Cheap Car Insurance in Hawaii

It’s that time of year. Time to renew your auto insurance policy again.

You sit in front of the computer, reviewing your current Hawaii auto insurance policy, and think to yourself “I wonder if it’s time to make a change.”

The trouble is, with so many car insurance providers to pick from, it’s often easier to just stick with your current insurer instead of spending hours searching for carriers, even if you’re not all that pleased with your current coverage.

If this scenario describes you in any way, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you live in Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua, Kaneohe, or Kapolei, with so many providers selling Hawaii auto insurance policies, how do you know what coverage is right for you?

We understand how overwhelming the search for auto insurance providers can be, which is why we’ve put together the ultimate Hawaii car insurance guide to answer all your questions about costs, coverage options, state requirements, and so much more.

If you’re one of the nearly 1.43 million individuals residing in the state of Hawaii, you won’t want to get behind the wheel again before you read our detailed guide that makes finding auto insurance faster and easier than ever before.

Before we delve into Hawaii auto insurance coverage and rates, start your journey to securing the right coverage for all the drivers in your family.

Get your FREE quote for multiple Hawaii auto insurance providers in one place with our online rate calculator. Just enter your zip code to get started.

Are you ready to become an expert on all things car insurance in the Aloha State?

We thought so.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Hawaii Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

From Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island (commonly known as The Big Island) to Diamond Head on the island of Oahu to the famous Pearl Harbor National Memorial, the Hawaiian Islands are a wonder of natural and manmade beauty to behold.

The Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight primary islands, along with numerous islets, seamounts, and atolls dotting the North Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii is a hot vacation spot for visitors from all over the world, and it’s certainly not hard to understand why.

The island of Maui, also known fondly as The Valley Isle, is a beloved spot for everything from water sports to whale watching to golf.

Maui County is also home to Moloka’i Island and Lana’i Island, two lesser-known islands that are the perfect spot for horseback riding, fishing, and grand explorations.

Whether you fancy hiking Waimea Canyon Trail or laying out at Waikiki, there’s no shortage of things to do and see on the Hawaiian islands for residents, soon-to-be residents, and visitors alike.

Let’s check out some fascinating facts about Hawaii’s car culture.

Hawaii’s Car Culture

You’d be hard-pressed to find a resident of The Aloha State who doesn’t spend an impressive amount of time at the beach, so it’s only natural that trucks are some of the most popular vehicles that drivers in Hawaii depend on to get around.

Trucks are not only a reliable mode of transportation but a practical choice for many Hawaiian families.

A far cry from the pickup trucks that come to mind on the mainland U.S., trucks are a perfect choice for the vast number of Hawaiians who camp and surf often and need plenty of room to transport all their gear.

Another hallmark of Hawaii’s car culture is a love for vehicle upgrades.

Many of the younger generations enjoy tuning and upgrading coupes to hot vehicles with noisy mufflers, impressive sounds systems, and high-performance body components.

Car modifications in Hawaii are incredibly diverse. Drivers view tuning as a hobby and show a healthy respect of and politeness towards the array of vehicles turning up on the road.

The Aloha Spirit is alive and well in Hawaii’s car culture—and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Hawaii Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements

The table above details the minimum Hawaii auto insurance coverages all drivers in the state must carry in order to get behind the wheel. Let’s take a closer look at what this all means for you.

• $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person: to cover the costs of injuries incurred by another person in the course of an accident you cause.
• $40,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident: to cover the total costs of bodily injury incurred by two or more persons due to a collision you cause.
• $10,000 property damage coverage per accident: to cover the costs of property damage incurred by another driver or drivers in the course of an accident you cause. This coverage does not apply to any property damage your vehicle might sustain.
• $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage: to cover the costs of medical expenses and other related losses you incur as the result of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Hawaii is one of a handful of states that follow the no-fault system.

If you get into an auto accident in The Aloha State, your PIP protection is there to cover the costs of medical bills and other related expenses up to and until your policy limits are exhausted.

Your PIP is considered primary coverage. This means that if you get into an accident, you must turn to PIP rather than the other driver’s insurance to cover the costs of any injuries you incur, regardless of fault.

If you are involved in a collision in Hawaii, your PIP coverage applies to:

• Any individual to whom you have given permission to drive your car
• Any individual who was injured as a passenger in your car
• Any moped driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian injured in a collision involving your car

Even though PIP covers injuries incurred during a moped accident, it does not apply to a passenger or motorcyclist riding a motorcycle unless the policy specifically spells out such coverage.

