Question 1

What is the minimum car insurance required in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

The owner or operator of a vehicle subject to registration must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy (or hold a certificate of self-insurance under AS 28.20.400). Minimum limits are $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25). The policy must also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in those same amounts unless the insured rejects it in writing. Insurance is not required in certain road-isolated areas exempt from registration, but a driver cited within the last five years for a violation worth 6 or more points must still carry liability insurance.

Question 2

Is Alaska a no-fault car insurance state?

Accepted Answer

Alaska uses a fault-based (tort) system. The Division of Insurance explains that required bodily injury liability insurance protects the insured against claims of other people injured in an accident for which the insured was at fault, and that liability coverage applies to damages for which the insured is found legally responsible. Medical payments coverage, which pays regardless of fault, is described as optional.

Question 3

Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

A motor vehicle liability policy must include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the same minimum amounts as liability (50/100/25), as a single combined coverage. The insured may reject it in writing; once rejected, it is not added to a renewal or replacement policy unless the insured later asks for it in writing. UM property damage coverage carries a $250 deductible per accident (insurers may offer a different deductible) and covers only the insured vehicle. The Division of Insurance says applicants must receive a written offer, bodily injury and property damage UM must be offered separately, and if the selection or rejection is not signed the policy is issued with UM limits matching the liability limits.

Question 4

Can you show proof of car insurance on your phone in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Drivers must have proof of liability insurance in their immediate possession at all times when driving and show it on demand of a peace officer. Proof can be a copy of the policy or self-insurance certificate, a printed card or electronic certification from the insurer or agent, or a display on a mobile electronic device; showing it on a phone does not consent to a search of the phone's other contents. A driver involved in a crash causing injury, death or more than $501 in property damage must prove insurance to the DMV within 15 days.

Question 5

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Failing to carry the required insurance may result in suspension of a driver's license, and in the Municipality of Anchorage a vehicle may be impounded for lack of proof of insurance. Failing to show proof of insurance when required is an infraction with a mandatory $500 fine (the charge is not a conviction if valid proof that was in effect is later produced in court or at the officer's office). If a driver involved in a qualifying crash cannot prove insurance, the DMV suspends the license for at least 90 days, or at least one year if there was a prior insurance suspension within 10 years; limited work or medical privileges may be available after filing proof of future financial responsibility.

Question 6

When do you need an SR-22 in Alaska, and for how long?

Accepted Answer

A person whose license is suspended for failing to prove insurance after a crash must file proof of financial responsibility for the future (an SR-22, obtained from an insurer and filed with the DMV) before full or limited driving privileges are restored, and must keep that filing for three years after the suspension ends. Reinstatement fees must also be paid.

Question 7

How much notice must an insurer give before canceling car insurance in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

After a personal auto policy has been in effect 60 days (or if it is a renewal), the insurer may cancel only for nonpayment of premium or because the driver's license or registration of the named insured, a household member or a regular driver of the insured vehicle was suspended or revoked during the policy period (or, for a renewal, the policy period or 180 days before it took effect). Written notice must be mailed at least 30 days before cancellation, 20 days for nonpayment, or 10 days when the reason is a license or registration suspension or revocation; the notice must state the reason. An insurer may nonrenew a personal policy only on its annual anniversary, with written notice mailed at least 45 days before expiration. Cancellation (other than for nonpayment) and nonrenewal notices must tell the insured about possible eligibility for the assigned-risk auto insurance plan. For named insureds age 70 or older, notices also go to a designee on written request.

Question 8

Can car insurance companies use your credit score in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Alaska does not ban credit-based insurance scores: the Division of Insurance says Alaska law allows insurers to consider credit information in selecting applicants and setting rates, but consumers may dispute the credit information used, request an exception for extraordinary life circumstances, and ask for reconsideration of an adverse action based on disputed credit information. Under Division Order R93-5, lack of prior insurance may not be considered in rating a person who has not owned a vehicle, was not legally required to carry insurance, and has not violated the Mandatory Insurance Act. Insurers must give a discount to drivers over 55 who voluntarily complete an approved accident prevention course. The guide lists age, sex, marital status and physical address among factors insurers may consider.

