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.
Used Car Insurance Quotes in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I just bought a used car here in Alaska but I haven’t registered it yet. I am thinking not to get insurance anymore since it is a used car, can I do that?
Justin
Anchorage, AK
There is a lot of coverage available in a regular car insurance policy. Normally, there would be differences when it comes to the types and costs of coverage you choose. But all of the states have sensibly passed insurance laws which mandate all motorists to have at least the minimum level of car insurance. A lot of states even mandate that you show proof of insurance before registering a vehicle. So no matter what the value of your car is, new or used, you need to have insurance for it because it is a requirement.
You should have at least the minimum insurance required in the state of Alaska and that is the auto liability insurance coverage. This will give coverage from liability claims against you in case you were found at-fault in an accident and this resulted in bodily injuries to other individuals and/or property damage. All states have required minimum amount of coverage for the liability insurance. The underlying principle of having laws about the auto liability insurance is that those drivers who caused accidents must be able to provide compensations for those people affected who had losses because of these accidents.