When people think of Alaska, many times their thoughts turn to long cold winters, moose and being home to past vice-presidential candidates. Rarely to large cities and vast populations come to mind, yet Anchorage stands tall as the largest city in the state boasting nearly 375,000 residents living in and around the great Anchorage area. In addition, many people may also be surprised to learn nearly two-thirds of those individuals are licensed drivers. Compare online car insurance for FREE with our ZIP code search!

Finding the best car insurance in Anchorage can be a difficult task though, and because of the many different factors involved, the best way to determine which company or agency offers the best coverage it to compare Anchorage car insurance quotes among all of the companies offering car insurance. There are a number of things to consider when comparing these Anchorage companies however; so understanding exactly what to look for will make one’s such much easier. Don’t wait on savings! Enter your ZIP code and compare car insurance quotes TODAY!

Important Facts and Statistics for Anchorage Car Insurance

Although, the United States is continually working toward gender equality, one’s individual gender may play a role in the car insurance rates they pay on an annual basis. Taking that into consideration, Anchorage is somewhat of an anomaly compared to other cities throughout the United States. Historically, males have received higher rates due to being involved in more automobile accidents and being cited for more traffic violations than females.

According to a 2008 Fatalities Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 55.56% of all accidents in Anchorage were caused by female drivers. Although this is not a guarantee of higher rates for females, it could be considered when determining car insurance rates for both males and females. It is also important to understand the split between male and female drivers in Anchorage is about even with males making up 50.60% of the driving population and females making up 49.40%.

Other facts to keep in mind is the type of vehicle being insured will also play a part in how much Anchorage car insurance rates will run, and the types of vehicle may surprise some consumers. Whereas bigger engines, sportier models, even specific colors may lead to hire premiums, a vehicles rate of theft is also considered. In every major city, car insurance companies have a list of the top stolen vehicles for that particular city, and if their customers happen to drive a vehicle on that list, the chance they will be paying higher premiums for it greatly increases.

For Anchorage car insurance companies a few vehicles on that list that may not seem like “high-theft” vehicles are the 1997 Ford F150 Pickup, the 1991 Subaru Legacy, the 1990 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size), and the 1997 Honda Civic. None of these vehicles are the sportier, luxury model cars one would expect to find on a Top Ten list for stolen vehicles, but owning one of them may lead to paying higher car insurance rates in Anchorage because of it.

Average Car Insurance Rates in Anchorage

And speaking of Alaska car insurance rates, whereas they will vary based on some of the aforementioned facts above, as well as driving records and credit histories, on average, a driver in Anchorage can expect to pay $2095 annually to ensure their vehicle. This is well over the national average to the tune of $600 more a year, and nearly double the average car insurance rates the rest of the state of Alaska. These rates are also much higher than the national average of the United States as well.

Legal Requirements for Anchorage Car Insurance

With the Anchorage car insurance rates listed above and amidst one of the worst recessions the country has experienced in sometime, many drivers may consider driving without insurance. The only problem with this approach is that it is fiscally irresponsible in that should a driver be involved in an accident and be found at-fault, without insurance their personal assets can be taken in a lawsuit leaving them with nothing. In those instances, the money saved by not paying monthly car insurance rates will not be worth it when everything else is lost.

An important thing for Anchorage drivers to understand is there was recently a law passed in the State of Alaska; Alaska Mandatory Auto Insurance Act which dictate the following regulations for all registered drivers within the state:

• Insurance companies in Alaska have the right to choose who they want to offer auto insurance coverage to.
• All drivers are placed into classifications. Classifications are determined by such factors as age, sex, marital status, and driving record.
• Some insurance companies may specialize in certain driver classifications, including teenagers, drivers with clean records, or high risk drivers.
• Except for certain reasons, an Alaska auto insurance policy may not be cancelled by the insurer.
• On top of that, the State of Alaska and the City of Anchorage require by law that all registered drivers carry a minimum level of car insurance, as well as carry proof of that insurance while operating any motor vehicle they may find themselves operating. Law enforcement officers within the state of Alaska are required to request this proof of insurance at any and all traffic stops or traffic accidents where the damage is over $500. Not doing this may result in the loss of license and steep fines levied against the motorist who is unable to provide this proof of insurance.

Alaska, including the City of Anchorage, also has heavier restrictions around those requiring SR-22 Insurance, better known as “high-risk” insurance, and those who have one or more DUI convictions. Below is a breakdown of variations of SR-22 Insurance and the length of time an Anchorage driver may be required to carry that type of insurance.

• “High-risk” = 3 Year Minimum Coverage on SR-22
• First DUI Offense = 5 Year Minimum Coverage on SR-22
• Second DUI Offense = 10 Year Minimum Coverage on SR-22
• Third DUI Offense = 20 Year Minimum Coverage on SR-22
• Fourth or more DUI Offense = SR-22 Coverage for Life.

It is also important to note these car insurance requirements are not progressive, so if a judge were to determine a longer term on SR-22 Insurance is necessary after a lesser numbered offense, they are free to make that call.

Minimum Requirements for Anchorage Car Insurance

Furthermore, not only is carrying insurance in Anchorage required by law, but registered motorists must carry at minimum $50,000 to cover any one person in any one accident and $100,000 to cover any injuries that took place as a result of that accident. They also, by law, must carry at minimum $25,000 to cover any property damages that may have resulted from any on accident. All of these minimums are higher than the U.S. National Average

Although the minimum car insurance coverage listed above is higher than the national average, unlike many other states, citizens of Anchorage are not required to carry additional varieties of coverage such as Collision, Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury or Comprehensive coverage. Even though these additional forms of coverage are note required by law, the addition of these forms may provide additional protection against frivolous lawsuits in the event a driver finds themselves at-fault in an automobile accident. Comparing these different forms of coverage is a good way to see which companies offer the best coverage for each individual driver.

Different Anchorage Car Insurance Companies and Agencies

Much like many other metropolitan cities throughout the United States, there are a number of different car insurance companies and agencies in Anchorage. Although not many of the standard insurance companies throughout the country will also be found in Anchorage, a quick search of the Internet will quickly direct Anchorage residents to their nearest agents and the companies those agents do business with. One thing to consider, is although a cheaper deal may be found outside of the Anchorage area, one wants to be sure that company can quickly have a claims adjuster on the ground in Anchorage in the event they are needed. Find state car insurance for FREE with our ZIP code search!

It is also important to remember many of the services offered by one Anchorage car insurance company, are offered by many of them. Taking some time to look into each company and meet with multiple agents to determine which package is right for one’s specific needs is the key to finding the best overall insurance company. Doing side by side comparisons, and getting a variety of quotes in writing will ensure the consumer will be able to make the best decision as to which Anchorage car insurance company is right for them. Don’t wait any longer! Use our FREE ZIP code search and compare car insurance online!