Question 1

Is car insurance required in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Car insurance is required in Alaska for areas where car registrations are necessary — these are Anchorage, Badger, Fairbanks, Eagle River and Juneau. In more rural areas, you don’t necessarily need to carry insurance unless you received a traffic violation with six points within the last five years.

Question 2

Do you need car insurance to register a car in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other states, not all areas of Alaska require you to register your car. It is typically required if you are from one of the five largest cities in Alaska. In these areas, you will need proof of insurance to register your vehicle.

Question 3

What is “basic” car insurance in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Basic car insurance typically refers to policies that have the minimum car insurance required in Alaska. In compliance with car insurance laws in Alaska, you must have at least liability coverage with 50/100/25 limits.

Question 4

Does insurance follow the car or driver in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb, insurance follows the car in Alaska, not the driver. Regardless of who is driving, if you are at fault in an accident, your policy still covers the other driver’s medical and repair costs up to your limit. There are some insurance providers, however, that offer add-on coverages that allow you to be protected even when you’re using a rented car. It’s one of the few cases wherein car insurance follows the driver in this state.

Question 5

Can you get car insurance without a license in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance without a license in Alaska. You have to be prepared, though, that the process may be more challenging than usual. Typically, a driver’s license is one of the first things insurance providers ask for.

Though getting insurance if you don’t drive may sound illogical, it comes with its advantages. If you have a private driver or cannot drive due to a medical condition, having insurance guarantees you’ll be protected if you get into an accident and are at fault, even if it’s someone else behind the wheel.

Question 6

Is Alaska a no-fault state and what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Alaska is a tort — or at-fault — state. It means that being at fault for an accident in Alaska requires you to shoulder the other driver’s costs from injuries. You'll also pay for the cost of repairs if the accident results in property damage.

Question 7

Is PIP coverage required in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

You're not required to have personal injury protection coverage in Alaska. Being a tort state, if you get into an accident and aren’t at fault, the other driver covers your medical expenses and property damage costs.

Question 8

Does Alaska require uninsured motorist insurance?

Accepted Answer

Although Alaska does not include uninsured motorist insurance in its minimum car insurance requirements, it may be worth considering. It is particularly true if you don’t carry a full coverage policy. You may find that you’re not covered if the driver who hits you isn’t insured. 16.1% of drivers in Alaska do not have coverage, making it the 14th-worst state for uninsured drivers.

Question 9

Does Alaska allow for diminished value compensation after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Alaska is considered a diminished value state, which means you can file a claim for the difference between your car’s market value before and after the accident. The statute of limitation for the claim is two years from when the accident occurred.

Alaska is one of the few states where, if an uninsured driver hits you, you can claim diminished value against your uninsured motorist insurance. It also applies if you were a victim of a hit-and-run.

Question 10

How do car insurance requirements change after a DUI in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

If you have a DUI conviction, you have to file an SR-22 to reinstate your license, which proves to the state that your policy meets at least the minimum car insurance requirements of Alaska.

Filing an SR-22 alerts insurance providers that you are a high-risk driver, resulting in significantly more expensive premiums. Drivers are required to carry their SR-22 for three years on average. In Alaska, this changes based on the number of your convictions:

Five years from the ending date for the first offense
10 years from the ending date for the second offense
20 years from the ending date for the third offense
Lifetime for the fourth offense

Question 11

What is a CARCO inspection and is it required?

Accepted Answer

In some states, drivers need to complete a pre-insurance inspection before purchasing comprehension and collision insurance. It prevents fraudulent claims by ensuring there are accurate records of the vehicle before the policy takes effect. CARCO is the leading company that collects data and furnishes insurance companies with reports.

There are only five states that require CARCO pre-insurance inspections. These are Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

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Alaska Minimum Car Insurance Requirements, Penalties and Other Auto Insurance Laws

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On This Page:

What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Alaska?

What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?

How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Alaska?

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What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Alaska While Leasing a Car?

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Alaska

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