Alaska’s State-Mandated Minimum Insurance

Quick Checklist

  • ✔️ Minimum coverage: $50,000/$100,000/$25,000
  • ✔️ Must carry proof of insurance when driving
  • ✔️ Optional UM/UIM coverage must be offered by insurers
  • ❌ No electronic verification system in place
  • ⚠️ Fines and license suspension for uninsured driving

Alaska Liability Coverage Explained

Alaska requires all drivers to maintain liability coverage with at least:

  • Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
  • Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

This is often referred to as “50/100/25” coverage.

Alaska’s Optional Insurance Options

You may want to consider additional coverage for better protection, such as:

  • Collision and Comprehensive
  • Medical Payments (MedPay)
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Rental Reimbursement

These help with costs outside of liability, especially for damage to your own vehicle or passengers.

Can You Drive In Alaska Without Insurance?

Failure to maintain required insurance can result in the following penalties:

  • Fines up to $500
  • License suspension: 90 days (first offense), 1 year (repeat offenses)
  • SR-22 filing required for reinstatement
  • Reinstatement fees between $100 and $500

Driving uninsured in Alaska carries serious consequences. Always keep coverage active.

How To Protect Yourself If Someone Has No Insurance

This coverage isn’t mandatory, but insurers must offer it. You can reject it in writing. Minimum offer limits are:

  • UM/UIM Bodily Injury: $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
  • UM/UIM Property Damage: $25,000 per accident

Alaska Proof of Insurance

You must carry valid proof of insurance and present it during a traffic stop, vehicle registration, or accident. Acceptable forms include:

  • Insurance ID card
  • Self-insurance certificate (for fleets or qualifying individuals)
  • Liability bond or certificate of deposit with DMV

Rural Exemptions in Alaska

Some areas of Alaska are exempt from mandatory insurance laws. To qualify:

  • The community must have fewer than 500 residents
  • There must be no local law enforcement presence

Even in exempt areas, liability insurance is highly recommended. If you travel to non-exempt zones, coverage is required immediately.

Real-World Example

John lives in a remote village with no police presence and fewer than 500 people. He doesn’t need to carry insurance under Alaska’s rural exemption. However, when John drives into Anchorage to visit family, he’s legally required to have proof of coverage. If stopped by law enforcement or involved in an accident, he could face fines and license suspension without it.

Recent Legislative Updates

As of 2025, there are no changes to Alaska’s minimum insurance requirements. Still, drivers should monitor any pending legislation or DMV announcements for future updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Car Insurance

Does Alaska require car insurance?

Yes, in most areas. Alaska mandates liability coverage unless you qualify for a rural exemption.

What are the minimum liability coverage limits?

$50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25).

Can I drive uninsured in a rural Alaska village?

Yes, but only if the village has fewer than 500 residents and no police. Otherwise, you must carry insurance.

Does Alaska use electronic insurance verification?

No. Alaska still relies on physical proof of insurance during traffic stops or accidents.

What happens if I’m caught without insurance?

You may face fines, license suspension, SR-22 requirements, and steep reinstatement fees.