Vermont and Virginia Auto Insurance Coverage Comparison

Vermont and Virginia are both tort states for car insurance purposes. A person who has been injured in a car accident has the right to sue to collect damages from the at-fault driver in the accident. Each state sets the minimum level of third party liability insurance that policyholders must have in place, but drivers always have the option of buying a policy with a higher limit if they wish. Choosing a policy with a higher limit provides more protection if the policyholder is involved in an at-fault accident. If the level of damages caused is higher than the amount of coverage available, the at-fault driver must pay this amount personally.

The minimum level of bodily injury liability coverage required by law in Vermont and Virginia is $25,000 to pay for the injuries or death of one person and $50,000 to pay for the injuries or death of two or more accident victims.

Property damage liability protection is also a legal requirement in both states, but the minimum level of coverage that drivers must have in place to stay legal varies. In Vermont, at least $10,000 in coverage must be purchased and the minimum in Virginia is $20,000. This coverage is used to pay for the cost of repairs to the other driver’s vehicle. It also pays for the cost to repair or replace public property damaged or destroyed in the accident, including sidewalks, fences, buildings, sign posts and mailboxes.

Vermont State Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements

Vermont is a tort state for car insurance purposes, and all driver must have third party liability coverage in place to comply with state laws. Bodily injury liability insurance pays for medical bills and related expenses incurred by the occupants of the other vehicle following an accident. It also pays a funeral benefit in the case of a fatal accident. The minimum level of coverage required by law is $25,000 to compensate one accident victim and $50,000 to pay for all injuries sustained in the accident.

Property damage liability coverage is used to pay for repairs to the other driver’s vehicle. It is also used to pay for public property damaged in the accident, including sign posts, mail boxes and guard rails. At least $10,000 in coverage must be bought to comply with state laws.

Along with third party liability protection, drivers in this state must also purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance comes into play when the at-fault driver in an accident is not covered, and the driver’s own policy is used to pay for injuries and damages.  The minimum requirements are higher than  for third party liability protection: $50,000 to compensate a single accident victim and $100,000 to pay for all injuries and damages stemming from the same accident.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage of at least $10,000 is also required under Vermont state law. It is used to pay for repairs to the driver’s own vehicle following an accident.