Hawaii Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (August 2024)


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Updated: August 13, 2024

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Hawaii requires drivers to carry minimum car insurance coverage, including $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $40,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability. Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000 is also mandatory. Hawaii is a no-fault state where your own insurance covers injury expenses regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is essential for all Hawaiian drivers.

The monthly cost for the required minimum car insurance in Hawaii averages $31. Securing the cheapest car insurance in Hawaii will depend on personal circumstances.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Hawaii Insurance Division to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Hawaii drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Hawaii as of August 2024.

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Hawaii Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Hawaii, the law requires drivers to have a minimum coverage auto insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The specific amounts for each coverage type are as follows:

  • $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per person

Hawaii operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your insurance premium is influenced by the requirement to carry personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage helps pay for your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Drivers are required to file a claim with their own insurance company for minor injuries after an accident, irrespective of who caused it.

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ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN HAWAII?

Hawaii does not require drivers to carry collision or comprehensive coverage as part of the state minimum auto insurance. However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, lenders typically mandate that you carry both collision and comprehensive insurance to protect their investment in your car. It protects them from financial loss if your car is damaged or totaled. In summary, while Hawaii's state laws don't require collision or comprehensive coverage, those with financed or leased vehicles will likely need to carry it.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Hawaii's minimum car insurance requirements, covering bodily injury and property damage liability. Specific policy details may vary according to the agreement with your insurance provider.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Hawaii

Age plays a significant role in determining the cost of minimum car insurance rates. In Hawaii, drivers aged 22 to 29 generally face the highest premiums. This is predominantly due to their lack of driving experience and a higher likelihood of filing claims.

The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in Hawaii per age group.

22-29Annual Premium$375Monthly Premium$31
30-59Annual Premium$375Monthly Premium$31
60 +Annual Premium$375Monthly Premium$31

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Hawaii

Drivers in Hawaii seeking the most affordable minimum coverage insurance can find the best rates with the following providers:

  • GEICO: $275 per year; $23 per month
  • Island Insurance Group: $333 per year; $28 per month

Although finding cost-effective solutions for your state minimum insurance needs is essential, it is equally important to choose coverage that aligns with your specific circumstances. Weighing the best car insurance options in Hawaii will help you make an informed decision.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
GEICOAnnual Premium$275Monthly Premium$23
Island Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$333Monthly Premium$28
State FarmAnnual Premium$371Monthly Premium$31
FarmersAnnual Premium$374Monthly Premium$31
AllstateAnnual Premium$426Monthly Premium$35
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$473Monthly Premium$39

Optional Add-On Coverages in Hawaii

In Hawaii, optional add-on coverages include collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection (PIP) above the state-required minimum and rental car reimbursement. While not mandated by law, these coverages can financially protect drivers against various unexpected events such as theft, vandalism and collisions with uninsured drivers. Determine how much car insurance you need by considering your personal circumstances and the value of your vehicle.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Hawaii

In Hawaii, the cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage varies depending on whether it's your first offense or you've been caught before. For a first-time offense, expect a fine, but if you're a repeat offender, penalties are harsher.

  • Vehicle registration suspension: Your ability to legally drive your car can be affected.
  • License suspension and reinstatement fee: Not having insurance could result in losing your license and paying an extra fee to get it back.
  • SR-22 requirement: You might have to prove future financial responsibility by filing an SR-22 form.
  • Up to six months in jail if uninsured in an accident: In serious cases, you might face time behind bars.

Driving without the required insurance in Hawaii is against the law. Follow state rules to avoid these penalties and ensure you're covered if an accident happens. Always carry insurance to protect yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy cancellation in Hawaii, drivers should immediately seek new coverage to avoid the risks and penalties of driving uninsured. They must contact their insurance agent or shop for a new policy. Hawaii's DMV will be informed of the lapse in insurance, potentially leading to registration suspension and fines.

If securing a standard insurance policy is challenging, drivers can explore the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan (HJUP), a state-run program designed to insure high-risk drivers.

Driving without at least minimum car insurance in Hawaii is illegal. Maintain continuous coverage to protect yourself and comply with state laws.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Hawaii may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-Payment: If you miss paying your premiums on time, your insurer might cancel your policy.
  • Fraud or Misrepresentation: Lying on your insurance application or filing false claims can lead to cancellation.
  • License Suspension or Revocation: Losing your driver's license for any reason may result in losing your insurance.
  • Too Many Accidents or Violations: If you're involved in several accidents or get many traffic tickets, your insurer could see you as too risky to insure.
  • Vehicle Changes: Modifying your car for performance or installing illegal components may void your policy.

Read your policy details carefully to know what can cause a cancellation.

FAQ: Hawaii Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Understanding the minimum car insurance requirements is essential for every driver in Hawaii. We answer frequently asked questions to help you comply with the local laws and ensure you're adequately covered on the road.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the minimum car insurance coverage required by law includes bodily injury (BI) liability of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, alongside $10,000 for property damage (PD) liability. Additionally, motorists must carry personal injury protection (PIP) with a minimum limit of $10,000 per person. This coverage helps ensure that drivers are financially protected in case of accidents that result in injury or property damage. Drivers need to maintain at least this level of insurance to comply with state regulations.

Why does Hawaii require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Hawaii mandates minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure that motorists can cover the costs for damages or injuries they may cause to others in an auto accident. This financial responsibility requirement safeguards the at-fault driver from potentially devastating out-of-pocket expenses and protects accident victims from being uncompensated for their losses. State minimum coverage helps maintain a baseline of protection within the transportation ecosystem, fostering a more responsible driving environment.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Hawaii?

While not legally required in Hawaii, opting for comprehensive insurance is advisable as it covers non-collision-related damages to your vehicle. This type of insurance protects against theft, vandalism and natural disasters, which can be particularly relevant given Hawaii's unique climate and geographic conditions. It provides an additional layer of financial protection beyond the state minimum coverage.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Hawaii?

Driving uninsured in Hawaii can lead to severe penalties. Offenders may receive a fine ranging from $500 to $1,500, depending on the frequency of the offense. Your driver's license could also be suspended for up to a year, and you may be required to carry an SR-22 insurance form for up to three years. Carry at least the minimum coverage to comply with Hawaii's insurance laws and avoid these consequences.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.