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

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

Reader’s Question:

I am in the process of renewing my car insurance in Alaska. Should I expect higher premiums because I got involved in an accident?

Sharon

Anchorage, AK

It is most definite that your car insurance premium will increase after an accident whether or not you are at fault. For one, that puts you in the high risk category. And because that entails an additional demand in your car insurance premium against your existing coverage (that is, if you were underinsured at the time of the accident), the cost becomes more expensive, as you will be required to have coverage for another probable vehicular accident in the future.

As a reference, I believe it is just advisable that you consider the following coverage for your car and yourself. One, personal injury protection. This will cover the insured motorist for medical expenses and other damages such as opportunity cost of wage loss due to the accident. Two, uninsured or underinsured motorist. This will cover you in case the other party lacks the car insurance coverage that you need. Three, property damage, collision, bodily injury liability. This will cover expenses you, the people in your vehicle, and the people in the other vehicle might incur on medical bills and property damages.

Scout around Alaska for the most economical car insurance policy that will cover you substantially, or search online, because we really never know what could happen. It is better safe than sorry. I think a slight increase in your premium would not hurt you much.

Tags: auto insurance online, car insurance, high risk insurance

Reader’s Question:

What will happen if I drive without vehicle insurance? Does the state have a say whether a person should have auto insurance or not? I live here in Anchorage, Alaska.

Kim

Anchorage, AK

Hey there Kim! Are you driving? If you are, I think it’s high time for you to get an automobile insurance because not having one entails a lot of liabilities on your part if you get into an accident (especially if it’s your fault).

The thing about auto insurance is if you get involved in a vehicular accident and a police makes a run through on all your personal data, if he finds out that you are driving without insurance, you may be subject to penalties for violating specific laws in your state. You may want to check Anchorage, Alaska’s local government website to see what laws they have when it comes to driving. But most states require that you get covered by an auto insurance policy because it is their way of making sure that each person living in that state is protected.

Also, auto insurance is important because it acts as coverage from different types of liabilities such as medical costs, property damages, vehicular damages, etc. So if you get into an accident, you could expect your auto insurance company to take care of these damages as long as they are covered by your premium.

You could consult an insurance agent to know what kind of insurance policy you should get because there are a lot of factors to consider in choosing the right policy for you.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance, Car Insurance Company, car insurance cost

Reader’s Question:

Hello there. I’m an online nut. I do most things online, like buy my groceries, pay my bills, etc. It’s very convenient, and it’s also cost-efficient as I don’t have to drive around Anchorage, AK often and use so much gas. Still, there are things that compel you to leave the house and use the car. Here’s my question: Can I purchase auto insurance online? Is it safe?

Simon

Anchorage, AK

Simon, while I am not a fan of getting sensitive things off the net (I can be paranoid, at times), I do know that you can purchase car insurance online and that it is safe and secure. You do the application in the comfort of your home and you can finish it any time. No rush. And also, online insurance application allows you to compare different insurance packages. Find the cheapest one by visiting several web sites. You can get several and different quotes online. You can choose cheap but reasonable policies. A lot of people have privacy issues when purchasing anything online. That’s understandable. But it is also logical to assume that online insurance companies would do anything to maintain a safe site. I mean, stick to the auto insurance companies that we know. Make sure that you visit only reputable auto insurance companies’ web sites. You may opt to purchase a policy online right there on their website or you can do it through your good-old postal service there in Anchorage, Alaska. Now, if everything you stated in the website was truthful, and you answered questions honestly, then the quotation you were given will come through. If everything checks out, you don’t have to worry about any sudden changes in the details of the policy.

Tags: auto insurance online

Reader’s Question:

I just moved here in Anchorage, Alaska, and I bought a used car. what’s the difference between standard and nonstandard insurance? Or when do I apply for one and not the other? Which is better?

Karen

Anchorage, AK

Hello, Karen. Choosing between standard and nonstandard auto insurance is really not a matter of preference or cost-efficiency. The insurance companies will be the one to decide which one is most suitable to you. Standard insurance is the one we usually have. It’s for drivers with few violations, regular, virtually, risk-free jobs, healthy (or not very, very sick), etc. Basically, it’s what average Joes (and Joannes) like you and I purchase. Standard insurance costs less than non-standard insurance. Non-standard insurance is usually purchased by those with motor vehicle violations or have recently figured in an accident. if you have several minor violations, you will be a likely candidate for nonstandard car insurance.

