New Requirements for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists Coverage

Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development GOVERNOR BILL WALKER DIVISION OF INSURANCE BULLETIN B 17-08 P.O. Box 110805 Juneau. AK 99811-0805 Main: 907.465.2515 Fax: 907.465.3422 TO: ALL PROPERTY AND CASUAL TY INSURERS WRITING AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE IN THE STATE OF ALASKA RE: NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS COVERAGE New legislation, under SLA 2016, Chapter 41, Section 63, requires the director of the Division of Insurance (division) to ensure that policies providing uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage clearly state that the UM/UIM coverage provides coverage for the insured for injuries sustained as a pedestrian or bicyclist by a motor vehicle. This requirement is effective January 1, 2019. Accordingly, all auto policies that include UM/UIM coverage that incept or renew on or after January 1, 2019 must contain the required language. Note: the requirement is not solely that such coverage be provided, but that this specific coverage be clearly stated. To assist the division in effectively carrying out the new directive, all insurers writing automobile insurance in the State of Alaska must fill out a short survey available online. Please follow these steps to submit the survey: 1. Download the survey (Microsoft Excel document). 2. Answer the questions. 3. Save the document with the following naming format: "ABC Ins Co NAIC 12345.xlsx." For groups with multiple companies writing auto insurance, please fill out a separate survey for each company. 4. Email the completed survey as an attachment to insinfo@alaska.gov. Include the full company name and the NAIC number in the subject line. The survey contains notes and instructions related to filings that may be required. The notes appear in bold italics and apply based on the answers provided. Refer to the survey for applicable instructions. Responses are due no later than December 15, 2017. If you need additional time or have questions, contact Michael Ricker at michael.ricker v r (907) 465-2564. Dated: October 20, 2017.