Auto
Auto Insurance Claims in Alaska: Crashes, Moose and Windshields
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Disclaimer: AK Claims provides general educational information only. It is not legal, financial or insurance advice, and AK Claims is not an insurance company, adjuster or law firm. Your policy language controls. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Alaska attorney, a licensed adjuster or the Alaska Division of Insurance.
Alaska is an at-fault state for auto insurance: the driver who caused a crash, through their liability insurer, is responsible for the other party's damages. Your own coverages, such as collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist, matter when the other driver isn't at fault, isn't insured, or when you hit a moose.
What auto insurance does Alaska require?
Alaska requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (often written as 50/100/25). Many drivers choose higher limits because serious crashes can exceed the minimums.
| Coverage | What it generally pays for |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury and property damage liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others (required) |
| Collision | Damage to your vehicle from hitting another vehicle or object, regardless of fault, minus your deductible |
| Comprehensive (other than collision) | Theft, vandalism, falling objects, glass damage and, under most policies, collisions with animals such as moose |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Your injuries (and sometimes property damage) when an at-fault driver has no or too little insurance |
| Medical payments | Medical bills for you and passengers, regardless of fault, up to a limit |
| Rental reimbursement and towing | Optional coverage for a rental car and roadside help |
Insurers in Alaska are generally required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage; check your declarations page to see what you have and at what limits.
What to do after an Alaska car crash
- Check for injuries and get safe. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the scene is dangerous. On icy roads, stay well off the traffic lanes; secondary crashes are a real risk.
- Exchange information. Names, contact details, driver's license numbers, insurance companies and policy numbers, and vehicle plates.
- Document the scene. Photograph vehicles, positions, road and weather conditions, signs and any injuries. Note witnesses' contact information.
- Report it. Alaska law requires reporting crashes that involve injury, death, or property damage above a set dollar amount to the Division of Motor Vehicles within a deadline. Check the DMV's current requirements, and report to police where appropriate.
- Notify your insurer. Report promptly even if you think you weren't at fault. Your policy requires cooperation.
- Be careful with statements. You'll likely be contacted by the other driver's insurer. You can provide basic facts, but consider getting advice before giving a recorded statement or signing a release, especially if you were injured.
Moose and other animal collisions
Under most auto policies, hitting a moose or other animal is covered under comprehensive rather than collision, so your comprehensive deductible applies. Without comprehensive coverage, damage to your own vehicle generally isn't covered.
Moose collisions are common in Southcentral Alaska, especially in winter darkness. After one, move to safety, call 911 if the animal blocks the road or anyone is hurt, and photograph the damage and scene. Don't approach an injured moose. Alaska has programs for salvaging road-killed moose; contact authorities rather than handling the animal yourself.
Cracked windshields
Gravel on Alaska roads makes windshield chips and cracks frequent. Glass damage usually falls under comprehensive. Some policies offer separate glass coverage with a lower or no deductible. Small chips can often be repaired before they spread in freezing temperatures, and many insurers encourage repair over replacement.
Your vehicle claim: repair or total loss
- Repair estimates: You can usually choose your repair shop. Compare the insurer's estimate with the shop's, and ask for a supplemental payment if hidden damage is found.
- Total loss: If repairs exceed a threshold relative to the vehicle's value, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay actual cash value. Ask how the value was calculated and provide evidence such as comparable local listings, recent upgrades and maintenance records.
- Shipping and parts delays: Parts often take longer to reach Alaska. If you have rental coverage, ask about limits on duration.
Injury claims and time limits
Injury claims involve medical records, lost wages and sometimes long recovery, and settling too early can leave costs uncovered. Alaska sets deadlines for filing lawsuits, including a generally two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (AS 09.10.070), with exceptions. If you've been injured, talk with a licensed Alaska attorney well before any deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alaska a no-fault state?
No. Alaska is an at-fault (tort) state. The at-fault driver's liability insurance pays for damage they cause to others.
Does insurance cover hitting a moose in Alaska?
Usually yes under comprehensive coverage, subject to your deductible. Liability-only policies generally won't pay for damage to your own vehicle.
What are the minimum auto insurance limits in Alaska?
Alaska's minimum liability limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.