Tips To Lower Car Insurance Rates In Alaska

Reader’s Question:

I’ve heard from a colleague about keeping a pre-paid yearly auto policy to keep my rates down, is this a good idea? Also, do you have any other tips to lower my car insurance? Thanks!

Nelson

Anchorage, AK

One of the best ways of getting, and keeping, a good auto insurance rate is by agreeing to make annual payments towards your car insurance coverage. Not only do companies pass along savings coming from long-term commitments from their customers your rate is also protected from fluctuations, your rate can only change once a year as compared to monthly, quarterly or six-month policies, making it easier for you to budget your expenses there in Anchorage, Alaska.

There are also other ways to reduce your auto insurance costs. Here are some suggestions:

1. Become a safer driver by taking defensive driving lessons. The skills you will learn are valuable in keeping you safe while on the road plus you get discounts off your premium for being a safer driver.
2. If you will be going away on vacation or a business trip for a long time, consider keeping only comprehensive storage insurance coverage. You probably will keep the car in the garage or in storage so collision and liability insurance would not be needed for the moment.
3. Keeping all your insurance policies with one company will have its perks in the form of extra discounts or attractive privileges. It would also be easier to deal with one insurance company come renewal time.

I Need Cheap First Time Driver Insurance in Alaska

Reader’s question:

My fiance obtained just recently his driver’s license. He is talking to his office mates to search for insurance quotes that cater to first time drivers. What are the possible factors that will affect his insurance rate?

Nicole

Anchorage, AK

There are various factors that may bring different insurance policy premiums. Your fiances age, sex, location of residency, civil status and driving record are among the immediate concerns of your prospective insurance provider in Anchorage , Alaska . With these factors into considerations, insurance providers give different insurance premiums to policyholders even if they wish to insure the same motor vehicles.

But usually, the case of sport utility vehicles (SUV) and other expensive car brands are different. Expensive vehicles, which have the high chance of theft and vandalism and are employed with expensive repair services, are expected to be priced with high insurance premiums. SUVs, because these are involved more often in roadway accidents compared with other car types and also have costly repairs, are also covered by high insurance premiums. But insurance providers have different schemes on how they price particular insurance policies and usually insurance providers varying experiences in their claim payouts are significant factors in the insurer’s premiums. For instance, an insurer that have been paying more than $750 for damages of SUVs covered in their policy will most likely charge higher premiums to future clients. Hence, the car brand is one factor; while the insurer’s experience with previous policyholders is another important factor. So, it is still best to get as many insurance quotes as you can and compare them before you decide which policy you will get.

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.