Sponsor Statement for SB 283

Automobile Civil Liability

Senate Bill 283 allows an uninsured driver involved in an accident to recover damages from the other driver only for economic losses, such as medical care and lost wages, but not for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. An uninsured driver would also not be able to collect non-economic damages if guilty of drunk driving or if the driver caused the accident while committing a crime. However, an uninsured motorist who is injured by a subsequently convicted drunk driver may seek recovery for non-economic damages.

Most Alaskans are required to carry automobile insurance, and should not be put in the position of underwriting uninsured motorists who want to recover non-economic damages.