Individuals with a history of traffic violations, speeding tickets or a DUI are classified as high-risk drivers by auto insurance companies. As a result, their auto insurance premiums are often higher than the average driver with a clean driving record. To get the best rates, MoneyGeek recommends shopping around and comparing quotes.
In Vermont, you are likely to find top-quality high-risk car insurance at competitive rates with State Farm at around $806 per year. This provider received high ratings for affordability, stability, claims and customer satisfaction.
Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023





When compared to the average driver, high-risk drivers file more insurance claims. They usually have multiple citations, one or more car accidents in the past three years, poor credit or a DUI conviction. New and young drivers are also classified as high-risk due to their inexperience.
Auto insurance premiums can be significantly higher for high-risk drivers than for those with clean records. Vermont high-risk drivers, for instance, pay 26% more for auto insurance than the average driver.
A high-risk driver has a history of driving violations, accidents, or, in extreme cases, one or multiple DUIs. The most common driving violations include speeding, reckless driving and refusing to obey traffic signs. Other factors that would classify an individual as high-risk include:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Cheapest Car Insurance in Vermont for High-Risk Drivers
MoneyGeek examined several Vermont insurance carriers to identify the most affordable provider in the state. According to MoneyGeek, State Farm is the cheapest insurer, costing an average of $806 per year.
In our comprehensive study of State Farm auto insurance, MoneyGeek looks at its benefits, drawbacks, rates and service quality.
Depending on the state, high-risk drivers must file an SR-22 form. Note that SR-22 does not replace an auto insurance policy. SR-22 is required by law for those with a DUI to prove that their auto insurance coverage meets the state’s minimum liability requirements.
As a high-risk driver in Vermont, you may not be able to get car insurance unless you obtain SR-22 from your insurance company. Depending on your conviction, you may be required to have Vermont SR-22 insurance for three years.
Best Car Insurance in Vermont for High-Risk Drivers
According to MoneyGeek’s data, State Farm is the best insurance company in Vermont for high-risk drivers. The company received a MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100. MoneyGeek's in-depth State Farm review assessed the company's pros, cons, coverage, rates and customer service.
Allstate is Vermont's second-best insurer for high-risk drivers, scoring 94 out of 100. MoneyGeek also analyzed Allstate's offerings, including rates, service quality, complaint rates and available discounts.

High-risk auto insurance from State Farm costs around $806 per year in Vermont. High-risk drivers may expect to pay an average of 11% more for car insurance than safer drivers.
State Farm is affordable for most drivers, including young drivers and those with a traffic violation on their record. It’s also an accessible provider as it is available in all 50 states. The company provides rideshare and roadside assistance coverage but doesn't offer rare coverage such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

High-risk auto insurance from State Farm costs around $806 per year in Vermont. High-risk drivers may expect to pay an average of 11% more for car insurance than safer drivers.
State Farm is affordable for most drivers, including young drivers and those with a traffic violation on their record. It’s also an accessible provider as it is available in all 50 states. The company provides rideshare and roadside assistance coverage but doesn't offer rare coverage such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

In Vermont, Allstate's auto insurance premium for a high-risk driver averages $829 annually, about 21% more than the cost for drivers with clean records.
Available in all 50 states, Allstate offers low-cost coverage for all types of drivers with the option to purchase additional coverage. These include accident forgiveness, custom parts, new car replacement and deductible modification. However, it does not provide common discounts for insuring multiple cars or having defensive driving education.