You also won’t be able to seek pain and suffering or other non-monetary compensation through PIP for any damages you sustain in a collision.

The no-fault system in Hawaii does not encompass property damage claims. If you get into an auto accident for which you are not responsible and wish to pursue a liability claim for property damages or total loss, you can do so without any hinderances.

If you wish to go beyond Hawaii’s no-fault car insurance system to file an injury claim against the at-fault driver, seeking compensation for pain and suffering and other losses, you must meet certain state thresholds. These thresholds are as follows:

• You must have sustained injuries above the limits of your PIP coverage, OR
• Your injuries must have resulted in a substantial permanent loss of a bodily function or bodily part, or significant or permanent disfigurement causing emotional or mental distress

If you sustained injuries during an accident that fulfill either one or both of the criterion named above, you will not be limited only to your PIP coverage and may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.

Forms of Financial Responsibility in Hawaii

Besides carrying the mandatory coverages named above, Hawaii auto insurance laws require all drivers to maintain proof of insurance and keep it with them in their vehicle at all times.

If you get into an auto accident or are pulled over for a routine traffic stop, failure to offer an acceptable form of financial responsibility could carry fines starting at $1,000 and going up for additional offenses, as well as six months in jail.

You could also face suspension of your driver’s license for failure to show proof of insurance.

If required to appear in court, failure to do so could lead to the court issuing a bench warrant, resulting in arrest, further fines, and even imprisonment. You could also be ordered to turn over your license plates and registration.

The good news is, if you carry and maintain proof of insurance with you in your vehicle at all times, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You can present your insurer-issued proof of insurance card to a responding offer, or provide proof of insurance on your mobile device.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income in Hawaii

The table here shows the average personal incomes of Hawaiians in the years between 2012 and 2014 in contrast with the percentage of their incomes eaten up by the costs of annual premiums.

Your average personal income is the money you have left over to spend or save after taxes are deducted each month.

As the data our researchers gathered reveals, the cost of full coverage barely rose during that three-year period, with just a $14 difference in annual rates between 2012 and 2014.

Likewise, the average Hawaiian’s income didn’t elevate much during that three-year window either, with just about a $1,500 difference between what workers brought home in 2012 vs. 2014.

The percentage of income that residents’ insurance premiums comprised rose by 0.02 percent between 2012 and 2013, and dipped by 0.06 percent in 2014 to its lowest point in the three-year period at 2.05 percent.

If you compare insurance as a percentage of income in Hawaii to another state like California, it’s interesting to note that California residents paid 2.16 percent of their 2014 annual income out in yearly premiums.

What’s more, California residents in 2014 only brought home about $2,000 more than Hawaiian residents did that year, with a disposable income of $43,978.

Long story short, premiums as a percentage of income in Hawaii are in a healthy range and have gone down in recent years, which is good news for residents across the islands.

Core Car Insurance Coverage in Hawaii

This table shows the most recent data our researchers collected from a study by the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners). You should expect Hawaii auto insurance rates to go up considerably in 2019 and onward.

Additional Liability Coverage in Hawaii

The table above indicates the average loss ratio for Hawaii auto insurance providers between 2013 and 2015. A carrier’s loss ratio equals the percentage of losses they incur compared to what they are earning back in written premiums.

If a Hawaii car insurance carrier continues to experience a loss ratio exceeding 100 percent, this reveals that they are paying more for insureds’ claims than what they are receiving back in premiums written.

An ongoing loss ratio of over 100 percent can be bad news for an insurer in the long term.

The data our researchers gathered above from the NAIC indicates that Hawaii auto insurance carriers are experiencing gains to losses in the healthy mid-range for PIP.

The loss ratio for Medical Payments coverage, however, is an altogether different story. Hawaii auto insurance companies saw a consistent loss ratio way over 100 percent in 2013 and 2014 but dipped back again to a healthy point in 2015.

As for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it appears that Hawaii auto insurance providers should consider lowering their rates. Between 2013 and 2015, they used just around 40 percent of their premiums to cover claims.

Hawaii ranks number 30 out of all 50 states for uninsured drivers, with approximately 10.60 percent of all drivers in the state hitting the road sans coverage.

