Alaska Auto Insurance Guide

To say that winters in Alaska can get chilly would be an understatement. When the thermometer drops below zero and the cold winds kick up, you will want a vehicle that is reliable and safe. You will also want to make sure that you are following the laws of the state, by registering your vehicle and following all traffic laws. One aspect of car ownership that is vital is to get auto insurance in Alaska. By following the auto insurance requirements, you can ensure that you will be covered in case you ever get into an accident, and you won't have to pay fines if you ever get stopped by a police officer.

Alaska Car Insurance Regulations

Alaskan regulations require that drivers of vehicles prove financial responsibility. There are three ways to do this. You can post a bond for tens of thousands of dollars with the DMV, self-insure, or buy auto insurance. You can contact your local Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you are interested in posting a bond or self insuring, but most people choose to buy auto insurance. Auto insurance in Alaska is not required everywhere. Alaskan auto insurance laws state that in some areas, vehicles are exempt from registering their vehicles or purchasing insurance. The Alaskan DMV has a list of these exempt locations. Drivers that have received a ticket in the last five years with a point value of six or higher will have to purchase the required auto insurance coverage, regardless of their location.

Mandatory Minimum Coverage in Alaska

To fulfill auto insurance requirements, Alaska requires that you purchase $50,000 in bodily injury coverage liability for one person, $100,000 in bodily injury for one incident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. Uninsured and underinsured motorist, collision, and comprehensive auto insurance in Alaska is not required, although you may wish to purchase this coverage.

Motorcycle Coverage Requirements

Although motorcycles are rarely seen in Alaska due to the weather, the motorcycle insurance laws are similar to the auto insurance laws. Just like auto insurance in Alaska, motorcycles have the same minimum amounts of coverage, including $50,000 in bodily injury liability for one person, $100,000 for one accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. Because motorcycles are so rare in Alaska, not every company will insure motorcycles in the state, so you may need to shop around; you may be required to insure an auto or get other coverage with the company for them to accept you. Like the auto insurance laws, some areas are exempt from motorcycle registration and mandatory insurance. Passengers, motorcyclists under 18 years old, riders taking a road test, or riders with an instruction permit are required to wear helmets.

Alaska Car Insurance Advice

Although the auto insurance laws say that you don't have to have insurance in some areas, it is a good idea to purchase it if you plan on driving in the more populated areas of the state. Uninsured and underinsured insurance is also not required, but it is inexpensive and well worth purchasing. One way to save on auto insurance is to raise your deductible. Combining policies, paying for six months at a time, maintaining a good credit score, and driving safely will also help you pay less for auto insurance in Alaska.