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Vermont Home Insurance

Scenic countryside and towns make Vermont an ideal place to call home. Vermonters deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re protected when the unexpected happens.

Is home insurance required in Vermont?

Vermont doesn’t legally require homeowners to have insurance on their property, but if you finance your home through a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have homeowners insurance. Even if you own your home outright without a mortgage, it's still highly advisable to have homeowners insurance. Home insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. It should be tailored to your specific situation and needs.

 

Typical Vermont homeowners insurance coverages

  • Coverage A – Dwelling:

    Coverage for your home and attached structures for damage caused by events such as fire, lightning, wind or hail.

  • Coverage B – Other structures:

    This covers damage to other structures on the property that are set apart from the dwelling, such as a fence, shed or detached garage. 

  • Coverage C – Personal property:

    Coverage for your belongings, such as furniture, clothing and electronics, if they’re damaged by a cause listed in your policy.

  • Coverage D – Loss of use:

    This covers your temporary living expenses when a covered loss makes your home unfit to live in.

  • Coverage E – Personal liability:

    This covers damage or injury to another person or their property that you’re liable for. It also covers legal assistance for claims made against you.

  • Coverage F – Medical payments to others:

    This coverage can pay for medical bills for people who are accidentally hurt on your property, not including members of your household.

Remember, each of these coverages is subject to a policy limit and exclusions, which are specified within your policy.

Your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damages, so it helps to ensure you’re properly covered if there’s a flood. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Flood insurance policies are available, however, and are written through the federally backed National Flood Insurance Program. It’s common for mortgage companies to require flood insurance if your home is within or near a floodplain. Regardless, a flood can occur anywhere and it’s a good idea to buy this additional coverage. 

Additional coverages

You may find that the general coverages afforded in a basic homeowners policy don’t cover certain losses or types of property. Amica offers home insurance options in the form of policy endorsements that can fill in some of those gaps in coverage. Adding endorsements to your homeowners insurance policy can provide valuable additional coverage tailored to your specific needs. Here are a few endorsements you might consider:

  • Special computer coverage:

    Additional protection beyond what’s included in your policy for devices against direct physical loss, like accidental damage or theft. Devices covered under special computer coverage include:

    • Desktops
    • Laptops
    • Smartphones
    • Gaming devices
    • Smart TVs

  • Identity fraud expenses:

    Identity theft is a growing concern, and this endorsement can help cover expenses associated with restoring your identity, such as legal fees, lost wages and other related costs.

  • Water backup and sump overflow:

    Unexpected and accidental water damage, like from an appliance or burst pipes, is covered by most homeowners insurance policies. But, at the same time, they also exclude coverage for backed-up sewers and drains. This endorsement provides coverage for water that backs-up through drains and sump pumps, which could be excluded under the standard policy. 

  • Scheduled personal property:

    If you have high-value items such as jewelry, fine art or collectibles, a basic homeowners policy may not provide sufficient coverage. With this endorsement, you can insure specific items to make sure they're adequately covered against loss or damage.

  • Earthquakes:

    A standard policy excludes damage caused by earth movement, including earthquakes. This endorsement would extend coverage to damage caused by an earthquake.

How Vermont homeowners insurance rates are determined

Do you live in Burlington or Enosburgh? Living in a small city or town is a factor that impacts home insurance premiums. Urban areas often have different risk factors compared to rural or small-town settings, which insurers take into account when determining premiums.

While some factors influencing rates are beyond your control, such as weather patterns or repair costs, there are proactive measures you can take to manage your premiums. These might include exploring potential discounts or changing your deductible.

Additionally, regularly reviewing and updating your coverage can ensure that you're not paying for unnecessary add-ons and that your policy adequately reflects your current needs.

Explore home insurance discounts for more savings

There are several ways Vermont homeowners can save money on home insurance without compromising the quality of their coverage.1 We offer home insurance discounts for:

  • Alarm systems: Receive a discount when you insure a home with burglar alarms, sprinkler systems or fire alarms.
  • Automatic detection devices: Insure a home with a temperature monitoring, water leak detection or gas leak detection system installed and receive a discount.
  • New or remodeled homes: Receive a credit when you insure a new or remodeled home.
  • Claim-free: Receive a discount when you’ve had no claims in the past three years.

If these don’t apply to you, we also offer discounts for:

  • AutoPay: Receive a discount when you opt to pay your premium using automatic deductions.
  • E-discount: Receive a discount when you sign up to receive policy information and bills electronically.

One of the best ways to conveniently manage all of your insurance needs and save money at the same time is to bundle your insurance coverages for home and auto with the same insurance company. In fact, Vermonters who bundle auto and home insurance with Amica could save up to 30% with a multiline discount.

Facts and figures about Vermont

Common claims in Vermont:

Vermont's picturesque winters, while beautiful, can also pose significant challenges for homeowners. The prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall can lead to several common insurance claims in the state.

  • Frozen pipes: When temperatures drop below freezing, water pipes in homes can freeze and burst, causing significant water damage. As long as heat in the residence was adequately maintained, homeowners insurance typically covers damage resulting from burst pipes, including water cleanup and repairs to the affected areas.
  • Weight of snow and ice: The accumulation of ice and snow on roofs and structures can result in damage, including roof collapses or structural issues.
  • Snowmelt: As spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, the melting snow can further exacerbate the risk of water damage, as melting snow can seep into homes and cause flooding or water intrusion.

Outside of flooding, most home insurance policies typically provide coverage for damages caused by these perils, up to policy limits. Vermont homeowners may want to consider purchasing supplemental coverage for specific risks, such as flood insurance even in areas that are not flood plains.

Fun facts about Vermont:

  • Montpelier is the smallest capital in the U.S.2
  • The Vermont Teddy Bear Company produces around 500,000 teddy bears every year.2
  • Vermont is home to over 100 covered bridges.2

How to get home insurance in Vermont

We’re here to guide you through the process of personalizing your homeowners insurance. Here’s how to secure your policy in three easy steps:

  1. Assess your coverage needs:

    An Amica representative can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate your options to find the right coverage for your needs. 

  2. Discover potential discounts:

    A representative can also assist you in exploring potential discounts or cost-saving measures available to Vermont homeowners based on your unique circumstances.

  3. Get a quote:

    Amica offers convenient options for getting a quote. You can either get a home insurance quote online or call 800-242-6422 today to speak with a representative.

With Amica, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded against the unexpected, allowing you to focus on what matters most – enjoying life in beautiful Vermont.

Get a home insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2 14 Quirky Facts About Vermont That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
 

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