In the event you come up against one of these uninsured motorists, you need to make sure you have sufficient insurance to cover any unexpected costs that could arise.

Speaking of which, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the primary add-ons you’ll want to consider incorporating into your Hawaii auto insurance policy.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

Check out the top add-ons, endorsements, and riders all Hawaii drivers need to consider including on their policy in addition to the minimum coverages required under state law.

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

Male vs Female Annual Car Insurance Rates in Hawaii

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMKX0cQt2aM

We’ve been taught that in general, men pay more for car insurance than women do. However, is this really true across the board?

Well, age and gender are often a significant factor auto carriers use to assess rates, but not always. Depending on the state you live in, it is illegal to determine insureds’ rates based on gender.

Let’s take a closer look to see what side of the spectrum Hawaii auto insurance companies are on.

Demographic and Insurance Carrier

The table here shows the average annual rates Hawaii auto insurance companies charged insureds based on their age, gender, and marital status. As you might have already noticed, the most significant jump in rates, if any, are assessed to teen drivers.

However, some Hawaii auto insurance carriers charge insureds the exact same rates across the board, no matter their age or gender.

For instance, insurers like Farmers charge 17-year-old male and female drivers approximately $400 more in average annual rates than they do drivers in any other age demographic.

On the other hand, carriers like Geico and State Farm charge insureds the exact same average yearly rates, regardless of age or gender.

Rank by Demographic and Insurance Carrier

Use the search bar to navigate the table above and find out where your current Hawaii auto insurance carrier ranks based on the premiums they charge to different ages and genders.

As you can see, Farmers takes the number one spot for the highest rates of all charged to teen male and female drivers.

If you click to the end of the table, you’ll see that State Farm takes the cake for the cheapest rates of all charged to insureds.

State Farm’s rates are the exact same for everyone from single, 17-year-old male drivers to 60-year-old, married female drivers, which is good news for anyone looking to save on coverage.

Now, let’s take a look at how your insurance rates could change based on your zip code.

Highest and Lowest Rates in Hawaii by Zip Code

Use the search bar to see exactly how Hawaii auto insurance companies alter their average annual rates charged to insureds based on zip code.

For example, you’ll see that an insurer like Farmers charges insureds with postal code 96704 in Hawaii County approximately $800 more in annual rates than they do consumers with a 96795 zip code in Honolulu County.

In short, your address could be a deciding factor in the annual policy premiums you are expected to pay.

Most Expensive/Least Expensive Carrier Rates by City

Use the search bar again to find your city and learn the average rates Hawaii auto insurance companies are charging in your area. It is worth noting, that the size of the city or town you live in does have the potential to affect your annual premiums.

Case in point, residents in the town of Paia are charged approximately $2,459.60 in annual rates, while Hawaiians in the city of Honolulu pay out around $2,511.19 in average annual premiums.

While the rate difference is only around $50, that can definitely add up over time.

Also, remember that these rate projections are the average premiums Hawaiian residents are charged across the islands, meaning that they could be higher or lower based on the carrier you pick.

While we’re on the subject, let’s check out the best Hawaii car insurance companies in the state to see which ones live up to consumers’ expectations and which ones have failed to meet the mark.

Trust us—you won’t want to miss this.

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Best Hawaii Car Insurance Companies

Consumers ratings are a major component you should take into account during the decision-making process when determining whether a Hawaii auto insurance company is right for you.

To save you time and trouble, our researchers did the work and set out to discover the 10 largest Hawaii car insurance companies’ financial ratings, the insurers with the worst consumer ratings, and even more.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in.

The 10 Largest Hawaii Car Insurance Companies’ Financial Ratings

The first factor you need to consider when assessing carrier ratings is the financial strength ratings of the insurer you’re looking at. The table below indicates the AM Best ratings for the 10 largest Hawaii auto insurance companies in the state.

AM Best is a global rating entity, awarding insurance companies specific ratings based on their assessed level of creditworthiness and financial strength.

An A++ rating is the top rating AM Best gives out, while any lesser A ratings like A+ or A- still indicate that an insurer has an excellent ability to meet its financial obligations to insureds.

Bear in mind, AM Bests’ rating system is completely voluntary, so most, but not all insurers will be listed in their database.

As such, the financial strength rating is a key component you should take into account along with many others when determining which Hawaii auto insurance company is best for all the drivers in your family.

