alaska car insurance
Hello there, Alaska driver. We've got all the info you need for car insurance rates, uninsured drivers, and alternative car insurance options in the Last Frontier.
Alaska car insurance
Except in rural or remote areas where registration isn't mandatory, Alaska drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance with at least the following limits:
- $50,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $100,000 bodily injury coverage per incident
- $25,000 property damage coverage per incident
These limits often appear in writing as 50/100/25. You can set higher limits, if you prefer, when you buy your policy.
For a list of places where car insurance isn't required, visit Alaska's Division of Motor Vehicles site.
Esurance in Alaska
Esurance isn't currently in Alaska, but we can still help you find a policy that meets your needs.
Get a fast, free car insurance quote from other top companies (and compare rates) in minutes.
Factors that can affect car insurance rates in Alaska
Each insurance company uses different factors to calculate premiums. In general, the following factors play a role:
- Age, gender, and marital status
- Driving record
- Vehicle type
- Location
- Prior lapses in insurance coverage
- Coverages, limits, and deductibles on your policy
- Discounts you qualify for
Proof of car insurance law
Unless you're in an area where car insurance isn't required — like Arctic Village, for instance — you need to carry proof of insurance when you're behind the wheel. If you're caught driving without proof of insurance, your car could be impounded.
Uninsured drivers in Alaska
The Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that 13 percent, or about 68,140 Alaskan drivers, were uninsured in 2009.
While it's not legally required, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage offers drivers financial protection in case of an accident with an at-fault, uninsured driver.
Alternative car insurance options
If you can't get car insurance from a private insurer, you can apply for the Alaska Automobile Insurance Plan. If you qualify, the plan will assign you to an insurer doing business in the state. Visit AIPSO for more information.
Optional car insurance coverages in Alaska
Depending on your insurer, the following coverages may be available:
- Physical damage coverage (commonly divided into collision and comprehensive)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Rental car reimbursement coverage
- Towing and labor
- Stereo coverage (can help pay to replace a stolen stereo)
Factors that could impact your Alaska car insurance rates
Alaskans embrace carpooling. In 2009, 13.3 percent of its workforce shared a ride to work (the second-most, after Hawaii). Carpooling (on top of helping Mother Earth) cuts down the number of miles you drive each year and could earn you a low mileage discount.
Alaskans also lead the way when it comes to walking to work. Eight percent of its workers chose to walk instead of drive to get to the office. This may not seem like much, but the average for the U.S. was 2.9 percent.
Earthquakes are prevalent
Did you know that Alaska is more earthquake-prone than California (or any other state for that matter)? Because of this added risk, you might consider investing in comprehensive coverage.
Check out our safe-driving tips to learn what to do if you're caught driving during an earthquake.
Related links
Alaska driver info
Head here for comprehensive info concerning drivers in Alaska.
Get a free Alaska car insurance quote
Esurance isn't currently in Alaska, but we can still help you find top-notch coverage from other trusted names.