Alaska Car Insurance: The Last Frontier's Coverage Guide
High minimums, extreme weather, and moose collisions—what you need to know about insuring your vehicle in Alaska.
Alaska Quick Facts
🤯 The Alaska Mindblower
Alaska has some of the highest minimum requirements in America (50/100/25) but also one of the highest uninsured rates (16.5%). Why? Many rural Alaskans drive only on private roads or in areas with no insurance enforcement. The state's vastness makes monitoring nearly impossible.
Alaska Minimum Insurance Requirements
Alaska's minimums are among the highest in the nation:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $50,000 | Double most states |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $100,000 | Double most states |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | Standard |
Good news: Alaska's high minimums mean you're automatically better protected than drivers in most states—even with just minimum coverage.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Alaska
| Coverage Level | Annual Premium | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | $512 | $43 |
| Full Coverage | $1,480 | $123 |
Costs by Alaska City
| City | Avg. Annual Premium | vs. State Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $1,680 | +14% |
| Fairbanks | $1,520 | +3% |
| Juneau | $1,380 | -7% |
| Rural Alaska | $1,240 | -16% |
Alaska-Specific Insurance Considerations
Moose Collisions—Deadly Serious
Alaska has approximately 200,000 moose. Collisions are extremely common and often fatal—a moose can weigh 1,500 lbs and stands tall enough to come through your windshield. Comprehensive coverage is essential.
Extreme Winter Conditions
Alaska sees temperatures of -40°F and months of darkness. Winter accident rates are high. Collision coverage is valuable for single-vehicle winter accidents.
Limited Insurer Options
Many national insurers don't operate in Alaska or have limited presence. GEICO, State Farm, and local insurers dominate the market.
Pure Comparative Fault
Alaska follows "pure comparative fault"—even if you're 99% at fault, you can recover 1% of damages. This is plaintiff-friendly compared to most states.
High Repair Costs
Parts must be shipped to Alaska, adding significant cost and time to repairs. Labor rates are also higher. This affects comprehensive and collision claim costs.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Alaska
GEICO
Often cheapest in Alaska. Online service works in remote areas.
State Farm
Strong presence in Anchorage. Agent network in major cities.
USAA
Military families only. Excellent given Alaska's military presence (JBER, Eielson AFB).
Progressive
Available in Alaska. Good for drivers with violations.
Bottom Line: Alaska Car Insurance
Alaska's high minimums provide good baseline protection, but the state's unique challenges require additional coverage. Comprehensive is essential for moose and wildlife; collision is valuable for winter driving.
Despite the high uninsured rate, UM/UIM coverage isn't mandatory—but we strongly recommend it. Shop GEICO, State Farm, and USAA (if military). Expect limited options compared to lower-48 states.