Question 9

When is a car a total loss in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Alaska uses a cost-to-repair test rather than a fixed percentage: a "constructive total loss" means the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its worth or insured value, and an "actual total loss" means the vehicle is wrecked, dismantled or destroyed. An insurer that takes title to an unrepairable vehicle after paying such a claim must mark the title "junk" and surrender the title and registration to the DMV. Since Aug. 1, 2025, the DMV can issue a "Salvage" title (Form 857, $15 fee) for a junk-branded vehicle that has not yet been reconstructed; it is not valid for road use, and the vehicle must get a reconstructed title before it can be registered.

Question 10

How do you transfer a car title in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

An Alaska resident who buys a vehicle must apply for a title in their name within 30 days of the sale. The buyer submits the title (properly released by the seller and assigned to the buyer) or manufacturer's certificate of origin, a Vehicle Transaction Application (Form V1), and an odometer reading for vehicles under 12,000 pounds and less than 20 years old, at a DMV office or by mail to DMV headquarters in Anchorage; the title fee is $15 (plus $15 to record a lien). The seller signs the title assignment, gives the title to the buyer, and should send the Notice of Vehicle Sale to the DMV (it can also be recorded online). If the owner has died, a surviving "OR" co-owner may release the title; otherwise a court-appointed estate representative signs, or for estates of $150,000 or less a successor may use the small-estate affidavit (Form 827).

Question 11

How long do you have to register your car after moving to Alaska?

Accepted Answer

New residents must transfer an out-of-state driver license within 90 days (30 days for commercial drivers), which requires a written knowledge test, a vision test and identity and residence documents; a driving test is not required for someone who has held a license from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canada or South Korea in the last five years. A person establishing residency must apply for vehicle registration within 10 days of entering the state or taking a job in Alaska (visitors may drive on a current out-of-state registration for 60 days). Some vehicles may need an inspection and receive temporary registration.

Question 12

How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Alaska?

Accepted Answer

The Alaska Division of Insurance's Consumer Services section helps consumers who are having problems with an insurance company or agent and investigates possible violations of Alaska insurance law. Consumer Services (Anchorage): (907) 269-7900, or (800) 467-8725 in-state outside Anchorage. Mail: 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501; Juneau office: PO Box 110805, Juneau, AK 99811-0805, (907) 465-2515. Website: insurance.alaska.gov.

Minimum coverage required	The owner or operator of a vehicle subject to registration must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy (or hold a certificate of self-insurance under AS 28.20.400). Minimum limits are $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage (50/100/25). The policy must also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in those same amounts unless the insured rejects it in writing. Insurance is not required in certain road-isolated areas exempt from registration, but a driver cited within the last five years for a violation worth 6 or more points must still carry liability insurance. DMV page: https://dmv.alaska.gov/driver-services-adjudication/mandatory-insurance/ Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Stat. §§ 28.22.011, 28.22.101; Alaska DMV, Mandatory Insurance
At-fault or no-fault	Alaska uses a fault-based (tort) system. The Division of Insurance explains that required bodily injury liability insurance protects the insured against claims of other people injured in an accident for which the insured was at fault, and that liability coverage applies to damages for which the insured is found legally responsible. Medical payments coverage, which pays regardless of fault, is described as optional. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Division of Insurance, Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance (rev. Sept. 2020)
Uninsured motorist coverage	A motor vehicle liability policy must include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the same minimum amounts as liability (50/100/25), as a single combined coverage. The insured may reject it in writing; once rejected, it is not added to a renewal or replacement policy unless the insured later asks for it in writing. UM property damage coverage carries a $250 deductible per accident (insurers may offer a different deductible) and covers only the insured vehicle. The Division of Insurance says applicants must receive a written offer, bodily injury and property damage UM must be offered separately, and if the selection or rejection is not signed the policy is issued with UM limits matching the liability limits. Division guide: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/11/pub/AutoInsuranceGuide.pdf Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Stat. §§ 28.22.101(e), 28.22.201; Alaska Division of Insurance, Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance
Proof of insurance	Drivers must have proof of liability insurance in their immediate possession at all times when driving and show it on demand of a peace officer. Proof can be a copy of the policy or self-insurance certificate, a printed card or electronic certification from the insurer or agent, or a display on a mobile electronic device; showing it on a phone does not consent to a search of the phone's other contents. A driver involved in a crash causing injury, death or more than $501 in property damage must prove insurance to the DMV within 15 days. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Stat. §§ 28.22.019, 28.22.021, 28.22.031

