Alaska averaged $973.61 in auto insurance premiums in 2008. This was a 3.80 percent change from 2007. In 2007 the average auto insurance premium rate was $937.83. The figures from 2008 are very revealing. They show that the average for liability coverage in Alaska was $600.28. Comprehensive coverage was an average of $167.96 and collision insurance was shown to average $393.56. In 2008 there were 39 states that had lower auto insurance premiums than Alaska. In 2007 and 2008 there were only ten states that had higher premium rates than Alaska. In 2000 there were eleven states with higher insurance premiums. The average premium in Alaska for 2000 was $770.11. By 2005 Alaska’s insurance premiums had taken a slight hike to $826.10.

There are many factors that Alaska uses when they are determining what will affect the price of their insurance premiums. The speed limits throughout Alaska affect the cost. In the city the speed limit throughout Alaska is 55 miles per hour. On the highway it is 65 miles per hour. Insurance premiums will increase if someone gets speeding tickets. The limit for blood alcohol is also a factor. The limit in Alaska is 0.08. Anyone driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08 will be subject to arrest for driving under the influence. If someone is arrested for this they then become a liability for the insurance company and will have an increase in their rates. Alaska suspends their license for an average of 90 days and they may be able have it reinstated under certain circumstances within 30 days. The state of Alaska is different from other states in regards to open containers. Alaska allows open alcohol containers in a vehicle as long as everyone is of age. The only person that is prohibited from having an open container or consuming alcohol is the driver.

Alaska does not have a law banning the use of cell phones while driving. If someone gets into an accident while talking on a cell phone or texting they may get ticketed and fined. If this happens they may be subject to have their insurance premiums increase. No matter what the reason is for an accident, if someone is found to be at fault their insurance premiums will increase. As long as the person is a safe responsible driver they should be able to keep their insurance premiums at a reasonable price.