Car Insurance in Alaska

Here's what you need to know when driving in Alaska

Across the Last Frontier State, there are 31,108 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Alaska is $1,272 per year — 17% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Alaska car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Alaska based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Alaska

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Alaska.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Alaska

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Alaska auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Alaska. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Alaska, expect to pay an average of $411 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by around 73%. 

State minimum coverage

In Alaska, drivers are required to maintain liability insurance coverage at minimum levels of:

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

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Alaska, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,142, 178% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around 69% more than you would for basic coverage.

Alaska car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Alaska.

Cheap auto insurance in Alaska for minimum coverage

Choosing minimum coverage will certainly make your car insurance rates cheaper — an average of $411/year or $35/month — but it will also put you and your vehicle at further risk. See average rates for minimum coverage from the top companies below. 

Cheap auto insurance in Alaska with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Alaska drivers with poor credit pay around $1,101 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates for those with poor credit below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Alaska

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Alaska, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,430 per year — more than $2,901 more than the nationwide average and 248% more than a typical Alaska driver.

Alaska auto insurance rate by violation

In Alaska, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 54% after a DUI and 9% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in Alaska after a few common citations.

Alaska DUI laws

In Alaska, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by over 50%. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Alaska

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Alaska, it’s key to research each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Alaska, Umialik Insurance, has annual rates 51% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Alaska is State Farm, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 54% above average.

Alaska SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Alaska to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Alaska might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Alaska

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Of the top five biggest cities in Alaska, the cheapest car insurance is found in Juneau and the most expensive in Anchorage.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Alaska's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Alaska

In Alaska, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by $125 in the past year. A typical Alaska driver pays an average of $1,272 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Alaska leans toward cheaper car insurance costs and remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Alaska car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Alaska auto insurance.