In Vermont, Allstate's auto insurance premium for a high-risk driver averages $829 annually, about 21% more than the cost for drivers with clean records.
Available in all 50 states, Allstate offers low-cost coverage for all types of drivers with the option to purchase additional coverage. These include accident forgiveness, custom parts, new car replacement and deductible modification. However, it does not provide common discounts for insuring multiple cars or having defensive driving education.
Quality car insurance comes at a cost. The more coverage you need, the higher your premiums will be. The cheapest car insurance isn't always the best choice because you want to ensure adequate coverage. For drivers on a budget, consider low-income car insurance in Vermont.
Although there’s no government assistance program for low-income drivers seeking car insurance in Vermont, MoneyGeek recommends pay-per-mile car insurance for drivers who drive infrequently.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Vermont for Drivers With a DUI
The cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI is from State Farm at roughly $784 per year. Read MoneyGeek's State Farm review to learn more information about this provider.
If you are a military member or relative, MoneyGeek found that USAA is the cheapest option for high-risk auto insurance for those who qualify.
A look-back period is the length of time that a DUI remains on an individual’s driving record. These lengthy periods are implemented to deter drivers from being tempted to repeat their offenses.
Vermont has a lifetime look-back period for alcohol-related offenses, meaning that all previous convictions will count against you in addition to the DUI on your record.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Vermont for Teenage Drivers
Nationwide is the cheapest provider for young drivers at $2,894 per year. Rates may vary depending on age. For example, the difference in premiums for a 16- and 19-year-old driver may adjust by about 15%.
Teenagers are classified as high-risk drivers by insurance companies due to their inexperience. Auto insurance companies predict they’re more likely to be involved in traffic violations and accidents. MoneyGeek's Nationwide review provides more details about its auto insurance coverage.
Auto insurance can be costly for young drivers. For this reason, some may lean toward purchasing the cheapest policy possible that meets the state’s minimum requirements. MoneyGeek recommends full coverage for young drivers, ensuring they are properly covered in the case of an accident or an unexpected event like vandalism. It also gives parents peace of mind.
Shop around and compare quotes from various insurers to find the best and cheapest car insurance provider for young and student drivers in Vermont.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Vermont for Drivers With Bad Credit
Allstate is the cheapest auto insurance carrier for Vermont drivers with poor credit. An annual premium averages $953. MoneyGeek’s guide on Allstate car insurance analyzes the provider's pros, cons, rates and service quality.
In Vermont, your credit score significantly impacts your car insurance. Those with poor credit typically pay more for auto insurance than drivers with excellent credit. If you have poor credit, don’t be discouraged. Shop around and compare rates to acquire the best car insurance policy.
MoneyGeek's guide on how to get car insurance with bad credit includes strategies for getting affordable and quality auto insurance in Vermont.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Vermont?
Insurance companies often look at a driver's record and profile to determine rates. Therefore, high-risk drivers often have to pay higher premiums.
In Vermont, drivers considered high-risk pay an average of $1,192 per year for insurance. In comparison, drivers without tickets or accidents on their record pay an average of $860. That's a difference of over $300.
Annual Car Insurance Cost in VT for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers
Low-Risk Driver
$860High-Risk Driver
$1,192This is 39% more expensive.
Using MoneyGeek's Vermont auto insurance calculator, you can get an idea of how much a policy would cost you depending on your age, driving record, car specs and coverage options. MoneyGeek's auto insurance calculator can help you determine which of these factors has the most impact on your rates.
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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Vermont if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?
Auto insurance is required in Vermont, and all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance. However, since auto insurance is a voluntary market, providers may refuse to cover you if they consider you too risky to insure.
If this happens to you, your best bet is to seek a residual market plan via the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO). The insurance industry has depended on AIPSO, a nationwide, non-profit organization, to offer services to the car insurance residual market for almost 50 years.
Vermont Automobile Insurance Plan
The Vermont Automobile Insurance Plan (VAIP) was created under Vermont law as amended by the 1969 General Assembly to provide coverage to drivers unable to purchase car insurance premiums through the voluntary market. VAIP assists with bodily injury, property damage, medical payments and physical damage to your vehicle.
To be eligible for VAIP coverage, you must provide proof that you have been unable to get vehicle insurance in Vermont for the last 60 days.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST
Email
vtaip@aipso.com
Phone
(401) 528-1488
(401) 946-2800
Fax
(855) 224-7349
Mailing Address
Northeast Region, 302 Central Ave., Johnston, RI 02919
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Frequently Asked Questions
High-risk drivers often struggle to get insurance. To help with the process, MoneyGeek answered some commonly asked questions regarding Vermont's high-risk auto insurance.
Methodology
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.
To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

sources
- Responsibility.org. "State Law: DUI Look-Back Periods." Accessed September 14, 2022.