Hawaii Car Insurance

Hawaii Car Insurance Laws

Compared to other states, Hawaii's minimum liability coverage for bodily injury is about average at $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Property damage is a little below average at just $10,000 per accident -- that's not enough to repair or replace a car if you hit one that is newer.

Generally $100,000 in bodily injury liability ($300,000 per accident) and $50,000 in property damage liability is considered an appropriate amount for drivers with a home, family and some assets to protect.

Hawaii, the no-fault state: Hawaii requires motorists to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) or managed care (PPO) of at least $10,000 to provide immediate treatment after a car accident. Each driver files against his or her own policy, rather than the other driver's. This makes Hawaii a no-fault state.

Hawaii's PIP benefits include medical expenses as well as up to 30 chiropractic treatments. Not included are lost wages, death or funeral expenses, but you can add on each of these as separate optional coverage. You also have the option to add on coverage that will pay for alternative medical expenses, such as acupuncture, naturopathic and faith healing.

To save on your PIP coverage, you can choose to carry a deductible, carry a co-payment, or opt for PIP managed care, which will include additional conditions and limitations to your PIP coverage. If you have health insurance that would fill in any gaps in PIP coverage, this may be a good way to save some money on your Hawaii auto insurance policy.

Credit issues not a problem: Hawaii forbids car insurance providers from using your credit history when calculating your premium. Most states allow the practice.

No points system: Hawaii does not have a points system in place for traffic violations, but your license can be suspended if you are convicted of too many offenses.

Traffic violations fall into two categories, traffic infractions and serious traffic crimes. Civil moving violations (infractions) remain on your driving record for three years while traffic crimes stay on for five years. A DUI conviction stays on the longest period of time – 10 years.

Uninsured motorist penalties for Hawaii: You may be fined $500, have your license suspended and be required to file an SR-22 form.

Natural disasters: Hawaii may be paradise most of the time, but it is also is vulnerable to hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding, earthquakes and volcanic lava flows. Most damages resulting from natural disasters are covered under comprehensive coverage.

Largest car insurance companies for Hawaii by market share