Cancellation and nonrenewal	After a personal auto policy has been in effect 60 days (or if it is a renewal), the insurer may cancel only for nonpayment of premium or because the driver's license or registration of the named insured, a household member or a regular driver of the insured vehicle was suspended or revoked during the policy period (or, for a renewal, the policy period or 180 days before it took effect). Written notice must be mailed at least 30 days before cancellation, 20 days for nonpayment, or 10 days when the reason is a license or registration suspension or revocation; the notice must state the reason. An insurer may nonrenew a personal policy only on its annual anniversary, with written notice mailed at least 45 days before expiration. Cancellation (other than for nonpayment) and nonrenewal notices must tell the insured about possible eligibility for the assigned-risk auto insurance plan. For named insureds age 70 or older, notices also go to a designee on written request. Other sections: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=21.36.210&secEnd=21.36.210 ; https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=21.36.230&secEnd=21.36.250 Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Stat. §§ 21.36.210, 21.36.220, 21.36.240, 21.36.250
What insurers can use to set rates	Alaska does not ban credit-based insurance scores: the Division of Insurance says Alaska law allows insurers to consider credit information in selecting applicants and setting rates, but consumers may dispute the credit information used, request an exception for extraordinary life circumstances, and ask for reconsideration of an adverse action based on disputed credit information. Under Division Order R93-5, lack of prior insurance may not be considered in rating a person who has not owned a vehicle, was not legally required to carry insurance, and has not violated the Mandatory Insurance Act. Insurers must give a discount to drivers over 55 who voluntarily complete an approved accident prevention course. The guide lists age, sex, marital status and physical address among factors insurers may consider. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Division of Insurance, Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance (rev. Sept. 2020)
Total loss rules	Alaska uses a cost-to-repair test rather than a fixed percentage: a "constructive total loss" means the cost of repairing the vehicle exceeds its worth or insured value, and an "actual total loss" means the vehicle is wrecked, dismantled or destroyed. An insurer that takes title to an unrepairable vehicle after paying such a claim must mark the title "junk" and surrender the title and registration to the DMV. Since Aug. 1, 2025, the DMV can issue a "Salvage" title (Form 857, $15 fee) for a junk-branded vehicle that has not yet been reconstructed; it is not valid for road use, and the vehicle must get a reconstructed title before it can be registered. DMV page: https://dmv.alaska.gov/vehicle-services/salvage-vehicle-titles/ Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: 2 Alaska Admin. Code 92.170; Alaska DMV, Salvage Vehicle Titles
Complaints about an insurer	The Alaska Division of Insurance's Consumer Services section helps consumers who are having problems with an insurance company or agent and investigates possible violations of Alaska insurance law. Consumer Services (Anchorage): (907) 269-7900, or (800) 467-8725 in-state outside Anchorage. Mail: 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501; Juneau office: PO Box 110805, Juneau, AK 99811-0805, (907) 465-2515. Website: insurance.alaska.gov. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Alaska Division of Insurance, Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance (rev. Sept. 2020)

Alaska Car Insurance Laws: Minimum Coverage, Penalties and SR-22

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