Who Has The Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance In Vermont?

Motorcycle insurance is the most common and practical way to fulfill Vermont's financial responsibility requirement, but it's more than a legal obligation. Insurance also protects you financially, both as a rider and bike owner. We gathered 170 quotes from across the state to identify the top insurers to fit your needs.

Cheapest motorcycle insurance companies in Vermont

We collected motorcycle insurance quotes from across the state to determine the most affordable option. Geico offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance for Vermonters, with an average price of $307 per year — 36% cheaper than the statewide average. The most expensive insurer is Nationwide, with an average annual price of $603.

Cheapest motorcycle insurance companies in Vermont

Best motorcycle insurance for most people: Geico

The best motorcycle insurance for most riders in Vermont is Geico due to its great rates. At $307 per year, the average annual cost of its motorcycle insurance premiums is 36% cheaper than the average insurer in Vermont. Geico also has a better-than-average Complaint Index of 0.79 from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This means Geico customers are 79% as likely to file a complaint as a typical insurance customer, and it suggests that they tend to be happy with their service overall. Geico doesn't offer as many specialized coverage options as other insurers, which helps keep premiums low. Riders can add additional protection for accessories like seats and saddlebags, a trike conversion kit, non-stock sidecar and electronic equipment. Geico also offers helmet protection and roadside assistance.

Best coverage options: Allstate

Allstate offers riders in Vermont the cheapest well-rounded coverage. The company's rates are aligned with the state average at $491 a year — just 2% higher than the average price among insurers we considered. It is 60% more expensive than the cheapest insurer in the state, however it offers excellent customer service, earning a 0.63 on the NAIC Complaint Index. That means Allstate customers are only 63% as likely to file a complaint as the average insurance customer. It also received an A+ rating from AM Best, showing that it has excellent financial stability in relation to paying out claims.

Allstate provides riders with well-rounded coverage, including:

Best for daily riders: Dairyland

Dairyland's rental reimbursement coverage and roadside assistance make it the best choice for riders who use their motorcycle as their main vehicle. Emergency roadside assistance coverage gives Dairyland policyholders access to fuel, oil, water or fluid refills 24 hours a day. Coverage also includes service for flat tires, bad batteries, electrical or mechanical problems and tow service if repairs are required.

When riders use their bikes to get to work or for everyday activities, an accident or breakdown can derail their lives. Dairyland will reimburse riders for the cost of a rental vehicle while their motorcycle is in the shop.

Dairyland's average annual rate is $460 — 5% cheaper than the state average in Vermont. Though its premiums are higher than the cheapest insurer in the state, Dairyland offers riders a number of discounts to lower premiums, including:

Best-rated Vermont motorcycle insurers

When you're shopping for motorcycle insurance, choosing a dependable insurer is as important as finding the best rate. We use two metrics to analyze a company's level of service — the NAIC Complaint Index and the AM Best financial strength rating (FSR). Among Vermont motorcycle insurers, Nationwide has the best customer service score, while USAA and Geico maintain the highest rank for financial strength.

The NAIC complaint index compares a company's rate of complaints to the rate of an average insurer. The average score is 1.0, and lower numbers equate to better performance. A company with a higher AM Best rating is better positioned to pay out claims, even in difficult financial conditions.

Vermont motorcycle insurance cost by city

The four cities in Vermont with the cheapest motorcycle insurance rates we found — Barre City, Montpelier, Morrisville and Stowe are located relatively close to one another. The average annual cost in all four towns is $459, 5% lower than the state average.

Motorcycle insurance in the four most expensive cities, which are scattered throughout the state, costs 15% more than the statewide average. Barton, Enosburg Falls, Newport and Springfield are significantly more expensive than those ranked second-most expensive, which are only 1% higher than the state average.

Overall, premiums in Vermont did not change significantly based on location, with the average annual cost ranging by just under $100, at the most, from city to city.

Vermont motorcycle insurance requirements

In order to register your motorcycle with the state of Vermont and ride on public roads, you're required to prove financial responsibility. The law states that if you are at fault in an accident, you have to pay for all of the damages, so riders have to prove that they can afford to cover any damages or injuries they cause.

Most bike owners choose to fulfill this requirement by purchasing an insurance policy. Policies must meet minimum liability limits, which is the same amount required for a car:

Although you are only required to have the minimum limits, we strongly suggest you purchase more coverage if you can afford it.

Riders who choose not to purchase an insurance policy must file evidence of self-insurance for $115,000 with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.

Methodology

We collected motorcycle insurance quotes from five major motorcycle insurance companies operating in Vermont — Allstate, Dairyland, Geico, Nationwide and Progressive. Our sample rider was a 45-year-old man who rides a 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. The coverage limits we used, which surpass the state minimums, are: