Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Alaska in 2025
Alaska law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Alaska Statutes Title 28, Chapter 22, the Alaska Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, financial responsibility must be established before a vehicle may be registered or operated in the state. The requirement applies to both initial registration and annual registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Section 28.22.011 of the Alaska Statutes establishes that a person may not operate a motor vehicle in Alaska unless financial responsibility is established through one of several approved methods. Motor vehicle liability insurance represents the most common method of establishing financial responsibility. The requirement applies to all motor vehicles operated on public roadways, with limited exceptions for specific vehicle categories.
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration throughout the state. The division maintains offices in communities across Alaska and processes registration applications, renewals, and transfers. Insurance verification occurs as part of the registration process to ensure compliance with financial responsibility requirements.
Motor vehicle operators must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without established financial responsibility constitutes a violation of Alaska law and may result in suspension of driving privileges and vehicle registration.
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
3195 Channel Drive, Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-4335
Official Website: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Section 28.22.101 of the Alaska Statutes establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Alaska Division of Insurance regulates insurance companies and provides guidance on coverage requirements. Alaska requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $50,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $100,000 total |
| Property damage or destruction | $25,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. Alaska law does not mandate collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage, or uninsured motorist coverage, though lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed vehicles. Personal injury protection coverage is not available in Alaska, as the state has not adopted no-fault insurance provisions.
Alaska Division of Insurance
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1560, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-7900
Official Website: Alaska Division of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
In Alaska, you must carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance ID Card (Paper): The traditional printed insurance card provided by your insurance company shows your policy information and coverage details.
- Digital Insurance Card (Electronic): Alaska accepts electronic/digital proof of insurance on your smartphone or mobile device. You can display your insurance information from your insurance company's mobile app or as a stored digital document.
- Full Insurance Policy: The complete insurance policy document
- Declaration (Dec) Page: The declaration page from your policy that summarizes your coverage
- Insurance Binder: A temporary proof of insurance document issued while your full policy is being processed.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Alaska law:
- Off-Road Vehicles
- Historic Vehicles
- Government Vehicles
- Military Vehicles
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Division of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals.
Insurance coverage must remain continuous throughout the registration period. Allowing insurance to lapse during the registration period violates Alaska law and may result in registration suspension.
New Alaska residents registering vehicles from other states must establish Alaska insurance coverage before registration. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Alaska registration requirements.
Online registration renewals through the Alaska Online Public Access System require active insurance coverage in the state verification system. The system confirms insurance status electronically before processing renewal transactions.
