Car Insurance in Palmer, AK
Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more for drivers in Palmer, AK.
Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career. He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
Even the best drivers can sometimes get in accidents. That is why if you own a vehicle in Palmer, you are required to have car insurance. Whether you are involved in a major crash on Glenn Highway or a fender bender on Evergreen Avenue, a good policy can shield you from large financial losses.
Local independent agents are available to answer your insurance-related questions and help you find the coverage you want at a competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you when you’re ready to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Palmer, AK?
The average cost of car insurance in Alaska, and in Palmer specifically, is higher than the national average.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Alaska average annual car insurance cost: $1,410
- Palmer average annual car insurance cost: $1,408
Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next. This is because insurance companies calculate your rates according to several factors such as:
- The year, make, and model of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
- Your age, occupation, driving record, and credit score
- Information about other licensed drivers in your household
- The amount of liability insurance you are buying
- Which, if any, coverage options you want to include in your policy
- Whether you are opting for paperless billing and payments
If you buy your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides some of your other coverage, like your home insurance or renters insurance policy, this is called bundling, and it often results in significant discounts on all your bundled policies.
Some other potential car insurance discounts you may be entitled to include:
Comparing customized quotes from multiple insurance carriers lets you choose the policy that is offered at the best price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.
Is Car Insurance Required in Palmer, AK?
As a vehicle owner in Palmer, you are required by law to carry a policy that meets or exceeds Alaska’s minimum coverage requirements.
In this state, all car insurance policies must include liability insurance. This covers injuries and property damage you cause to other people if you are at fault for an accident. Your auto liability coverage must meet or exceed the following minimums:
- Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $50,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $100,000
- Property damage liability coverage per accident: $25,000
Some vehicle owners also need to carry physical damage coverage. Physical damage coverage is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you have your car on a lease. This coverage is designed to pay for damage to your own vehicle. It includes:
- Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a windstorm or theft.
If you own your vehicle outright, collision and comprehensive coverage are optional.
What Else Can Palmer Car Insurance Cover?
In addition to the coverage types mentioned above, your insurance company is likely to offer several coverage options, including:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance: This can cover the costs associated with injuries sustained by you and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Medical payments insurance: This can help cover the cost of medical treatment if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle becomes disabled while you are out on the road, such as if you get a flat tire or run out of gas.
- Gap insurance: This is usually a good idea in the first year or two of new car ownership. It can pay off your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, but you still owe more for your car than it is worth.
- Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while your own vehicle is being repaired following a covered event.
It is a good idea to review the details of all offered coverage options as well as their costs. That way, you can best decide which options are a good value for you and your family.
What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Palmer?
Driving without insurance in Alaska is illegal. If caught doing so, you can face:
- The suspension of your driver’s license for 90 days to one year
- A fine of $500
- The requirement to maintain an SR-22 for at least one year
- Higher car insurance rates
Despite this, many drivers in this state are operating uninsured vehicles.
- Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
- Percentage of Alaska drivers who are uninsured: 15.4%
If you have opted to include uninsured motorist insurance in your car insurance policy, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will have the coverage you need without needing to go through lengthy legal channels to collect it.
How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Palmer, AK?
The auto theft rate in Alaska is higher than the national average. In Palmer, this property crime has been on the rise. In one recent year, residents of this small city reported 27 auto thefts.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
- Alaska auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 5.42
- Palmer auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 3.61
You can only be reimbursed for a stolen car if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This insurance covers a wide range of non-collision loss and damage, such as if a tree falls on your vehicle or if your car is washed away in a flood.
If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have comprehensive coverage already. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your car insurance policy.
What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Palmer, Alaska?
Qualities that make an insurance company stand out as a top choice include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.
Independent insurance agents have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Alaska. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by companies you can count on if you need to file a claim.
How Can an Independent Agent in Palmer Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?
Independent agents take the guesswork out of finding the best car insurance policy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your coverage-related questions, and help you compare rates from a selection of competing providers.
It doesn’t cost anything to work with these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.
http://www.city-data.com/city/Palmer-Alaska.html
https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/faq/manins.htm