Alaska Liability Insurance

Alaska Liability Insurance typically covers the vehicle on the policy and is not specific to the driver. For example, if you lend your vehicle to someone and they are not insured, your insurance may apply. The same is true if you get into a crash with someone driving a friend or family member’s vehicle without their own insurance.

Omnibus Clause

Many Alaska liability insurance polices include an omnibus clause. An omnibus clause is a standard provision in many automobile liability policies extending coverage to individuals not named in the policy. In other words, the omnibus clause applies to individuals authorized to use an insured vehicle. As long as the individual has permission to drive the car, they are covered by the omnibus clause.

Does Alaska Liability Insurance Require An Omnibus Clause?

No, Alaska Liability Insurance Law does not require an omnibus clause. 

Here’s Why:

• Alaska law’s primary focus requires liability insurance with specific minimum coverage. This protects others if you cause an accident.
• Alaska Statute 28.22.101 mandates that owners of registered motor vehicles maintain a liability insurance policy meeting minimum requirements for bodily injury/death and property damage.

Again, while an omnibus clause is not legally mandated in Alaska, many auto insurance policies automatically include this provision. Read and understand the terms of your specific policy. Ask your insurance agent if your liability policy includes an omnibus clause and how it applies to your situation. 

Liability Insurance

If a friend takes your vehicle with permission and crashes but has their own insurance, your friend’s insurance may be primary and necessary to cover damages for injured parties. So, if someone else driving your car is at fault for the accident, here’s how your Alaska liability insurance policy’s coverage may help:

• Auto liability coverage: Alaska liability insurance may help pay for other injured parties’ medical bills or damaged vehicle that arose from the accident. Your liability coverage will not pay for the permissive driver’s medical bills or repairs to your car.
• Collision coverage: May help pay for your vehicle repairs. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay your deductible (the amount you’re responsible for paying before insurance kicks in) first.
• Medical payments coverage: Typically pays for medical bills incurred by your vehicles occupants, including the permissive driver.

Insurance Coverage: Drivers Without Permission

If someone takes your vehicle without permission, then you will not be accountable for damages or injuries that driver causes. For instance, if a thief takes your vehicle and crashes, then you will not be liable for injuries. You may however need to use your Alaska liability insurance to cover your own property damage claims.

If you are in an accident, it is important to gather as much information as possible from the other driver. Ask for registration in addition to proof of insurance. In many cases, several insurance policies can apply to assist in making injured parties whole following a crash.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Source: Investopedia; Alaska State Legislature

Image Source: Travel Alaska