Alaska · Handbook chapter 2 · 6 min read

Alaska's insurance minimums, what to do after a crash, when to report it, the point system, and the difference between a suspension and a revocation.

Why this chapter matters

Crash duties and insurance rules come with exact deadlines and dollar amounts, which makes them favorite test questions. Learn these: $50,000/$100,000/$25,000, $501, 15 days, 10 days, $2000, and 12 points in 12 months or 18 in 24.

Insurance and financial responsibility

Alaska has two laws that keep uninsured and irresponsible drivers off the road.

• The Financial Responsibility Law makes owners or drivers at fault in a collision pay for the damage or injury they cause. If you may reasonably be found liable in civil court, your license can be suspended for up to three years. You can end that suspension at any time by settling with the other people involved.
• The Mandatory Insurance Law requires the owner or the driver to carry liability insurance with minimums of $50,000/$100,000 to cover injury or death and $25,000 to cover damage to property.

You must carry proof of insurance in the vehicle. If you cannot show it to an officer, you may get a ticket or the vehicle may be impounded. Proof may be shown on a mobile device.

Proof of insurance after a crash

If a crash causes injury or death, or property damage over $501, every driver involved must send proof of insurance to the DMV within 15 days, whoever caused it. This is in addition to any police or insurance report. The investigating officer usually hands out the certificate of insurance form, and DMV offices have it too.

If you were uninsured, or you miss the 15-day deadline, your license is suspended for 90 days the first time and one year the second time.

What to do after any crash

1. Stop at once. If your vehicle blocks traffic, move it out of the way if you can.
2. Warn other traffic. At night, set out flares or other signals, and do not walk in front of other vehicles.
3. Help anyone who is hurt. Do not move an injured person unless you must. Call an ambulance if needed, stop serious bleeding and keep the person warm.
4. Exchange information: names, addresses, license numbers, plate numbers, phone numbers and insurance companies. Get the names of as many witnesses as you can.
5. Call for help if required. If someone is injured, or total property damage is $2000 or more, call the local police by dialing 911 if you are inside a municipality, or the Alaska State Troopers if you are outside one.
6. Cooperate with the investigating officer.
7. Report the crash to the DMV within 10 days, online or on a 12-209 crash report. This report is not needed if a police officer investigated the crash.

If you hit an unattended vehicle or property such as a fence, stop and try to find the owner. If you cannot, leave a written note with your name, address and telephone number. Leaving the scene of a crash is worth 9 points.

The point system

Alaska's point system is aimed at preventing crashes by identifying and correcting problem drivers.

• Moving violations carry from 2 to 10 points, with the highest values for the violations most likely to cause crashes.
• 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months means a mandatory suspension or revocation, whatever the hardship, and no limited work license is available.
• You get a warning letter when you reach halfway to a point suspension.
• Violation-free driving and a defensive driving course (once every 12 months) can earn point reductions.
• A provisional license holder with 6 or more points in 12 months or 9 or more in 24 months must complete an approved driver improvement course.
• Repeat violators may be called to an interview with a hearing officer.

Points are entered for convictions in Alaska or any other state.

Suspension and revocation

A suspended or revoked license must be turned in. The period does not end by itself: you must reinstate your privilege and then carry proof of future financial responsibility, usually an SR-22 insurance filing, which makes your insurer tell the DMV if your coverage lapses.

• Suspension means your privilege is taken away for a time. Afterwards you meet the reinstatement requirements and apply for a duplicate license. Causes include an uninsured vehicle in a crash, too many points, and breaking license restrictions.
• Revocation means your license is cancelled. Afterwards you must qualify for a new one. Courts revoke for DUI or refusal, driving while suspended or revoked, reckless driving, failing to stop and give aid after an injury crash, lying to the DMV, fleeing police, and felonies involving a vehicle.

The DMV can also revoke administratively, for example after a refusal or a breath result of .08 or more, for habitual violations, and for under-21 drinking offenses. It can act whatever happens in court, and a reinstatement fee applies after any suspension, revocation or limitation.