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Vermont DUI & Violation: What Happens to Your Insurance

Vermont requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Vermont at a Glance

25/50/10

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

None

No age-based renewal rule and no vision test at renewal

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Vermont

After a DUI, license suspension, or serious violation in Vermont, your current insurance carrier will typically choose not to renew your policy when it expires — not cancel it immediately — giving you 30–60 days to find replacement coverage. Vermont law requires you to maintain continuous liability coverage, and for certain violations (DUI, reckless driving, multiple at-fault accidents), the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles will require you to file an SR-22 certificate proving you carry at least the state minimum limits. Most standard carriers either do not offer SR-22 filing or will decline to renew drivers who need it, meaning you'll need coverage from a non-standard or high-risk insurer.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

An SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it is a certificate your insurer files with the Vermont DMV proving you carry the required minimum liability coverage (25/50/10). Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing; most standard insurers will decline to provide it, meaning you'll need to work with a non-standard carrier that specializes in high-risk drivers.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. Vermont has several non-standard carriers operating in the state, though availability can be limited in rural areas.

Liability Insurance

After a violation, you must maintain at least these minimums without any lapse for the entire SR-22 filing period (typically 3–5 years). Many drivers choose higher limits — especially older drivers with home equity or retirement assets to protect — because minimum limits may not cover the full cost of a serious accident.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Vermont does not require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, but it is particularly important for older drivers with medical costs that could exceed the other driver's liability limits. After a violation, this coverage protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage, which is more common than many drivers realize.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If your vehicle is paid off and has low market value, you may choose to drop comprehensive and collision coverage to lower your premium after a violation. However, if you still have a loan or lease, or if your vehicle's value exceeds what you could afford to replace out-of-pocket, these coverages remain important even with a high-risk premium. Non-standard carriers may require higher deductibles for drivers with recent violations.

What Drivers Pay in Vermont

$104–$114/mo

Typical monthly rate in Vermont, drivers 65 and over

Rate data: MoneyGeek and Insure.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Type of violation (DUI increases rates more than a single reckless driving conviction)
  • Your age and driving history before the violation (older drivers with decades of clean driving may see smaller increases)
  • Length of SR-22 filing period required by the Vermont DMV (3 vs. 5 years impacts long-term cost)
  • Vehicle type and value (older, lower-value vehicles cost less to insure)
  • Availability of non-standard carriers in your area (rural Vermont may have fewer options than Burlington or Rutland)
  • Whether you maintain continuous coverage without any lapse during the filing period (lapses restart the clock and increase rates further)
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Put These Answers to Work on Your Rate

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Mature-driver discount

Not required by state law

Mature-driver discounts here are set by each insurer.

Source: state statutes and insurance departments, verified July 2026

Coverage Types

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Coverage designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or serious violations who cannot obtain standard insurance. Premiums are significantly higher but provide the legally required coverage and SR-22 filing.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies from carriers that specialize in drivers with violations, lapses, or poor credit. Often the only option after a DUI or license suspension when standard carriers decline to renew.

SR-22 Insurance

Not a separate insurance type — SR-22 is a certificate your carrier files with the Vermont DMV proving continuous coverage. The filing itself costs $15–$35/year, but you must work with a carrier that offers it.

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Vermont's minimum limits (25/50/10) may not be sufficient for older drivers with home equity or retirement assets to protect.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance

Includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage to protect both your legal responsibility and your vehicle. Important if you have a loan, lease, or a vehicle worth more than you could replace out-of-pocket.

Find Your City in Vermont

Burlington

suburban

Essex

suburban

South Burlington

suburban

Colchester

suburban

Rutland

urban