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.
SR22 Quote In Alaska
Reader’s Question:
Is the process for getting SR22 gonna be different from buying a regular car insurance? How can I find a cheap SR22 quote for my car insurance here in Alaska?
Joel
Anchorage, AK
The process for acquiring SR22 insurance is the same process used in acquiring regular car insurance. To find a cheap SR22 quote for your car insurance in Alaska, you would have to work your way and shop around. If you go online to get SR22 quote, you will see a lot of information about insurers that provide SR22 insurance. SR22 insurance is needed by high risk drivers; however, it is still car insurance. You have to be certain that you have the proper amount of coverage to effectively secure your assets. You have to check the policy guidelines thoroughly to be certain that you are familiar with the coverage and the restrictions of the policy.
Although you are considered as high risk, there is still a possibility that you can get cheap SR22 quote but you have to exert some time and effort. Getting cheap SR22 quote might not be a truthful target if you don’t want to look around because a lot of insurance companies ask for more payment from someone whose driver’s license has been suspended. But that does not indicate that you must not try to get the best SR22 quote for your car insurance. If you shop around, you’ll surely discover an insurer that can provide you the best premium on the proper amount of coverage for your SR22 quote.
Why is Car Insurance in Alaska So Expensive?
Reader’s Question:
Is it true that even short gaps in my insurance coverage can cause my auto insurance rates to go up? I recently moved to Alaska and I was wondering if this could be the reason my insurance rates are bigger here than where I came from.
Chuck
Anchorage, AK
Increased auto insurance rates, or in rare cases being denied auto insurance protection, can definitely be due to lack of or gaps in your insurance coverage. Driving without any form of car insurance protection is not very advisable, and is even considered illegal under the financial responsibility laws of many states, since this makes car insurance providers perceive you as a high-risk driver (due to taking the risk of driving without adequate financial protection). There is basis for this as studies have shown that people who pay high amounts for insurance actually drives in a much safer manner as those without.
There could be other factors involved that made your auto insurance rates there in Alaska. It is possible that it is just simply more expensive to get insurance there in your new location as compared to the old one. If you did not change providers, it is also possible that your comprehensive insurance clause became more expensive due to increased likelihood of accidents caused by snow-storms, skidding in ice and other natural events that may cause damage or loss of your vehicle.
Did you change to a more expensive vehicle? This could also affect but if nothing much has changed other than that you relocated and did not have coverage for an extended span of time, the gap in your coverage could have definitely increased your rates.
DUI Charge Caused Your Auto Insurance Rate To Increase?
Reader’s Question:
My dad has an auto insurance policy in affect, but after his DUI charge will it affect his annual premium?
Jane
Anchorage, AK
If your dad is currently enrolled in an auto insurance and had that policy in effect, then you don’t have to worry for now. Most insurance companies, especially in Alaska where driving and road regulations are stricter, may do random driving records check. If they find out that their member got arrested or convicted with a DUI, they would either not renew your dad’s contract upon policy expiration or increase premium rates and deductibles. There are several High Risk companies that may take you. These are what we call non-standard companies and usually offer triple increase on premium rates as well as deductibles.
If he is currently enrolled in a preferred insurance company, tell him to sit tight and try to avoid such DUI cases and don’t make any waves. He should keep his premium payments on time and do not let it be canceled. He can check other insurance companies that are not High risk that can offer him better rates for better coverage. But beware that there may be insurance companies that writes new policies that needs to order his driving record and find out about previous driving tickets and DUI cases if there’s any. This may create a huge impact on the cost of the policy. He can check through this web site for available post DUI insurance policies.