If you have been involved in an at-fault accident, filed a claim, or received a citation for a major violation, you could be a candidate for high-risk auto insurance. Car insurance for high-risk drivers is typically costly, but the degree of price increase you face may depend on your insurer, your driving record, and the area in which you reside.
What comprises car insurance prices for high-risk drivers in Alaska:
Car insurance after an at-fault accident in Alaska
If you’re deemed responsible for an auto collision, expect your car insurance rates to skyrocket. In Alaska, the average insurance premium following an at-fault accident is $1,744, versus the nationwide average of $2,012. A major accident like an at-fault crash can stay on your driving record for up to three years!
ALASKA AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER AN AT-FAULT COLLISION
| Location | With At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | No At-Fault Accident — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Alaska | $1,744 | $1,152 | $592 |
| National Average | $2,012 | $1,397 | $615 |
The most affordable insurance company following an at-fault crash in Alaska is USAA. USAA’s typical price increase after a crash is $659, leading to a premium 38 percent less expensive than the average among all car insurance companies. If you caused an accident in Alaska, steer clear of Allstate and Progressive, on the pricier end of the spectrum.
CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS AFTER AN AT-FAULT COLLISION IN ALASKA — CHEAP COMPANIES
| Company | Annual Rate After an At-Fault Accident |
| USAA | $1,085 |
| State Farm | $1,312 |
| GEICO | $1,941 |
| Allstate | $2,130 |
| Progressive | $2,612 |
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Does getting a speeding ticket in Alaska lead to more expensive car insurance?
One of the ways drivers earn the "high-risk" designation is speeding. In Alaska, car insurance premiums rise by $230 per year after a speeding citation, to an average per-year rate of $1,382.
ALASKA AUTO INSURANCE RATES AFTER A SPEEDING TICKET
| State | With a Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | No Speeding Ticket — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Alaska | $1,382 | $1,152 | $230 |
| National Average | $1,727 | $1,397 | $330 |
The foolproof way to get affordable auto insurance after getting a ticket for speeding is to shop thoroughly and compare the available options. The cheapest auto insurance after a speeding citation in Alaska is available via USAA. USAA’s average premium after a violation is $461 less than the state average. If you're caught speeding in Alaska, Progressive is worth avoiding.
AUTO INSURANCE PRICES AFTER A SPEEDING TICKET IN ALASKA — CHEAPEST CARRIERS
| Company | Annual Premium With a Speeding Violation |
| USAA | $921 |
| GEICO | $968 |
| State Farm | $1,191 |
| Allstate | $1,715 |
| Progressive | $2,150 |
How does a ticket for distracted driving impact car insurance rates in Alaska?
If you're ticketed for distracted driving, expect to pay a premium for your auto insurance. In Alaska, car insurance prices typically increase by $225 annually. That's a 20% jump from the average annual rate in Alaska, and 30% more than the U.S. average cost of auto insurance after a distracted driving offense.
ALASKA CAR INSURANCE PRICES AFTER A DISTRACTED DRIVING TICKET
| Location | With Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | No Distracted Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Alaska | $1,377 | $1,152 | $225 |
| National Average | $1,570 | $1,397 | $173 |
The easiest way to find cheap car insurance following a distracted driving citation is to explore your options. The cheapest company after a distracted driving ticket in Alaska is USAA, with a typical rate of just $785 per year, 43% less than the average distracted driving insurance premium by all insurers.
CAR INSURANCE COSTS AFTER DISTRACTED DRIVING IN ALASKA — AFFORDABLE CARRIERS
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate With Distracted Driving |
| USAA | $785 |
| GEICO | $968 |
| State Farm | $1,191 |
| Allstate | $1,623 |
| Progressive | $2,157 |
How does a ticket for racing impact Alaska car insurance rates?
Racing is considered an extraordinarily serious offense. Auto insurance carriers usually penalize racing tickets severely — in fact, Alaska auto insurance premiums go up by $549 annually after a citation for racing. That's a 48% increase from the typical yearly auto insurance rate in Alaska!
| Location | With a Racing Citation — Annual Rate | No Racing Citation — Annual Rate | Yearly Rate Increase |
| Alaska | $1,701 | $1,152 | $549 |
| National Average | $2,397 | $1,397 | $1,000 |
If you have been ticketed for a racing offense, do your homework and find the best rates. In Alaska, start your search by checking out GEICO, which offers prices 43 percent less than the state average for drivers found guilty of racing.
CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER A RACING CITATION IN ALASKA — CHEAP PROVIDERS
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate With Racing |
| GEICO | $968 |
| USAA | $1,399 |
| State Farm | $1,502 |
| Allstate | $2,034 |
| Progressive | $2,462 |
How does a citation for reckless driving impact Alaska car insurance rates?
Among the most serious moving violations, reckless driving is a surefire way to end up paying more for auto insurance. Insurers raise prices by an average of $550 per year following a reckless driving ticket. That comes out to 48% more than the typical car insurance rate in Alaska, and 33% less than the U.S. average penalty for reckless driving.
ALASKA CAR INSURANCE RATES AFTER RECKLESS DRIVING
| Location | With Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | No Reckless Driving — Annual Rate | Annual Rate Increase |
| Alaska | $1,702 | $1,152 | $550 |
| National Average | $2,395 | $1,397 | $998 |
If you're pulled over for reckless driving, you should shop around to find the most affordable rate. In Alaska, the cheapest insurer after reckless driving is USAA.