If you figured in a DUI situation, the state will require you to have nonstandard insurance. Another reason why others have non-standard insurance is because of a high-risk job or lifestyle. A race car driver or a movie car-chase stuntman may not likely be offered standard car insurance because of the risks of their lifestyle. A person who owns a sports car will most likely be offered nonstandard auto insurance. This can also be influenced by the result of the medicals exam and background checks done by the car insurance company. Simply put, if you are deemed to be a high-risk driver, you will be offered nonstandard insurance. To check which one is suitable for you, you should contact an auto insurance company there in Anchorage, AK.

Tags: auto insurance, high risk insurance

Reader’s Question:

My car insurance was cancelled three days ago in Juneau, Alaska. Last night I got involved in an accident and it was not my fault. Can I still place a claim even if my car insurance has been cancelled.

Beth

Juneau, AK

No, you could not make a car insurance claim through your own insurance carrier in Juneau, Alaska since your car insurance policy was not in effect at the time of the accident since you mentioned that it was cancelled. It does not matter if your car insurance policy was terminated by just an hour, if your car insurance was not in effect at the time of the accident you would not have coverage under your car insurance policy.

Since you mentioned that the accident was not your fault you can make a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to check if they will accept it. Their car insurance claims department should be informed to make the claim for the damages you sustained caused by the accident.

It would be helpful in your situation if you are now properly insured. Even if you were not cited for driving without insurance it would be best to now have your automobile insured so that you can legally operate the car.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

Hi there! I am just wondering if it is possible to have the vehicle insurance policy in Juneau, Alaska be only under my name. My wife is no longer living with me and now she is in the nursing home. I bought a vehicle last month and the title is unde my name only.

Ben

Juneau, AK

Yes, it may be possible to have the vehicle insurance policy under your name only since the vehicle is titled in your name and your spouse is no longer living with you therefore not a part of your household anymore.

I suggest that you tell you automobile insurance carrier that your wife is already in the nursing home and no longer part of your household and request that your car insurance policy in Juneau, Alaska be under your name only. Auto Insurance carriers have different rules and guidelines. It is possible that your car insurance carrier exclude your wife as the driver in your car insurance policy.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

A friend of mine told me that when you increase your auto insurance here in Anchorage, Alaska it doesn’t really mean that your coverage will increase. Is the statement of my friend is correct? If so, why?

Tyron

Anchorage, AK

Good day Tyron,

If your vehicle has a lien holder then most probably you will be required to have collision auto insurance on top of your overall comprehensive coverage. Protection for their investment is what lenders want in Anchorage, Alaska and a collision auto insurance has the capacity to provide that protection.

For better understanding, a collision auto insurance is the one that takes care the coverage when your car hits to another car, hits to an object or hit by an object. With in these specified circumstances, your car is covered and will be fix using your collision auto insurance policy.

While with liability coverage, some of the coverage limits can be adjust by the policy holder. The usual cost of damage during collision or accident is being paid by the auto insurance company provided that the amount was already established by the claims adjuster. This cost of damage will not exceed the assessment value of the vehicle, and this answer your question. Your friend is correct regarding his statement, the factor that change here is the deductibles.

Check you policy for better understanding about deductibles and set this up with your insurance agent in Anchorage, Alaska. You can also shop for free quotes online and compare them so you can assess your choices for auto insurance policies.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost, car insurance quotes

Reader’s Question:

Hello from Sarah Palin’s home state. It seems like our favorite governor is getting blamed for everything. We think she’s great! Wish she could help us find some affordable car insurance, but perhaps you can? Thanks

Jane

Juneau, AK

Good day Jane

Your governor has become quite the celebrity, but you are right that you will find the most affordable car insurance right at this site. Shopping online for affordable car insurance is definitely the 21st century way to go. At this site, you can make a single inquiry and receive very competitive rates from a variety of affordable car insurance companies.

We suggest that you review you policy each year. We also want to let you know that more affordable car insurance is available for yearly rates than for shorter term rates. When asking for inquiries, always submit a request for an annual policy rate.

Another strategy to get affordable car insurance rates is to consider reducing your deductible. Your personal risk will increase a bit, but you will receive more affordable car insurance rates. You can then determine if it is a good risk or not.

We also recommend that you install anti-theft devoices in all your autos. The safer the car, the more affordable car insurance will be.

When you have compiled your package details, please complete the brief inquiry form on this page and you will receive multiple proposals fro affordable car insurance in Juneau, Alaska. Study those proposals carefully and we think you will find much more affordable car insurance than you currently have. Good luck, Jane.

Tags: auto insurance, cheap auto insurance