Hawaii Car Insurance Companies with the MOST Customer Complaints

The table above reveals the most recent complaint data from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, detailing the complaints received by the Insurance Division in 2016.

The insurers listed above are responsible for over 95 percent of the private passenger automobile insurance market in the state of Hawaii.

Just bear mind that customer complaints are generally a gauge of overall insured satisfaction, and should only be one of the multiple factors you consider when choosing the best Hawaii auto insurance company to meet your driving needs.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Hawaii

The table here reveals the cheapest Hawaii auto insurance companies in the state, including their average annual rates in contrast with the overarching state average.

You’ll notice that Farmers charges the highest annual rates and State Farm the lowest, with a nearly $3,700 difference in rates between the two companies.

That’s a fairly significant jump, and it just goes to show that the insurer you pick is often the most notable determinant of the rates of you can expect to pay.

Commute Rates

The table above reveals how Hawaii auto insurance companies could change your rates based on the length of your commute.

While some insurers will charge you different rates based on your commute, some companies charge consumers the same yearly premiums regardless of commute.

For instance, carriers like Allstate charge consumers with 25-mile commutes nearly $300 more in annual rates than insureds with 10-mile commutes.

On the other hand, insurers such as Farmers and Geico charge the exact same rates to drivers with 25-mile commutes as they do for consumers with 10-mile commutes.

The moral of the story here is that some, but not all, Hawaii auto insurance companies will charge you higher rates if you have a longer commute.

Coverage Level Rates

Depending on the Hawaii auto insurance carrier you’re looking at, the coverage levels you select can be a significant component insurers factor in when assessing your average annual rates.

Companies like Allstate only charge insureds with high coverage about $300 more in annual rates than consumers with low coverage, while insurers such as Progressive show an almost $400 rate gap for high vs. low coverage levels.

As our researchers discovered, State Farm comes in with the cheapest annual rates for consumers with high coverage levels, while Farmers charges the most for policies with high coverage.

Credit History Rates

While most states factor your credit history into the picture when assessing auto insurance rates, Hawaii residents are in luck. Hawaii is one of a handful of states that bar insurers from utilizing consumer credit scores when establishing rates.

So, while practicing good credit habits is the responsible move, if you are building your credit or trying to improve bad credit, you don’t have to worry about your score affecting your Hawaii auto insurance rates.

A study conducted by Experian found that the average Hawaiian has a VantageScore of 693 with approximately 3.25 credit cards each and a total balance of around $6,981. This credit score is just slightly above the national average of 675.

Driving Record Rates

It’s not really all that surprising that your driving record can and will affect the rates Hawaii auto insurance companies assess for your policy.

Depending on the carrier you pick, the difference in rates based on a clean record vs. one DUI can be nothing short of astronomical.

Take Farmers, for instance. They charge insureds with one DUI on their record nearly $9,000 more in annual rates than consumers with a clean record.

Geico also shows a pretty significant gap in rates based on driving record, with insurers with a single DUI being charged approximately $7,300 more than drivers with a clean record.

However, not all companies assess carrier rates the same way, and having a DUI on your record doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see such a huge rate spike.

For example, State Farm charges drivers with one DUI only $90 more in annual premiums than individuals with a clean record.

While it’s imperative to maintain safe, responsible driving habits behind the wheel, if your record is less than stellar, this doesn’t always mean that you won’t be able to secure the coverages you need at the rates you want.

As the data here reveals, State Farm charges the lowest average annual rates for drivers with one DUI. For drivers with a clean record, one speeding violation, or one accident on their record, USAA assesses the cheapest rates of all.

The 10 Largest Car Insurance Companies in Hawaii

Number of Car Insurance Providers in Hawaii

Driving Laws in Hawaii

Now that you have a thorough understanding of the primary factors Hawaii auto insurance companies use to assess insureds’ rates, it’s to dig deep into the key state driving laws you’ll want to know before you hit the road next.

From car insurance laws to vehicle licensing laws to Hawaii’s rules of the road—we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get things underway.

Hawaii’s Car Insurance Laws

In the state of Hawaii, drivers can obtain their full license at 17 years of age. Any driver who wishes to talk on their cell phone will driving must do so using a hands-free mobile device. Motorists are allowed to use mapping or GPS as needed.

All children must be securely fastened with a safety belt, while children under 50 pounds must be secured in a booster seat or child safety seat.

Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians, regardless of whether they are crossing the street legally or not.

