Auto Insurance

Whether you're commuting to work, taking the kids to practice, or navigating another Vermont winter, your vehicle is an important part of everyday life. Having the right insurance starts with understanding your coverage and the options available to you.

At Barrett Insurance Agency, we've been helping drivers throughout Vermont and New Hampshire since 1989. As an independent insurance agency, we work with a variety of insurance companies to explore options based on your vehicles, driving needs, and budget.

And because no two drivers are exactly alike, we believe your auto insurance deserves a little personal attention.

What Does Auto Insurance Cover?

Auto insurance is designed to provide financial protection for a variety of situations, from accidents involving other drivers to damage to your own vehicle.

While the specifics vary by insurance company and policy, here are some of the most common coverages you'll encounter.

Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability

Liability coverage helps protect you financially if you're legally responsible for an accident that causes injuries to others or damage to someone else's property. It can also provide legal defense for covered claims, subject to your policy's terms and limits.

Choosing appropriate liability limits is an important part of reviewing your auto insurance.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered accident, such as hitting another vehicle, a guardrail, or a tree. This coverage is generally subject to a deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage

Sometimes called Other Than Collision, comprehensive coverage generally addresses damage caused by events such as theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects, or hitting an animal.

Glass coverage may also fall under comprehensive, although deductibles and optional glass provisions can vary.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Not every driver carries sufficient insurance. These coverages can help provide protection when you're injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or insufficient liability limits. Available protections and requirements vary by state.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage may help pay certain medical expenses for you or your passengers following a covered auto accident, regardless of who was responsible, subject to policy limits.

Sometimes it's the smaller details of an auto policy that become important after a loss.

Depending on the insurance company, you may have options such as:

• Rental Reimbursement: Helps with eligible rental vehicle expenses when your insured vehicle is being repaired following a covered loss.

• Roadside Assistance: May provide services such as towing, jump-starts, or assistance with a disabled vehicle.

• Glass Coverage: Certain policies offer reduced or waived deductibles for eligible glass repairs or replacements.

• Loan or Lease Gap Coverage: May help address the difference between your vehicle's covered total-loss settlement and the amount you still owe, subject to specific conditions and limitations.

• New Vehicle Replacement: Some insurers offer optional protection for qualifying newer vehicles following a covered total loss.

Not all coverages are available with every company, and limits, deductibles, and eligibility requirements can differ.

Driving in Vermont & New Hampshire

Living in Northern New England brings its own challenges behind the wheel. Between changing seasons, rural roads, and long winter months, there are a few considerations worth keeping in mind.

Winter Weather & Road Conditions

Snow, ice, freezing rain, and unpredictable road conditions are part of life here. Understanding how collision coverage and deductibles work before an accident can help avoid surprises.

Deer, Moose & Other Wildlife

Animals and vehicles aren't a great combination, especially on rural roads. Damage caused by striking an animal is generally handled under comprehensive coverage, while swerving and striking another object may involve collision coverage.

Teen Drivers & Household Changes

Adding a newly licensed driver, purchasing another vehicle, or changing how a vehicle is used can affect your insurance. It's important to keep your agency informed as your household changes.

Vehicle Use Matters

Whether you drive a few miles each day, commute across state lines, or occasionally use your vehicle for business, how and where you drive can affect your coverage and eligibility.

Understanding Your Liability Limits

One of the most important parts of your auto insurance policy is also one of the easiest to overlook.

While states establish minimum insurance requirements, those minimums may not provide enough protection for every situation.

Medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and liability claims can add up quickly. We believe it's worth taking the time to understand your limits and how they relate to your personal circumstances.

For those looking for additional liability protection, a personal umbrella policy may also be worth exploring.

Whether you're buying a home, reviewing your current policy, or simply wondering what other options might be available, we're happy to help.

Insurance coverage is subject to eligibility, underwriting approval, policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Not all coverage options are available from every insurer.