Riding in Alaska, you must realize that insurance is your greatest protection. The AS 28.22.011 requires liability insurance unless you only ride in remote locations, not on the public highway system, and have had no serious violations within the last five years. Otherwise, your light might be extinguished not only on the road, but also legally.
Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Alaska?
You can breathe easier when you think Alaska did not need insurance everywhere. The law has created small exemptions, provided you do not get on the state highway system and have not amassed serious demerit points. Liability insurance is also compulsory for most motorcyclists. When you are pulled over and unable to show insurance, you may have your license suspended, and even lose your bike, especially in such a place as Anchorage.
Minimum Motorcycle Insurance Coverage in Alaska
A smile is not enough to ride safely on Alaskan roads. The state requires a minimum of $50,000 per individual, $100,000 per accident and bodily injury, and $25,000 in property damage. These amounts are not pulled out of the air; they are enshrined in AS 28.20.440 and enforced by the DMV.
Optional and Recommended Coverage
The minimum will only keep you out of trouble with the law, but will not protect you against financial ruin. Insurers must provide uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under AS 28.22.201/AS 28.20.445, so you can elect to buy additional protection. This coverage increases when the at-fault rider lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage. You can even choose UM/UIM limits up to 1 million per person and 2 million per accident.
Think of the worst-case scenario. A person who has absconded or has inadequate coverage owes you. UM/UIM will be between you and crippling medical expenses. Insurers usually provide deductibles such as $250 in case of property damage, but this is a small price to pay for genuine peace of mind.
Consequences of Riding Without Insurance
Riding uninsured is at your peril. Per AS 28.22.041, the license may be suspended in case of the inability to produce evidence. And, even in a crash you caused, you are now barred by AS 09.65.300 from recovering pain and suffering damages if you were uninsured. You can have your medical bills covered, but not the emotional compensation.
What Happens If You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?
The absence of insurance may make the compensation a risky game of chance, even when the victim is you. Alaska uses comparative negligence, and you may recover less if you are at fault, even a little. You only have two years to file under AS 09.10.070, so you could lose your case by waiting.
How Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Help
This is where motorcycle injury attorneys enter the picture. We interpret the small print of your policy, identify coverage gaps, and negotiate full value with insurers. We will activate UM/UIM and dispute denials and bad-faith claims to obtain all the compensation you are due.
When you get ready, not only get your bike ready, but also get prepared for the truth. Liability insurance makes your ride legal. UM/UIM covers tragedies you did not cause. And your lawyer ensures your recovery is in line with your suffering. Call a lawyer today if you are injured or have questions.