Auto Insurance in Hawaii

Guide to Auto Insurance in Hawaii

Strategies to help you cut costs on car insurance in Hawaii
By Matt Alderton

Car insurance in Hawaii, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Hawaii car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Aloha State" should have; it's something they must have.

Hawaii auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Hawaii, you need auto insurance in Hawaii. Here's what kind and how much, according to Hawaii state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in Hawaii, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL), property damage liability (PDL) and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage; collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in Hawaii must include PIP coverage of at least $10,000 for costs associated with the injury or death of you or your passengers in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in Hawaii must include BIL coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in an accident.
4. Auto insurance in Hawaii must include PDL coverage of at least $10,000 per incident for damages to others’ property in an accident.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse Hawaii auto insurance rates online If you need Hawaii auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Hawaii, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend:  Get comprehensive online quotes from Hawaii car insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Hawaii auto insurance rates from national providers Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Hawaii and all provide competitive Hawaii auto insurance rates.

I recommend:  Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Hawaii are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Hawaii.

Get car insurance in Hawaii from local companies In Hawaii, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend:  For automotive insurance in Hawaii, try Hawaii-based companies like AIG Hawaii, First Insurance Company of Hawaii and DTRIC Insurance. Also consider local programs like the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Hawaii.

Use an independent agent to find Hawaii car insurance bargains Buying car insurance in Hawaii via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend:  To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Hawaii, search the member directory at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Choose Hawaii auto insurance companies that you can trust Before doing business with Hawaii car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend:  If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Hawaii. Another good resource is the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, which compiles statistics on complaints about auto insurance companies in Hawaii.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Hawaii car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• Penalties for drivers who don't have Hawaii car insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, as well as cash fines.
• If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Hawaii auto insurance than is required by state law.
• Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Hawaii.