Whether you moved to the Aloha state last week or you’re lucky enough to have called Hawaii home for years, if you have a car, you’ll have to get insurance, too. With the continued increases in auto insurance rates, Hawaii residents find it more important than ever to find cheap car insurance quotes.
Quick Hawaii Car Insurance Facts
Hawaii is a unique state, and driving here is unique too. A few facts about driving and car insurance in the beautiful state:
- The average annual auto insurance rates are much lower than most states.
- Insurance rates vary widely based on which island the car is registered in, the automobile insurance company, and the cleanliness of a driver’s record.
- Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that insurance companies must pay for any personal injuries accrued up to the personal injury protection benefits limit and that the driver may not be sued for recovery unless there are serious injuries.
- This protection only applies to personal injuries, not to property or vehicle damage.
- Roughly 11% of motorists on the islands are driving without insurance, making UM coverage worth considering.
- Teen drivers in the state participate in a graduated licensing program, going from an instructional permit, to a provisional license and finally a full license.
Minimum Hawaii Car Insurance Coverage
State government understands that car insurance is an important for safety, which is why it’s mandatory for all drivers. However, the state only requires a certain amount of auto insurance to drive legally. Let’s examine exactly what the state of Hawaii expects.
According to state law in Hawaii, the following types of coverages are necessary:
- Mandatory minimum property damage coverage of $10,000 per occurrence.
- Mandatory minimum bodily injury coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
- Mandatory personal injury protection of $10,000 per person.
Getting Cheap Car Insurance Quotes In Hawaii
Indeed, cheap car insurance quotes is something we all want, but where to find it? Actually, with a little digging and a little time, it’s not too hard to find. These are our top tips for finding the cheapest automobile insurance quotes:
- Know the facts: Knowing the minimum insurance coverage required is the first step to cheap insurance. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to find the sweet spot where your premium is at its lowest while still allowing you to drive legally.
- Dive deep into research: Searching for insurance can be overwhelming. There’s a whole ocean of insurance companies out there. Don’t just go with the first company that comes along. Make sure to compare the cheapest car insurance quotes, for the best car insurance deal.
- Be a defensive driver: Impatience and road rage can really cost you. Driving more carefully can save you money by helping you to avoid accidents and tickets. So, no drinking or texting while driving. Slow your roll and buckle up.
Hawaii Car Insurance Discounts
Each state offers different insurance discounts to encourage drivers to drive safely. Hawaii is no exception. Hawaii offers many different types of auto insurance discounts for good drivers. Here are some you may qualify for:
Good Driver: Driving safely pays off. If you have a clean record, you may be able to save 10-30% on vehicle insurance in Hawaii.
Good Student: You don’t have to have perfect grades to get this, just good ones. A “B” average can get students 5-20% discount for car insurance.
Defensive Driving Discount: Drivers who complete a defensive driving course can get 5-10% off their auto insurance rate.
Continuously Insured: The state of Hawaii rewards drivers who are correctly insured. Drivers who have been insured for at least six months may be able to save up to 25% on automobile insurance.
Island Paradise Highways: Updates & Insights for Affordable Car Insurance Quotes in Hawaii
Get ready to explore Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes with these essential recent updates:
Hawaii Vehicle Code Changes:
- Hands-free law implementation: Effective January 1st, 2024, holding a phone while driving is completely prohibited, even at stoplights. Hands-free devices remain acceptable. (Source: Hawaii Act 83 of 2023)
- Increased penalties for distracted driving: Fines for texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving have been significantly increased. (Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes Title 29)
- New electric vehicle (EV) incentives: Additional rebates and tax credits continue to encourage EV adoption in Hawaii. Stay updated on available programs through the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative. (Source: Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative)
Hawaii Car Insurance FAQ
What is the penalty for driving without car insurance in Hawaii?
Driving without car insurance is a crime. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may have to pay a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000, appear in court, lose your license, and be required to perform community service.
What is driving like in Hawaii?
Hawaii ranks as one of the worst states to drive in due to the high amounts of congestion and rush hour traffic it experiences. Thanks to government upkeep, most main roads are in good condition on the islands of Hawaii. Many of Hawaii’s main roads follow the circumference of the islands.
How can I save money on a car insurance policy in Hawaii?
It’s not hard to find ways to save on your policy; it just requires a little creativity. Here are some of our favorite ideas:
- Ask your car insurance provider if they offer multiple car discounts (if you have multiple cars, of course).
- Drive safely to be eligible for cheap insurance rates.
- Update the safety features in your car, insurance companies provide discounts for safety upgrades
- Pay all of your auto insurance premium upfront to save on monthly fees.
- To have a automobile insurance policy that costs less, find out if increasing your deductible is right for you.
How do I get registered to drive in Hawaii?
Registration procedures vary depending on which island you want to use as your registration point. The islands of Hawai’i, Maui, Kaua’i, and O’ahu all have separate operations. Vehicles shipped to Hawaii from the outside require a Bill of Lading or import document for registration.
Additional Types of Car Insurance Coverages
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)
Physical Damage Coverage
How Weather and Natural Disasters Impact Car Insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii’s unique climate and geography come with certain risks that can influence car insurance quotes. While the islands enjoy beautiful weather most of the year, natural disasters such as hurricanes, flash floods, and volcanic eruptions can pose significant threats to vehicles.
Weather-Related Risks to Consider
- Hurricanes & Tropical Storms: High winds, heavy rains, and storm surges can cause severe damage to vehicles. Comprehensive insurance can help cover repairs or replacement costs.
- Flooding: Sudden downpours and flash floods can lead to submerged vehicles. Standard policies do not cover flood damage, but comprehensive coverage does.
- Lava Flows & Volcanic Ash: On the Big Island, lava flows and ash from eruptions can damage car exteriors, engines, and air filters. Comprehensive coverage protects against volcanic-related damages.
- Salt Air Corrosion: Living near the ocean exposes vehicles to salty air, which can accelerate rust and deterioration. Regular maintenance and protective coatings help prevent long-term damage.
How to Protect Your Car
- Consider comprehensive coverage to protect against weather-related damage.
- Park in covered or enclosed areas to shield against extreme conditions.
- Stay informed about severe weather alerts and take necessary precautions.
Why No-Fault Insurance Matters in Hawaii
Hawaii follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that in the event of an accident, each driver’s own insurance policy covers their medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault. This system is designed to reduce legal disputes and speed up claim processing.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in Hawaii
- Each driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses up to the policy limit.
- Lawsuits for pain and suffering are only allowed if the injuries are severe, such as permanent disability or disfigurement.
- This system helps prevent minor accident disputes from clogging the courts but can limit a driver’s ability to seek additional compensation.
What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover?
- Medical expenses for you and your passengers
- Lost wages due to accident-related injuries
- Essential services like childcare or housekeeping if injuries prevent normal activities
While no-fault insurance covers medical expenses, it does not cover vehicle damage. It’s wise to consider:
- Collision insurance to pay for damages to your own car.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UMC/UIM) to protect against hit-and-run or underinsured drivers.
