Hawaii Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Hawaii requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 40/80/20 — meaning $40,000 per person for bodily injury, $80,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. These limits took effect effective January 1, 2026; older guides that list 20/40/10 are out of date. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is also required, covering medical expenses regardless of fault.

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.

Car Insurance Rates by City in Hawaii

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.

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.

What Hawaii’s Minimum Actually Covers

Hawaii’s minimum is 40/80/20: $40,000 per injured person, $80,000 total per accident for injuries, and $20,000 for property damage. These limits took effect January 1, 2026 (from 20/40/10). With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $20,000 property damage limit would leave about $30,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt. On the injury side, a single hospital admission after a serious crash can exceed $40,000 quickly; anything above the limit can be pursued from your assets and future wages.

No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in Hawaii

Hawaii is a no-fault state: after most accidents, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills and some lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. Required PIP: $10,000. You can generally sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering only when injuries pass the state’s threshold. Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Hawaii, though insurers generally must offer it and you may have to reject it in writing.

How Hawaii Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price

An estimated 10.9% of Hawaii drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 9 — a middle-of-the-pack uninsured rate.

Our average premium estimate of $1,230 a year puts Hawaii below the national middle in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).

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.

• Hawaii's minimum liability requirement of 40/80/20 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since Hawaii already requires PIP coverage, review whether that limit alone would cover a serious injury claim.
• With an estimated 10.9% of Hawaii drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in Hawaii?

40/80/20: $40,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $80,000 per accident, and $20,000 of property damage liability. These limits took effect January 1, 2026 (from 20/40/10).

Is Hawaii a no-fault state?

Yes. Your own personal injury protection pays your medical bills after most accidents regardless of fault. Required PIP: $10,000.

How many drivers are uninsured in Hawaii?

An estimated 10.9% of Hawaii drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 9.

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.