Car Insurance in Hawaii: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a Hawaii resident who owns a car, you’re probably aware of how important it is to have car insurance. Hawaii car insurance laws require drivers to have minimum liability coverage, which can cover damages or injuries you may cause to other drivers in an accident. But there’s much more to car insurance in Hawaii than just the minimum requirements.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Hawaii

As mentioned, Hawaii requires all drivers to have liability coverage as a minimum requirement. Liability coverage helps pay for damages or injuries caused to others in an accident that you’re found liable for. Hawaii’s minimum requirement is:

Minimum Liability Coverage	Amount
Property Damage	$10,000
Bodily Injury	$20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident

It’s important to note that these minimums may not be enough to cover all damages or injuries in an accident, so it’s recommended to consider additional coverages.

Additional Car Insurance Coverages in Hawaii

There are additional coverages you can add to your car insurance policy to provide more comprehensive coverage. Here are some of the most common coverages:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This coverage is not required by Hawaii law, but it can be a good idea if you have a newer or more expensive car.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle that are not the result of an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage. It’s also not required by Hawaii law, but it can be a good idea if you live in an area with a higher risk of theft or natural disasters.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage helps pay for damages or injuries caused by another driver who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages. It can also help cover damages or injuries in a hit-and-run accident. Hawaii requires drivers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline it in writing.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Hawaii requires all drivers to have PIP coverage with a minimum of $10,000 in benefits.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Hawaii

Car insurance rates in Hawaii can vary depending on a variety of factors, including:

Driving Record

Your driving record can have a big impact on your car insurance rates. Drivers with clean records and no accidents or tickets will generally pay less than those with a history of accidents or tickets.

Age and Gender

Younger drivers and male drivers tend to have higher car insurance rates than older drivers and female drivers. This is because younger and male drivers statistically have higher accident rates.

Car Type and Value

The type and value of your car can also affect your insurance rates. Generally, newer or more expensive cars will have higher rates than older or less expensive cars.

Location

Where you live can also impact your car insurance rates. Drivers in urban areas or areas with higher crime rates may have higher rates than those in rural areas or safer neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Insurance in Hawaii

1. Is car insurance mandatory in Hawaii?

Yes, Hawaii requires all drivers to have minimum liability coverage.

2. What is the minimum liability coverage required in Hawaii?

The minimum liability coverage in Hawaii is $10,000 for property damage and $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident for bodily injury.

3. What additional car insurance coverages should I consider?

You may want to consider collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection.

4. How are car insurance rates determined in Hawaii?

Car insurance rates in Hawaii are determined by factors such as driving record, age and gender, car type and value, and location.

5. Can I decline uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?

Yes, you can decline uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in writing.

Now that you know more about car insurance in Hawaii, you can make an informed decision about the coverage you need. Remember to compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best deal for you.