Alaska Auto Insurance After DUI
Reader’s Question:
Will my current auto insurance here in Alaska increase immediately after I get convicted for DUI? How long would I have to pay those higher auto insurance rates?
Galen
Anchorage, AK
Unless your auto insurance policy in Alaska is already up for renewal, your premiums will not increase immediately after a DUI conviction. In general, an auto insurance company runs a check on your motor vehicle record (MVR) if they are renewing your auto insurance policy or if you are a new customer. Once your auto insurance provider notices your DUI, it’s the time that your premiums will increase. Depending on the state laws and the rating systems of the auto insurance companies, your premiums will be affected for a period of three, five or seven years, or as long as the conviction is on your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record if the insurance laws in Alaska allow it.
Because of a DUI conviction, auto insurance premiums are likely to increase substantially and you will be considered as a high risk driver by auto insurance companies. On average and depending on the guidelines of your auto insurance provider, the increase on your premiums is 30%.
Your DUI would have a negative effect on your auto insurance as you will be placed in a higher risk group and your rates could stay higher on a number of years after your conviction. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it because you can still shop and compare auto insurance quotes to find the most manageable rates.
Car Insurance – How the Internet Can Help You Save Money
Reader’s Question:
Can I really get cheaper car insurance coverage online as opposed to going with a car insurance agent or broker?
Ingrid
Anchorage, AK
We don’t mean to say that you can only get cheap rates online. However, the Internet does tend to make it much easier for the everyday person to find the best car insurance deals out there. So in many ways, you can have a much better chance and spend far less money and time if you shop for coverage online.
The Latest Rates
Using insurance comparison websites (like this one) you can get a quick car insurance quote check for free. This allows you to see the latest rates and find the cheapest deals in the market. And it only takes a few minutes to put some information in (e.g. age, gender, type of car to be insured, location, etc.) and get the quote offers available in your area.
More Companies to Choose From
Another advantage of shopping for car insurance online is that you are able to compare more offers coming from a wide-variety of insurers in virtually no time at all. Again, with the help of insurance comparison websites which runs a quote check from several different auto insurers simultaneously. No need to contact different agents or brokers.
Better Information
Going with the right kind of auto insurance company can save you a lot of money in the long run. There are many other websites that can educate and help you become a smarter when shopping for coverage. Independent rating agencies like J.D. Powers and A.M. Best as well as the Better Business Bureau provides valuable consumer information to help you find the best car company for you.
I Need an Alaska DUI Lawyer
Reader’s Question:
My cousin here in Anchorage, Alaska has just been charged with DUI. The family decided that we will get a lawyer to defend him on his DUI case? Will we be able to speak to a lawyer outright if we contact a law firm?
Lia
Anchorage, AK
Generally, lawyers will not be able to be the person that you can reach if you contact a law firm to defend your cousin his DUI case in Anchorage, Alaska. Except of course, if there is an emergency situation, like if the person is in jail. The highly trained staff members of the law firm answer almost all questions. They usually make effort to let you talk to a lawyer you call in if an immediate need exists. The reason behind that is because lawyers are in court almost every day with previously scheduled client interviews.
Most law firms offer free initial consultation to every person charged with a crime, including DUI charges, who sets an appointment to talk to a lawyer. If your cousin gets to talk to lawyer about his DUI case, make sure that he appears on time and bring all of the paperwork with him. When he comes in for his free consultation, he will be told the favorable and unfavorable aspects of his DUI case and how the lawyer would approach handling his case, based on the knowledge they have in front of them at the time of the consultation. Your cousin is also not obligated to hire the lawyer merely because he has a free initial appointment.
DUI in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
What are the penalties for dui in Alaska? This is my second offense.
Bill
Anchorage AK
In the state of Alaska, a DUI or Driving Under the Influence offense is both a very serious and very costly offense. DUI is still among the top reasons for most collisions, deaths, and accidents on America’s roads up to this day. Anyone convicted of a DUI charge can expect heavy punishments. Getting auto insurance for DUI offenders is a must if one wishes to get back on the road again.
Let’s give you a better idea of what to expect after a DUI conviction in Alaska: First offense fined $1,500 and a 72 hours in jail, 90 day license revocation. 2nd offense: $3,000 fine, 20 days in jail and 1 year license suspension. 3rd offense: $4,000 fine, 60 days in jail, 3-year license suspension. 4th offense: $5,000 fine, 120 days in jail, 5-year license revocation. 5th offense: $6,000 fine, jail time of 240 days, 5-year license suspension. Consecutive offenses face $7,000 in fines, 360 days incarceration, and a suspended license for five years.
Getting an affordable auto insurance for DUI is a fact of life after a drunk driving conviction. It’s a really bad idea to allow anyone with a DUI charge on his or her records to drive a car without appropriate auto insurance coverage. Doing so will not only cause you to lose your license and pay bigger premiums, if caught, but can seriously undermine your financial bottom-line should you get into (or cause) an auto accident.
The good news is that getting the best auto insurance for DUI in Alaska is now easier than ever, thanks to the Internet! With many auto insurance companies and DUI insurance specialist offering services on the Net, as well as the abundance of DUI and auto insurance portals, anyone can get the latest auto insurance rates and offers available on the market today absolutely free.
It only takes a few moments of your time, with a small bit of effort, to compare prices from among the many auto insurance providers catering to those with DUI records. Done well, the right kind of coverage can save you hundreds of dollars annually, while keeping you protected on the road.