The penalties for driving without insurance in Alaska
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Key takeaways
- Alaska has minimum mandatory insurance requirements, though the laws are not enforced in all regions of the state.
- Failing to provide proof of insurance can result in a range of penalties, including a $500 fine and possible license suspension.
- Alaska is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who is responsible for an accident is required to pay for any damage resulting from the incident.
Alaska is one of the least populated states in the U.S., which means its roads and highways have fewer drivers on them. While some people might be tempted to forgo insurance coverage because the chances of needing to file a claim are slim, it’s not advisable. Bankrate explains the state’s insurance requirements and penalties for going without coverage.
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Is driving without insurance in Alaska illegal?
Insurance laws in Alaska require drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance when operating a vehicle in specific parts of the state, depending on where the car is registered. In addition to maintaining a minimum level of coverage, Alaska car insurance laws also mandate that drivers keep proof of insurance with them while on the road. The state’s financial responsibility law establishes penalties for drivers who are unable to provide proof of insurance.
Minimum insurance requirements in Alaska
Alaska’s mandatory insurance law sets the minimum level for auto liability insurance at the following:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Within the state, some regions don’t require drivers to register their vehicles. In these areas, driving with no insurance in Alaska is permitted. Alaska’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website provides a current list of the regions that are exempt from minimum insurance coverage.
Learn more: Best car insurance in Alaska
Penalties for driving without insurance in Alaska
The consequences in Alaska for driving without insurance depend on the circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Failure to provide proof of insurance
Failure to provide proof of liability insurance to an Alaska law enforcement officer may result in a citation. Penalties vary, though, and the violation may also result in the impounding of your vehicle.
First offense
If you are caught driving without the requisite insurance under Alaska’s mandatory requirements, you may be subject to a $500 fine. For a first offense, your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 90 days.
Second offense
If a driver is issued a second citation for driving without insurance in Alaska within 10 years of the first, the license suspension may increase up to one year. Penalties will likely be at least $500, as well. Penalties and suspensions can get more severe with subsequent violations.
SR-22 requirement
If your license has been suspended for failure to carry the required insurance, you will need to obtain and hold an SR-22 for up to three years. This can typically remove the suspension. An SR-22 is a state-sanctioned certificate verifying financial responsibility.
Learn more: What are the different types of car insurance coverage?
Getting into an accident without insurance in Alaska
If you are involved in a car accident in Alaska that results in physical injury, death or property damage of over $501, you are required to show proof of insurance. Details of your insurance must be provided to the Alaska DMV within 15 days of the accident and must be provided by every driver involved in the incident regardless of who is at fault. Typically, the responding officer at the scene of the accident should provide forms for drivers to fill out and submit, but those forms can also be picked up from any DMV office.
If a driver fails to provide proof of insurance within 15 days, the DMV will suspend their license for a minimum of 90 days and up to a full year. The suspension is solely for driving without providing proof of insurance and is not reflective of whether or not the driver is at fault for the accident. Additional penalties may arise if the driver is deemed at fault. In some cases, drivers are able to apply for limited driving rights for things like work requirements, if necessary.
While the loss of a license can be a major penalty for drivers, it is not the most significant cost drivers may face. Alaska is an “at-fault” state, which means the driver deemed responsible for the accident can be held personally liable for bodily injury and property damage caused by the crash. Depending upon the severity, an at-fault accident while uninsured can lead to significant financial loss and potential bankruptcy.
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