Let’s delve into Hawaii’s underwriting plan for high-risk drivers. If you have a history of traffic violations or tickets—you don’t want to miss this.

High-Risk Insurance

In order to get behind the wheel legally, all Hawaii drivers are required to maintain the minimum auto insurance coverages on their vehicle(s) as dictated by state law.

However, if you have multiple accidents, DUIs, or other violations on your driving record, you might find it extremely challenging or impossible to secure insurance through the voluntary market.

If you have tried to secure insurance through the state’s voluntary insurance market and have been denied coverage because you are categorized as a high-risk driver, the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

The Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan was created in 1974 as a way to offer coverage to drivers who had been categorized as high-risk motorists and could not secure insurance through traditional channels.

The Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan is an insurance pool. Any insurer that wants to write premiums in Hawaii must join the plan and take on a certain amount of high-risk drivers in the state.

By assigning high-risk drivers to the plethora of insurers across The Aloha State, any potential losses these motorists might incur are distributed to ensure no single carrier bears too great a brunt of these losses.

You may apply for insurance through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan by going through an insurance broker or agent licensed to sell auto insurance in the state.

It is crucial to note, that if you secure coverage through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan, you will not be able to pick your own insurer. Rather, one will be assigned to you from the pool of carriers.

The Hawaii Insurance Commissioner assigns particular carriers the role of servicing carriers, who write the auto policies and oversee any related queries or claims that might arise.

When you apply for insurance through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan, you may indicate your preferred choice from the servicing carriers and the plan could assign you accordingly.

The three servicing companies currently in the plan are First Insurance, Island Insurance, and State Farm Insurance. 

However, you can apply for coverage via any broker or agent licensed to sell car insurance in The Aloha State.

When you apply for coverage through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting plan, the insurance agent will look over your driving record to assess your eligibility based on certain criterion.

The agent will review your record from the three years prior, seeing if you meet any of the following standards:

• Your license was revoked or suspended during the last three years or your record contains multiple vehicle convictions such as being caught driving without coverage
• You were involved in two or more collisions that caused another person bodily injury or property damage exceeding $1,000 during the past three years
• You are permanently disabled or on public assistance and simply require basic coverage
• You have tried and been unsuccessful in securing at least the state minimum coverages mandated by Hawaii’s auto insurance laws

If any of the above scenarios apply to you, you will probably be accepted into the Hawaii Joint Underwriting plan and commence coverage.

While you will have the same policy options available to you through this plan as you would through the voluntary insurance market, the cost of coverage will likely be considerably higher.

If you secure a policy through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan, it will be written for annual renewal.

It is advisable to utilize the time you are part of the plan to improve your driving record so that after three years have passed, you could be eligible for coverage through the voluntary Hawaii auto insurance market.

Auto insurance fraud is a crime in the state of Hawaii, carrying a range of penalties depending on the nature of the offense.

In a general sense, insurance fraud is when an individual attempts to deceive an insurer to secure benefits they would not otherwise receive.

The individual could make exaggerated or deceptive claims for damages or losses they didn’t really sustain.

An insurance company may also be found guilty of committing fraud, but for the sake of this state guide, we will focus on instances of consumer fraud.

Hawaii Revised Statutes section 431:2-403 governs insurance fraud in the state.

Insurance fraud is defined as when someone knowingly and with full intent hides or misrepresents their intentions, opinions, or materials in order to secure compensation, benefits, or coverage they would not otherwise be entitled to.

Insurance fraud can occur when filing:

• A false payment claim
• A false application for an insurance policy
• False information for a payment claim
• Numerous claims for a single loss, including multiple claims to more than one carrier
• Fabricated or doctoring documentation
• Making an entry in or destroying documentation
• Offering incomplete, deceptive information to an insurer to secure payment or coverage

A person can also be convicted of insurance fraud for knowingly and with full intent helping, soliciting, or plotting with someone else to commit any of these examples of insurance fraud.

It is also considered insurance fraud to knowingly and with full intent create, cause, or allow the presentation of deceptive claims or statements on the behalf of another individual in the course of an official proceeding.

