Hawaii Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Hawaii requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 20/40/10 — meaning $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required, covering medical expenses regardless of fault. These are the legal minimums; most insurance professionals recommend carrying significantly higher limits to protect personal assets in a serious accident. A common recommendation is at least 100/300/100, which provides substantially more protection without a proportionally large premium increase.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Hawaii

Drivers in Hawaii typically pay approximately $1,230 per year ($103/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data. Individual premiums vary significantly based on driving record, age, vehicle type, annual mileage, and selected coverage levels. Drivers with clean records may see rates well below the state average, while those with violations, claims, or high-risk profiles may pay substantially more.

Car Insurance Rates by City in Hawaii

Insurance rates vary considerably by city within Hawaii, reflecting differences in traffic density, accident frequency, vehicle theft rates, and local repair costs. The following estimated annual premiums are based on a typical driver profile with full coverage.

City	Est. Annual Premium
Honolulu	$1,310/yr
Pearl City	$1,240/yr
Hilo	$1,140/yr
Kailua	$1,200/yr
Kāne'ohe	$1,210/yr

Estimates based on 2026 industry data for a typical driver profile. Individual rates vary based on driving history, vehicle, and coverage selection.

State Regulations and Key Rules

Hawaii is a no-fault state requiring PIP coverage of at least $10,000. Insurers in Hawaii cannot use credit scores or gender to set rates. Hawaii consistently ranks among the most affordable states for car insurance.

What Makes Hawaii Unique

Hawaii prohibits the use of gender and credit history in setting car insurance premiums, which can benefit drivers who might otherwise face higher rates for those factors.

Uninsured Drivers in Hawaii

Approximately 10.9% of drivers in Hawaii are estimated to be uninsured. Carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides important protection against the financial impact of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your medical expenses and vehicle damage if you are hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap when the at-fault driver's policy limits are too low to cover your losses.

Risk Factors Specific to Hawaii

Volcanic activity on the Big Island creates unique hazards including lava flow, volcanic fog (vog), and road closures. Flash flooding is common across all islands. Salt air in coastal areas can accelerate vehicle corrosion, which affects long-term vehicle value but not typically insurance claims.

How to Save on Car Insurance in Hawaii

Hawaii's rate regulation means less variation between insurers, but shopping quotes is still worthwhile. Low-mileage discounts are particularly relevant on islands where distances are shorter. Comprehensive coverage is strongly recommended given the risk of flooding, volcanic activity on the Big Island, and vehicle theft in urban Honolulu.

• Compare quotes from at least 3–5 insurers annually — rates for identical coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars.
• State minimums are typically insufficient for serious accidents — consider liability limits of at least 100/300/100.
• Ask about bundling discounts if you also need home or renters insurance.
• Consider telematics or usage-based insurance if you drive fewer miles than average or primarily drive during off-peak hours.
• Review your coverage annually, especially after major life changes: moving, buying a new vehicle, or adding a teen driver.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.