Do I Need To Have Rental Car Insurance in Alaska?
Reader’s Question:
I have rental car coverage from my auto insurance but I really don’t know its restrictions. Would it still make sense if I buy some kind of waivers from a rental car company to replace my insurance coverage?
Mackenzie
Anchorage, AK
Seeming sensible from the coverage you receive from your auto insurance and the waivers that are sold by rental vehicle companies is not simple. Purchasing all of the coverage available from a rental vehicle company could amplify your rental fees. Purchasing nothing may place you in an awful financial situation in case of an accident.
In case you do not have comprehensive and collision coverage and you rent a vehicle, it would be a great plan to buy the loss damage waivers or collision damage waivers, any of which the rental vehicle company sells. Purchasing the waiver that will give you the widest coverage may be a good idea. Rental vehicle companies have a number of stages of damage waivers. For instance: you may not be liable for any damage; you are liable for damage over $500; you are liable for damage over $1,000.
You may completely turn down loss damage waivers in case you have comprehensive and collision insurance since you will pay for “double coverage.” However, keep in mind that you need to pay your deductible if the vehicle is stolen, damaged or if you crash the car.
First Time Driver Car Insurance in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I’m a first time car insurance policy holder ( until recently, I’ve been under my parent’s insurance here in Alaska). What suggestions do you have so that I can still save on my car insurance rates?
Noemi
Anchorage, AK
It’s a big leap for teenagers and first time car insurance policy holders to finally get car insurance on their own. And as you may have noticed already, first time auto insurance rates and premiums doesn’t come cheap, but you really couldn’t stay under you parent’s auto insurance policy forever, right?. Don’t despair, you will only need to a couple of years to establish a good driving history, after which there should be no reason why you couldn’t get good insurance rates there in Alaska. In the meantime, here are a few tips and suggestions on what you can do to increase your likelihood of building that good driving record as well as keep auto insurance costs as low as possible:
Still In School? Get Good Grades
You may qualify for a Good Student Discount if you maintain at least an average of B or higher in school.
Take Defensive Driving Courses
Accredited driving schools in your area would qualify you to get further discounts on your auto insurance for learning to become a safer driver.
Consider Driving An Older Vehicle
You could lower, or even eliminate, your comprehensive and collision insurance coverage to help you keep your premiums low.
Become A Low Mileage Driver
Most auto insurance providers give discounts if you drive less than 10,000 miles annually.
Shop For The Best Rates
Just because it’s your first time doesn’t mean you wouldn’t find someone that can give good rates. The Internet is a great way to get more promos and insurance discounts.
I Need My Own Auto Insurance Policy in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I was under my parents’ auto insurance and I never really paid attention to it because I was not the one paying for it. Now that I have to get insured on my own, I need to know, what protection would auto insurance give me and my car?
Danielle
Anchorage, AK
Aside from the fact that auto insurance is required by law, you would really want to have it. The state requirement for auto insurance if referred to as liability insurance for property and bodily injury. This kind of auto insurance would give protection if you damage a vehicle, an individual or any property. There are also other kinds of auto insurance that would give you protection from uninsured and underinsured motorists who collide with you while you are driving your car or as a pedestrian. You may also have gotten off your parents’ health insurance and don’t have your own yet so this can be very essential.
You have to be certain that you have high coverage to give you protection against personal liability if you are at fault in an accident. However, that is not everything that your auto insurance in Anchorage, Alaska can do for you. There are other kinds of auto insurance such as collision insurance that would cover the damages to your vehicle from crashes that you cause. Also, comprehensive insurance would cover the damages to your vehicle from other things that are not caused by accident such as storms and theft.