Insurance fraud is categorized as:

• A Class B felony if the benefits secured or attempted to be secured exceed $20,000
• A Class C felony if the benefits secured or attempted to be secured exceed $300
• A misdemeanor if the benefits secured or attempted to be secured are $300 or less

The penalties for the above offenses are as follows:

• A Class B felony carries with it penalties of up to 10 year’s imprisonment and/or fines up to $25,000
• A Class C felony carries with it penalties of up to five year’s imprisonment and/or fines up to $10,000
• A misdemeanor offense carries with it penalties of up to one year’s imprisonment and/or fines up to $2,000

To keep it simple, don’t commit insurance fraud, and you can set your mind at ease that these penalties won’t ever apply to you.

Hawaii’s Comparative Negligence Law

If you were injured in an auto accident in the state of Hawaii and meet the eligibility thresholds for filing a claim against the at-fault party, you could still be barred receiving compensation for damages if you do not pass the state’s comparative negligence criterion.

To prove the other driver’s liability in a personal injury case, you must show that the driver you are pursuing acted negligently and that their negligence caused your injuries. Key examples of negligence include:

• Driving recklessly or aggressively
• Driving while under the influence
• Not heeding a traffic signal or sign
• Distracted driving

Under Hawaii’s comparative negligence law, injured individuals may still be able to obtain compensation for damages, even if they were partially to blame for the collision. The Aloha State’s comparative negligence doctrine adheres to a 51 percent rule.

What this means, is that if you were involved in a collision for which you were partially to blame, but are found to be less than 51 percent at fault, you can still receive compensation for damages. However, if you are 51 percent or more at fault, you can recover nothing.

Furthermore, if you are less than 51 percent at fault and still able to recover compensation, your damages will be reduced but whatever percentage of fault you bear in the accident.

For instance, if you sustain injuries in an auto accident in Hawaii and are found to be 30 percent at fault for the accident, your final damages awarded would be reduced by 30 percent.

If the court awards you a $100,000 settlement, minus the 30 percent deduction for your measure of fault, you would receive a final total amount of $70,000.

Hawaii’s Vehicle Licensing Laws

The REAL ID Act is legislation which was passed by Congress after the 9/11 attacks, establishing certain, mandatory requirements for state-issued IDs and drivers licenses in order for such to be accepted for federal purposes.

Examples of occasions where REAL ID-compliant documentation would be relevant would be if you were preparing to board a domestic flight or go into a federal building.

As of January 16, 2018, the state of Hawaii began issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards with the insignia of a star in a gold circle.

The Department of Homeland Security has said that any individual traveling domestically on a commercial plane or wishing to enter a federal facility will be required to offer a REAL ID compliant ID or other accepted form of ID as of October 1, 2020.

For more information, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Upcoming Change to Hawaii’s REAL ID Compliant Credentials page and check out the video above.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance in The Aloha State is no joke with penalties ranging from fines as high as $5,000, community service up to 275 hours, license suspension for up to two years, and a month’s jail time, to impoundment of your vehicle.

Not to mention the fact that your insurance rates could skyrocket as a result.

The easiest way to offer proof of insurance is with your insurer-issued proof of insurance card or electronic proof of insurance, establishing that you carry coverage according to the state minimums of 20/40/10 and $10,000 PIP.

In addition, there are three alternative options to offer proof of financial responsibility. These options, however, do not include the mandatory PIP coverage that a standard car insurance policy would.

The first option is to take out a surety bond from a licensed surety company in the state, providing payment in the event you cause a collision.

The surety bond must equal the same mandatory amounts as state minimum coverage of 20/40/10 and be filed with the Director of Finance for your county.

Your second alternative for proof of financial responsibility is to take out a real estate bond signed by two people owning real estate in Hawaii.

These individuals must list their property as collateral on your bond in the event you do not pay for damages you cause in a collision.

The amount of the bond must still equal the state minimums and the collateral may be lost if there is a court judgment against you and none of the parties to the bond respond.

The Hawaii Commissioner of Insurance must approve the real estate bond in order for it to be considered valid.

Finally, you may make a certificate of deposit equal to $25,000 in cash or bonds with your county’s Director of Finance.

Along with the deposit, you must offer proof that you do not have any outstanding charges pertaining to prior accidents in that county. The deposit stands as surety to cover any future judgments in the event you cause a collision.

In most cases, your best and the easiest option will simply be to carry proof of insurance that shows you satisfy the state minimum requirements. 

If you fail to satisfy the proof of insurance requirement and are found to be driving without coverage, either following a collision or during a routine traffic stop, you could face steep penalties.

