Winter weather makes driving more dangerous. Review your auto insurance needs. It is essential to have enough insurance in a car accident.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Alaska law requires liability insurance for drivers. Alaska law states that drivers must buy at least $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per person and $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident. Drivers must also buy $25,000 in property damage protection.
Drivers in parts of Alaska that do not mandate registration are not required to buy liability insurance. However, drivers with six or more points on their license in five year period must buy insurance regardless of local exemptions. Drivers must also prove they have insurance at all times. Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in a license suspension.
Although many states require minimum levels of auto insurance, many crashes cause damages greater than minimum requirements cover. For example, a severe crash may result in long-term injuries. Such injuries reduce a victim’s ability to earn a living or limit quality of life. When this occurs, the injured person may require insurance beyond what an at-fault driver’s policy insures.
Additional Insurance Options
Companies offer insurance beyond state requirements, such as uninsured (UM), underinsured (UIM), and medical payments coverage. These insurances protect you when damages exceed the at-fault parties’ insurance available.
After a serious automobile crash, contact an injury attorney. The attorney gathers evidence in your case to establish the negligence of a third-party causing injuries. If successful, the driver with injuries may be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and other reasonable long-term care costs.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, Merdes Law Firm
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