CAR INSURANCE COSTS AFTER A TICKET FOR RECKLESS DRIVING IN ALASKA — CHEAP CARRIERS
| Insurance Company | Annual Rate After Reckless Driving |
| USAA | $1,114 |
| State Farm | $1,502 |
| GEICO | $1,868 |
| Allstate | $2,034 |
| Progressive | $2,462 |
If you're looking for auto insurance as a high-risk driver, the best thing to do is to do your research and find a policy that fits you.
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Alaska Driving Laws
Traffic laws in Alaska define and penalize drivers for speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, racing, and at-fault accidents. Obeying traffic laws helps to maintain safe roads and can help you avoid harsh fines — or even jail time.
Speeding in Alaska
When Are You Speeding In Alaska?
Alaska requires drivers to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the traffic, road conditions, and weather. Unless road hazards exist, you are speeding in Alaska if your speeds exceed:
- 15 miles per hour in an alley
- 20 miles per hour in a business district
- 25 miles per hour in a residential district
- Or 55 miles per hour on any other roadway
Municipalities and other jurisdictions in Alaska may alter the speed limit, so it is important to pay attention to posted signs.
Some stretches of highway in Alaska may have posted minimum speed limits. In such areas, drivers must maintain a minimum speed limit of 55 miles per hour if posted signs indicate such a requirement.
Penalties for Speeding In Alaska
The maximum penalty for speeding in Alaska is set at $300 (doubled to $600 in a work zone). In addition, violators will receive two to 10 points added to their driver’s license.
Receiving 12 points in one year or 18 points within two years will lead to a suspended license for up to one year.
Violators may also be required to attend a driver improvement course after accumulating six points in one year or nine points within two years.
Reckless Driving in Alaska
What Is Reckless Driving in Alaska?
You may be guilty of reckless driving in Alaska if you are:
- Weaving between lanes
- Passing on curves or double yellow lines
- Driving on the center line
- Driving with your windows down in cold weather
- Making wide or high-speed turns
- Impeding traffic by driving too slowly
- Tailgating
In other words, if a driver poses a risk to another person or their property, they may be deemed guilty of reckless driving in Alaska.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Alaska
Reckless driving in Alaska is a misdemeanor. The fine for reckless driving is $1, 000 and/or up to one year in jail.
In addition, violators will receive two to 10 points added to their driver’s license, potentially leading to a suspended license or the requirement to attend a driver improvement course.
Distracted Driving in Alaska
What is Distracted Driving in Alaska?
Like in most states, Alaskan drivers are expected to keep their attention on the road. To that end, Alaska has prohibited the installation and use of TVs, monitors, and other screens from being in full view of a driver while a vehicle is in motion.
In addition, drivers are not able to send or read any text communication on a handheld device, including emails, texts, or instant messages.
Drivers are not guilty of distracted driving in Alaska if they are using the voice functions of their cell phone or are using a GPS or navigation device.
Read here for more on texting and driving statistics.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Alaska
Distracted driving in Alaska is considered a misdemeanor. If, however, distracted driving leads to injury or death, a violator may be charged with a felony.
Distracted driving is considered a primary offense. If a law enforcement officer witnesses a driver violating only this law, he or she can pull the driver over and cite him or her for the offense.
For a standard violation of distracted driving in Alaska, the maximum fine is $500.
A distracted driving charge leading to injury is a class C felony and results in penalties of:
- Up to $50, 000 in fines
- Up to five years in jail
Distracted driving resulting in serious injury is a class B felony and leads to:
- Up to $100, 000 in fines
- Up to 10 years in jail
In Alaska, distracted driving that results in death is a class A felony and leads to:
- Up to $250, 000 in fines
- Up to 20 years in jail
In addition, each distracted driving conviction adds two points to a violator’s driver’s license.
Racing in Alaska
What is Racing in Alaska?
Racing in Alaska is defined as a contest between one or more vehicles to determine which can achieve greater speed or acceleration over a given distance, even if the act itself does not violate any speed limits.
Penalties for Racing in Alaska
The penalty for racing in Alaska is a fine of $300 and the accumulation of two to 10 points to an offender’s driver’s license.
At-fault Accidents in Alaska
What is An At-fault Accident in Alaska?
Alaska is considered a “fault” state. The person found to be at fault for causing an accident is held liable for any damages or injuries experienced by other parties.
After an accident in which injuries or damages are estimated to exceed $2, 000, drivers must immediately contact the local police department or Alaska State Troopers.
In addition, if damages exceed $500 or the accident resulted in bodily injury, drivers must submit a certificate of insurance to the Alaska DMV within 15 days of the accident.
Drivers in Alaska must carry minimum liability insurance coverage:
- $50, 000 for bodily injury or death
- $100, 000 for total bodily injury or death
- $25, 000 for property damage
Penalties for At-fault Accidents in Alaska
An at-fault accident in Alaska in which a driver is uninsured or fails to provide proof of insurance to the DMV within 15 days will result in a license suspension for 90 days for a first offense or one year for a second offense. In some cases, being at-fault for an accident in Alaska can see your license suspended for up to three years.
Failure to provide proof of insurance will also result in a mandatory $500 fine.
Sources and references:
- http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/faq/regs.htm
- https://www.dmv.org/ak-alaska/traffic-tickets.php
- https://public.courts.alaska.gov/web/sco/docs/sco1585.pdf
- https://www.henderson-law.com/blog/2018/january/what-are-alaska-s-texting-and-driving-laws-/
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/alaska-text-cell-phone-laws.html
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/alaska-car-insurance-laws.html
- http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/pdfs/statutes.pdf
- http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/statutes.asp#28.22.019