishaps.
This coverage illustrates USAA's dedication to affordability and customer satisfaction — with scores of 35 (out of 35) and 30 (out of 30), respectively. Its claims handling also stands out with a score of 18 (out of 20), ensuring a smooth and supportive process for clients facing claims.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Vermont for You
In Vermont, the finest car insurance providers stand out by blending cost-effectiveness, robust financial health and a history of exceptional customer service. MoneyGeek has meticulously evaluated these factors to aid you in decision-making. For those seeking to personally navigate the insurance landscape, a methodical approach consisting of at least four key steps is recommended to ensure a well-informed choice.
- 1
Research customer service reputations in Vermont
Exceptional customer service is crucial for car insurers in Vermont, where drivers depend on reliable support in times of need. Vigilant shoppers should utilize resources like JD Power and the NAIC to investigate a company's service track record. According to MoneyGeek's research, American Family stands out in Vermont with a customer satisfaction score of 42 (out of 45) and a claims handling score of 30 (out of 30), indicating top-tier service.
- 2
Compare quotes
Comparing quotes in Vermont can lead to significant savings without compromising on service quality. It's essential for drivers to conduct thorough research to discover the most cost-effective options tailored to their unique profiles. MoneyGeek's findings point to American Family as the best choice for minimum coverage in Vermont, with an annual premium of $242.
- 3
Find the coverages you want in Vermont
The right coverages are a pivotal aspect of a car insurance product. It's important for consumers in Vermont to research insurers to ensure their coverage needs are met. MoneyGeek's analysis reveals that American Family is the sole insurer with a perfect coverage score of 10, offering all four key coverages: rental car and/or travel reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance and OEM coverage.
- 4
Check financial stability ratings
Securing coverage from an insurer with a robust financial stability rating is essential to mitigate the risk of claim denial due to financial incapacity. Drivers should prioritize researching this aspect. MoneyGeek's evaluation awards a perfect stability score of 5 (out of 5) to both GEICO and State Farm, indicating they have received the highest A.M. Best rating of A++, ensuring financial reliability.
FAQ: Best Car Insurance in Vermont
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
American Family is also the best for cheap car insurance in Vermont, with an annual premium for a minimum coverage policy at $242 and an overall MoneyGeek score of 91. Minimum coverage policies may not provide comprehensive protection, but affordable full coverage policies can be found by comparing quotes.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.