Snow season seems to last forever in Vermont. While that offers a winter wonderland for skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers, it presents a difficult situation for drivers. Every Vermonter knows the danger of black ice and treacherous winter driving conditions.

As in many states, it is illegal to drive a vehicle not covered by a minimum amount of liability insurance in Vermont. These limits, as prescribed by Vermont Statute V.S.A., Title 23, Chapter 11, §800 are:

Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000/$50,000 Limit
Property Damage Liability: $10,000 Limit

Due to Vermont’s neighbor New Hampshire, whose state motto extols “Live Free or Die” and doesn’t require its inhabitants to have car insurance, average car insurance also includes:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury: $50,000/$100,000 Limit
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage: $10,000 Limit

If a motorist violates the minimum liability insurance statute, he may be issued a civil traffic citation which would result in the payment of a fine not to exceed $100.00, the assessment of points against his license, and being required to file Financial Responsibility Insurance with the Vermont DMV.

Vermont follows a tort system and clearly places at-fault accidents as the responsibility of both the driver and his insurance company. It is wise to have higher limits on your car insurance to prevent against undue financial distress.

Ways to save money on car insurance:

Combine policies
Many people insure a variety of things, namely, motorcycle, camper, house, apartment, personal items, and car and yet keep each item on a different policy. Many carriers will issue a discount on multiple items.

Utilize AAA or other discounts
Often insurance companies can eliminate 5-10% from an insurance policy if the customer uses AAA or is a member of a union with benefits. Ask your insurance carrier about taking a defensive driving course or if you qualify for driving few miles.

Be a safe driver
Without speeding tickets and moving violations, a motorist will have a clean record. With such a record no penalties are added to insurance premiums.

Drop coverage
For older cars, consider eliminating collision from your policy. A good rule of thumb is dropping collision if the car is valued at less than $2000. Also, if you have a spotless record, consider decreasing the limits for coverage. Do you really need $250,000/$500,000 coverage? Speak with your insurance agent about increasing your risk. Increasing your deductible can also help you to save a mint on your policy.