First-time offenders of Hawaii’s financial responsibility law face a minimum $500 fine and a three-month license suspension. Instead of paying a fine, you may have the option to complete community service ranging from 75 to 100 hours.

Depending on your situation, the court may lift the first-time suspension if you purchase a non-refundable Hawaii auto insurance policy providing coverage for a minimum of six months.

For any offense following the first one, penalties are increasingly serious. If you are charged with a second or additonal offenses in the five years following your first offense, you face fines from $1,500 all the way up to $5,000.

You may also have the option to perform community service in lieu of paying the fines, but you will need to perform anywhere from 200 to 275 hours of service to fulfill this requirement.

You can also expect full license suspension for a period of one year.

In addition, if you incur multiple violations for driving without insurance in The Aloha State during a five-year window (there is no set number under the state’s law defining “multiple”), you face further penalties.

These include up to 30 days imprisonment and revocation or suspension of your registration plates. It is also at the court’s discretion to impound your vehicle.

If you get into an auto accident in the state of Hawaii and are unable to offer proof of insurance when the accident report is filed, you face a two-year license suspension. Provided the other party is injured and meets the eligbility thresholds but you do not have coverage to compensate for their losses, you also face revocation of your registration.

If your license is revoked, the first step to reinstatement is to purchase coverage that satisfies the state minimum requirements.

You may also have your Hawaii auto insurance carrier file an SR-22 form which you must maintain for a three-year period.

To have your license reinstated, you will need to present your Reinstatement Request and proof of insurance at your nearest DMV location. The license reinstatement costs $20, not including any driving exams you may be required to take.

To renew your registration after it has been revoked, expect to pay the standard $45 rate in addition to the county rate, which ranges from $10 to $12.

Sounds like a headache, right?

The good news is, if you maintain at least the state minimum coverage and carry proof of insurance with you in your vehicle at all times, you can avoid this headache altogether.

Teen Driver Laws

Here’s a quick overview of the essential teen driver laws in The Aloha State.

Teen drivers must be at least 15 years and six months of age to obtain a learners license.

In order to obtain your intermediate license, you must:

• Hold your learners license at least six months
• Complete 50 hours minimum of supervised driving time, 10 of which must be during nighttime
• Be at least 16 years old

Restrictions during the intermediate licensing stage include:

• Nighttime restrictions between 11 P.M. and 5 A.M.
• Other than household members, you may not transport more than one passenger under 18

These restrictions may be lifted if the teen driver is 17 and has held their intermediate or restricted license for six months. If applying for your license under the age of 18, you must also complete driver’s education.

Older Driver and General Population License Renewal Procedures

Check out the license renewal procedures, both for older drivers and the general population.

Older drivers must:

• Renew once every two years if 72 or older
• Proof of adequate vision is required at every renewal
• Renewal by mail is permitted for up to two consecutive renewals but renewal must be done in person at least once every 16 years

The general population is required to:

• Renew once every eight years
• Proof of adequate vision is required at every renewal
• Renewal by mail is permitted for up to two consecutive renewals but renewal must be done in person at least once every 16 years

New Residents

If you recently moved to The Aloha State and want to transfer your out-of-state license, you will need to:

• Fill out the driver’s license application
• Provide your current out-of-state driver’s license
• Provide your social security card
• Provide your original or certified copy of proof of legal presence documents
• Provide two documents for your Proof of Residence Address
• Complete and successfully pass the vision screening
• You must have a clear driving record with the National Driver Registry

For a list of acceptable documents for your new Hawaii license, click here. For a complete guide to obtaining your license in The Aloha State, visit the Driver Licensing General Information Page on the County of Hawaii’s website here.

Negligent Operator Treatment System

In the state of Hawaii, reckless driving occurs when a motorist operates their vehicle with a reckless disregard for the wellbeing of others and/or their property.

Penalties for a conviction of reckless driving including up to 30 days imprisonment and/or up to $1,000 in fines.

A lesser offense than reckless driving is known as “inattention to driving”, occurring when a person is driving negligently and causes an accident, property damage, or personal injury to another individual. Negligence is when you ought to be but aren’t aware that your actions carry considerable risk.

Penalties for inattentive driving include up to 30 days imprisonment and/or up to $500 in fines. A $100 surcharge may also apply.

Hawaii’s Rules of the Road

Let’s take a look at Hawaii’s rules of the road that all drivers in The Aloha State should know.