Mileage caps in Alaska just don’t make sense anyway. You drive 30 miles to get groceries and that’s half your yearly allowance gone...
That’s exactly what tripped me up. I get wanting to protect the value, but how are folks supposed to enjoy their classics up here? Has anyone actually found a company with reasonable mileage limits for older vehicles, or is it all just for show?
how are folks supposed to enjoy their classics up here? Has anyone actually found a company with reasonable mileage limits for older vehicles, or is it all just for show?
I hear you on this. The whole idea of mileage caps up here feels like it was cooked up by someone who’s never actually driven in Alaska. I mean, most of us rack up miles just living our normal lives—never mind road trips or even heading out to see family. I tried to get my ‘72 Blazer insured as a classic last year and the “annual limit” they offered was basically enough for two summer weekends and a Costco run.
Honestly, I’ve had better luck focusing on bundling policies (home + auto) for discounts than stressing over “classic” coverage. Some companies will fudge the numbers a bit if you explain your situation, but most stick to those weirdly low caps. If you want to drive your classic more than just to the local car show, it’s almost like your only option is regular insurance and just eat the higher premium.
Not saying it’s fair, but until someone figures out that Alaskan miles aren’t the same as Lower 48 miles…we’re stuck working around it.
Mileage caps up here are a joke, right? I tried to get “collector” insurance for my old Mercedes SL and the agent basically told me I could drive it to the mailbox and back—if I was lucky. Meanwhile, my neighbor’s got a ‘69 Mustang that he actually wants to drive, not just polish in the garage. He ended up just going with regular coverage too, even though it costs more, because at least he can take it out for a real spin.
Bundling has been my saving grace. I’ve got my house, daily driver, and the “occasional joyride” car all under one roof, and the discount’s not bad. Still, it feels like these companies think we’re all living in a city grid instead of, you know, Alaska. I’d love to see an adjuster try to get from Anchorage to Fairbanks on their classic policy’s mileage limit... they’d run out halfway through Palmer.
Hang in there. At least we get to enjoy the scenery while we rack up those “excessive” miles.
Bundling’s been the only way I’ve managed to keep my rates from going totally off the rails, too. Tried to get a “pleasure use” policy for my old Subaru—figured I’d save a few bucks since it mostly sits, but the agent basically laughed and said their mileage cap wouldn’t even cover a weekend trip to Seward. I get that they want to protect rare cars, but Alaska’s not exactly built for short drives. At least with bundling, I don’t have to explain why my “occasional use” is 300 miles in one day...
Bundling’s been the only thing that’s kept my rates reasonable, too. Tried to get a low-mileage discount for our minivan since it mostly does school runs and grocery trips, but the agent said their “low” cap was 7,500 miles a year. That’s nothing up here—one family camping trip and a couple visits to Anchorage and you’re already halfway there. I get why they set those limits, but it just doesn’t fit how people actually drive in Alaska.
Honestly, I’ve found the safe driver discounts barely make a dent compared to bundling home and auto. Not sure if it’s just my provider, but even with a clean record for years, the savings were pretty underwhelming. Bundling at least feels like you’re getting something back for sticking with one company... even if it’s not as much as I’d like.
