DUI and Car Insurance Rates Alaska AK
Reader’s Question:
What will happen if I get caught for DUI in Alaska? Will my car insurance rates increase?
Andy
Anchorage, AK
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or any other controlled substance is considered a serious offense by the United States government, and Alaska is not an exception. This particular offense has been increasing alarmingly in all states and has been responsible for causing thousands of death in the past year.
In Alaska, if a motorist is arrested for DUI, he or she is faced with criminal suit and administrative license action. Part of these penalties is the revocation of a motorist’s driving privileges. In Alaska, those who get caught for the first time for DUI face 90 days suspension of driver’s license. Aside from this, a motorist has to carry high-risk car insurance coverage for three years. Policyholders who have been cited for DUI are considered an unfavorable risk for any car insurance company. This infraction could result to increased premiums. Aside from the fact that high-risk car insurance already costs too much, a policyholder with DUI citation will be closely watched by any insurer to assess if a policyholder will still be maintained. An individual with this type of driving record may have a hard time renewing his or her insurance policy. Worse, complete cancellation of car insurance coverage will be considered if a policyholder proves to be a big liability to the car insurance company.
Tags: auto insurance premium, car insurance rate, DUI, DUI insurance, high risk insurance
Comprehensive Insurance Claim Alaska AK
Reader’s Question:
I live in Alaska, and while my car was parked in the lot, a tree branch fell on the roof. Minor damage was sustained on the car, and I can do the repairs on my own. Do I have to shoulder the expenses for some things needed for the repair or will my auto insurance pay for that?
Henry
Anchorage, AK
As in any state, including Alaska, a car insurance provider will pay for this kind of damage only if you have the comprehensive insurance segment in your policy. Comprehensive insurance will pay if your car was vandalized, stolen, damaged by fire, flood, hurricane, car struck by a deer or damaged from a falling tree branch. If you have this section in your policy, then you can file the claim, so your insurer can reimburse what you already spent on repairs and possibly cover for the additional repairs needed.
But before filing an auto insurance claim, always bear in mind that a single call about a possible insurance claim will be duly noted and will be on your car insurance record permanently and may be considered a negative point against you. Auto insurance providers will see you as a liability to their company. This single call can even be a factor they would consider to raise your auto insurance premiums. So, you need to ask yourself if it would really be necessary to file for a claim.
Simply put, if you can shoulder the expenses without considerable financial difficulty, then filing that claim should be your last resort. It is always good to know how car insurance providers compute for your premiums. This way, you are in total control of your finances.
Tags: auto insurance claims, auto insurance premium, comprehensive insurance coverage