Last Updated on January 2, 2026

Alaska car insurance is often cheaper than the national average, but what you’ll actually pay depends heavily on where you live (Anchorage vs. a smaller community), your driving record, your vehicle, and how much coverage you choose.

The smartest way to find the best price is to compare quotes from several companies and make sure you’re shopping for the same coverages and deductibles each time. A “cheap” quote can get expensive fast if it leaves you underinsured.

Key Takeaways

1. Alaska Minimum Limits Are 50/100/25: Alaska requires $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury liability and $25,000 property damage liability for registered vehicles.
2. Rates Vary Widely by Driver and ZIP Code: Alaska is often below the national average, but tickets, accidents, vehicle type, and deductibles can swing your premium significantly.
3. Proof of Insurance Matters: You must carry proof of coverage (paper or digital), and failure to provide it can lead to major headaches—including penalties and potential impound in Anchorage.
4. SR-22 Timelines Can Be Long: Alaska SR-22 requirements are often 3 years for many offenses and much longer for DUI/refusal convictions—so shopping around and avoiding lapses is critical.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Alaska

Recent rate analyses typically place Alaska’s average premiums below the U.S. average, but there’s a wide spread between drivers with clean records and drivers with tickets, accidents, or a DUI. Your ZIP code and your vehicle choice can also swing pricing more than most people expect.

If your premium feels “high for Alaska,” the most common reasons are:

• Recent tickets, accidents, or a DUI
• Low deductibles (especially on collision and comprehensive)
• A newer vehicle with expensive parts/technology
• Living in a higher-traffic area (often means higher claim frequency)
• Coverage gaps or a lapse in insurance

Alaska Car Insurance Requirements

Alaska requires liability coverage for vehicles subject to registration. The Alaska DMV lists the current mandatory minimum limits here: Mandatory Insurance (Alaska DMV).

At a minimum, Alaska drivers must carry:

• $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
• $25,000 per accident of property damage liability coverage

You also need to carry proof of insurance while driving. Alaska allows proof in paper or digital format (for example, an ID card on your phone), but you should confirm what your insurer provides and keep it accessible.

Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Required in Alaska?

In Alaska, insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in writing, and you generally have the option to accept or reject it. Even though it’s not the same thing as liability coverage, many drivers choose it because it can help pay for injuries and damage when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Learn more here: Do You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?.

If you want the state’s overview of optional coverages (including UM/UIM), you can also review: Auto Insurance Coverage Options (Alaska Division of Insurance).

Do You Need “Full Coverage” in Alaska?

“Full coverage” isn’t a legal term, but most people use it to mean liability coverage plus collision and comprehensive. If you lease or finance your car, your lender will usually require these coverages to protect the vehicle. If you own your car outright, you can choose your coverage as long as you meet Alaska’s minimum liability requirements—though going with minimum limits can leave you exposed after a serious crash.

Top Auto Insurance Companies in Alaska

Alaska has fewer insurers than many states, but drivers can still find strong options—especially if they’re willing to shop around. Below are well-known companies to compare in Alaska. Availability and pricing can vary by ZIP code, vehicle, and driving history.

1. USAA

If you’re eligible, USAA is often one of the best-value options in Alaska due to competitive pricing and strong customer satisfaction. Start by confirming who qualifies for USAA auto insurance, then review the coverage, claims, and discount options in our USAA auto insurance review.

2. GEICO

GEICO tends to be a strong “baseline quote” in Alaska—especially for drivers with clean records who want straightforward coverage and discounts. See our full breakdown in the GEICO auto insurance review.

3. State Farm

State Farm is a good option for drivers who prefer working with a local agent and want a broad menu of coverage add-ons. It’s also commonly competitive for families and multi-car households. Details here: State Farm auto insurance review.

4. Umialik

Umialik is a well-known Alaska-based insurer with a strong local presence. If you want an insurer that understands Alaska driving conditions and offers multiple personal insurance products, it’s worth a quote. Read more in our Umialik auto insurance review. Umialik is part of the Western National Insurance Group.

5. Allstate

Allstate can be a strong choice if you’re bundling auto with home/renters, want lots of add-on coverage options, or prefer a large carrier with robust digital tools. Learn more: Allstate auto insurance review.

6. Progressive

Progressive is often competitive for drivers who want flexible coverage options, online shopping tools, and programs geared toward a wide range of driver profiles. See our review: Progressive auto insurance review.

7. Safeco

Safeco is a common choice for drivers looking for a large carrier feel with a strong independent agent network—especially if you’re bundling auto and homeowners insurance. Full details: Safeco auto insurance review.

8. The Hartford

The Hartford is worth comparing if you value enhanced coverage options and want to see whether group programs (like AARP-related offerings) are available to you. Here’s our take: Is The Hartford good for auto insurance?.

9. Nationwide

Nationwide is a solid all-around insurer to compare for drivers who want multiple coverage options, bundling opportunities, and a well-established carrier. Review: Nationwide auto insurance review.

