Vermont Mutual Car Insurance Review

Customers generally appreciate competitive rates and local service, but value perception changes after claims experiences:

"I found them through a web search for lower auto insurance. They offered the same quality auto coverage, plus renter's insurance, I always had for a lower premium, and my new agent was very helpful in the process of switching."

"Vermont Mutual accepted our insurance application but then less than a week later they were ready to drop our policy instantly. We have a pool in the backyard of our new house and the previous homeowner had a diving board. They gave me exactly 24 hours to remove the diving board or my policy would be dropped."

"One of my biggest regrets when we moved out of the New England area was that I would have to find a new policy for my car insurance!"

Claims handling receives heavy criticism, with customers reporting long delays and inconsistent decisions:

"I had damages to my home. Vermont mutual sent out an adjuster who agreed the damages should be covered by insurance. After the report was submitted I waited over a month for a response. Vermont mutual claimed they did not have enough evidence of damages and required before photographs. Vermont was silent for weeks after I submitted my evidence. After speaking with a supervisor and getting the run around for another 2 weeks, they still denied my claim."

"It's been my experience that it depends on who you're working with in the claims department and whether or not you'll receive money for the claim you have filed. One time Vermont helped us right away; another time, they dragged their feet through the mud."

"I filed a claim with my insurance company 8 weeks ago and they have not followed up with a decision about what, if anything, they will cover. My basement flooded and I have had to make as many repairs as possible out of pocket. There is mold growing in my basement that I need to address and some of the issues I need to fix are becoming more expensive because I have had to wait so long for insurance."

Customer service experiences vary widely, often depending on whether dealing with local agents or corporate claims staff:

"Horrible horrible horrible Have had them for 20 years. Had a no fault accident and it was a nightmare to deal with them."

"I could give several specific examples of Vermont Insurance dragging its feet but I am too stressed out to do so. Vermont's delaying tactics are affecting my mental health and that of the rest of my family."

"My wife was hit while stopped in traffic. We filed a claim the very next morning and stated from the first moment exactly what had occurred. The body shop contacted us to tell us we have to pay our deductible to pick up our car because the insurance company states we are the at fault party for not submitting an accident form."

Limited feedback on digital services, with basic online account management available:

"With a MyVM account, customers have access to a variety of resources, including billing and payment information, policy documents, auto ID cards, claim information and personalized convenience reminders."

"Vermont Mutual informed me that they would not release the funds to me personally because my vehicle is financed, and the repair costs were over $1,000. Virtually any damage on a newer vehicle is going to cost over $1,000 to repair. Buyer beware, you will not be able to perform your own repairs if you're a customer and you're still making payments on your vehicle."

Trust issues emerge particularly around policy renewals and claims processing:

"They non-renewed as soon as I made a claim. Awful company to deal with. Customer service is nonexistent. Absolutely do not recommend."

"Now they won't renew our policy, although we have given VT Mutual thousands of dollars over 20 years. If you are paying the premiums, terminating our insurance is a greedy move. I do not recommend them. I will also be canceling our homeowners insurance."

"If I could give them zero stars, I would. Total joke of a company. I sought a homeowners policy from them and got a two month runaround. They were deceptive, evasive, and dishonest. They didn't want to issue a policy but they were happy to take my initial payment."

Coverage options are generally adequate, though claim payment becomes the real issue:

"15 year customer with home and car. I have never had a claim with the car. Had my kids spill a gallon of milk and not tell me in the back carpets. I tried to get them cleaned professionally twice. No luck. Went to the dealership to get them replaced and reinstalled carpet and Vermont Mutual comes up with every run around in the book to not authorize the replacement carpet."

"July 25, 2023 I had a loss and immediately called my HOA who was insured by Vermont Mutual. I have had multiple quotes from construction companies with estimated well over $50,000 worth of damage. Vermont Mutual is stating that the damage is only [small amount] dollars worth of damage & is refusing to pay."

Vermont Mutual is a legitimate car insurance company that places ninth in our comprehensive car insurance provider rankings. The insurer excels in affordability, ranking fourth among all carriers we evaluated.

The insurer is ranked highest in Vermont, but isn't a top-rated company in any other state.

Vermont Mutual costs adults an average of $446 annually for state minimum coverage and $1,038 for full coverage. Annual premiums range from $402 to $9,595 for minimum coverage and $926 to $23,489 for full coverage.

Customer reviews show mixed claim handling experiences. Some customers report quick resolutions and fair settlements, while others cite lengthy delays and denials. Forum reviews highlight these issues more than industry complaints data, which shows Vermont Mutual performs well below the expected complaint rate.

Note: This represents limited information based primarily on forum reviews.

Vermont Mutual isn't ideal for drivers with a DUI, ranking 27th overall for affordability, but offers competitive rates for most other high-risk categories.

Vermont Mutual raises rates over time due to inflation, increased claims resulting from distracted driving and severe weather, as well as individual risk factors such as credit changes.

Vermont Mutual is a solid choice for young drivers, ranking sixth for affordability, with competitive rates of $192 per month for full coverage.