10. Travelers

Travelers is another large national insurer that can be competitive in Alaska depending on your ZIP code and driver profile—especially for drivers bundling multiple policies or looking for a well-rounded selection of endorsements.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Alaska

If you’re trying to lower your premium, focus on the levers that consistently move the price with most insurers:

• Compare apples-to-apples quotes: Same liability limits, same deductibles, same drivers, same vehicles.
• Raise deductibles (if you can afford them): A higher collision/comprehensive deductible often reduces premium, but make sure you can actually pay it after a loss.
• Right-size coverage for an older vehicle: If your car isn’t worth much, it may be worth pricing a policy without collision and/or comprehensive.
• Ask about usage-based/telematics programs: If you drive less or drive safely, these programs can be meaningful.
• Bundle where it makes sense: Auto + home/renters is one of the most common ways to reduce total premium.
• Look for Alaska-relevant discounts: Multi-car, safe driver, defensive driving, paid-in-full, and paperless/autopay discounts are common.
• Review your liability limits: Minimum coverage keeps you legal, but higher limits can protect your savings if you cause a serious crash.
• Choose vehicles that are cheaper to repair and insure: Newer tech and expensive parts can raise comprehensive/collision costs.

Driving Without Insurance in Alaska

Alaska requires liability insurance for vehicles that must be registered, and the DMV can enforce this requirement through vehicle transactions and roadside checks. The DMV also notes that, in the Municipality of Anchorage, a vehicle may be impounded if you’re unable to provide proof of insurance. Review the official DMV summary here: Mandatory Insurance (Alaska DMV).

Even if you’re insured, not having your proof of insurance available during a traffic stop can still cause problems. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it: How much is a ticket for no proof of insurance?

Failing to maintain the required insurance can also lead to administrative consequences such as the suspension of your driver’s license, which often means paying reinstatement fees and filing proof of insurance going forward.

Important: Alaska has exceptions for certain areas where vehicle registration is not mandatory. However, if you’ve received a ticket totaling 6 points or more within the past 5 years, the DMV notes you may still be required to carry liability insurance—even in an exempt area. If your situation is unusual (remote community, seasonal use, out-of-state registration), it’s worth confirming directly with the DMV.

Alaska Car Insurance for Higher-Risk Drivers

Car Insurance in Alaska After a DUI

A DUI can cause one of the biggest premium increases of any driving event, and many drivers will also need an SR-22 filing. If you’re trying to estimate the impact and plan your next steps, see: How much does insurance go up after a DUI?

Tip: When shopping after a DUI, prioritize insurers that will actually write the policy in your situation, then compare deductibles and coverage details—not just the monthly price.

Car Insurance in Alaska After an At-Fault Accident

An at-fault accident usually raises rates (often for 3–5 years), but the impact varies by insurer and by the severity of the loss. Here’s what typically happens behind the scenes: What happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident?

If your insurer offers accident forgiveness, confirm whether it applies before your next accident—many programs must be added in advance, and eligibility rules vary.

Car Insurance in Alaska With Speeding Tickets

One minor ticket might not move your rate much, but multiple tickets or a major speeding violation can. If you’re shopping with tickets on your record, use a wider quote net and don’t assume your current insurer is best. Start here: How to find cheap auto insurance quotes even if you have a speeding ticket.

Car Insurance in Alaska for Young Drivers

Young drivers are expensive to insure because insurers price based on risk and limited driving history. The best way to reduce the hit is to stack every legitimate discount you qualify for (good student, driver training, telematics, multi-car) and compare multiple companies every renewal. More tips here: Cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Car Insurance in Alaska With Poor Credit

Alaska allows insurers to consider a credit-based insurance score as part of pricing for many drivers, which can create big premium swings between “excellent” and “poor” credit tiers. If you’re trying to understand how it works and what affects it, read: What is my car insurance score?

If your credit has improved recently, it’s worth requesting a re-rate at renewal and comparing quotes again—especially if you’ve also avoided tickets and claims.

SR-22 Insurance in Alaska

An SR-22 is not a special “type” of car insurance—it’s a filing that proves you carry the required coverage. Alaska treats it as proof of financial responsibility, and your insurer typically files it with the state on your behalf (often with a small filing fee).

Alaska’s SR-22 requirements can be longer than many other states. The Alaska DMV explains current SR-22 rules and timelines here: SR-22 Insurance (Alaska DMV).

If you want the general rule of thumb for how long you might have to keep the filing (and what can extend it), this guide helps: How long does an SR-22 last?

Because SR-22 requirements often come with higher premiums, you’ll usually save the most money by comparing multiple carriers and avoiding any lapse in coverage. Start here: Is it possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance?

FAQs on Car Insurance in Alaska

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Alaska

The “best” car insurance in Alaska is the policy that gives you the right protection at a price you can sustain. Start by meeting the state’s liability requirements, then decide whether you need collision and comprehensive based on your vehicle value and whether you have a loan or lease.

Finally, shop around at least once per year (and any time your life changes—new car, new driver, new address, tickets, or improved credit). Even in a relatively affordable state like Alaska, comparing quotes is still the fastest way to find real savings.