Making the most of auto insurance in Hawaii requires that you choose the right auto insurance company. You will need to ensure that your auto insurance is able to handle your claims efficiently, fairly and quickly. You may want to check a database of national claims for any complaints on a company. Another strategy is to check with your state's insurance department for the number of consumer complaints on a company compared to the number of policies it sold.

You should also feel comfortable with your method of purchasing automotive insurance in Hawaii. You can buy insurance from a local agent, directly from the company or online. Auto insurance consists of the following types of coverage:

1. Liability coverage for personal injury and property damage; an auto insurance company in Hawaii should provide the minimum coverage that the state requires;
2. Property coverage; this pays for damages and theft of your vehicle;
3. Medical coverage that pays for treating injuries and rehabilitation; this may also cover funeral expenses and lost wages.

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Find out more about Hawaii auto insurance laws

Each state has its own laws regarding auto insurance. These laws cover such issues as the minimum liability coverage, acceptable proof of financial responsibility and the procedure for obtaining license plates in Hawaii.

I recommend: AutoInsuranceSaving.com provides the specific requirements for Hawaii auto insurance coverage. DTRIC offers a summary of the minimum auto insurance coverage required by Hawaii.

Get quotes on Hawaii auto insurance rates

There are many websites that provide insurance quotes online based on specific information about your vehicle. These websites may also provide other information on car insurance.

I recommend: Hawaiiinsurancequotes.net provides quotes in Hawaii by zip code and also provides coverage information for Hawaii. Automotive.com provides free quotes for auto insurance in Hawaii according to zip code.

Find more information on auto insurance from auto insurance companies in Hawaii

Car insurance companies in Hawaii frequently may be more familiar with local insurance regulations than national competitors. They may also offer articles on car insurance in Hawaii.

I recommend: AIG Hawaii provides auto insurance in Hawaii in addition to other forms of insurance. Superior Car Insurance provides guides and tips on buying auto insurance in Hawaii.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Get price quotes from at least three different auto insurance companies in Hawaii. You may also be able to get a comparison of prices charged by major providers of car insurance. Hawaii premiums will also be partially based on your vehicle's sticker price, repair costs, safety record and likelihood of theft.
• •  Join a state assigned risk pool if you have difficulty finding auto insurance in Hawaii. Each insurer in a state assigned risk pool must accept the drivers that are assigned to it and keep the profit or pay the loss associated with that customer.

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.

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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.

Auto insurance in Hawaii education and training will teach you how to evaluate multiple auto insurance policies and recommend the best one to benefit your customer. You may also need to know about the insurance business in general.

The requirements needed to work for car insurance companies in Hawaii are determined by the state and also depend on the type of auto insurance coverage being issued. There are three general categories of car insurance coverage:

1. Collision car insurance in Hawaii covers damage to the car due to a collision with some object. The cause of collision damage is typically another car but may also be a falling rock or branch. If the insured driver is at fault, collision coverage will generally cover the repair cost up to the coverage limit after the deductible has been paid.
2. Complete insurance covers damage to the insured driver’s vehicle caused by something other than collision. Non-collision damage typically includes damage due to burglary, fire and corrosive liquids.
3. Liability covers damages to other persons or other property that is the fault of the insured driver. It typically includes damage to other vehicles, medical bills of other people and legal expenses.

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Complete the courses needed to work for Hawaii auto insurance companies

There are a variety of on-site universities and distance learning classes that teach students the various aspects of Hawaii auto insurance rates. These courses should be updated frequently to reflect changes in federal and Hawaii insurance law.

I recommend: Mid-State Schools of Insurance & Finance provides self-paced online courses that prepare students for the insurance licensing examination in Hawaii. PIA of Hawaii offers self-study and live classes for insurance agents in Hawaii.

Learn the laws regarding automotive insurance in Hawaii

Auto insurance brokers and agents in Hawaii will need to be familiar with the state laws about their profession. The required coverage limits on auto insurance vary widely by state.

I recommend: AIG Hawaii provides a detailed chart of auto insurance coverage requirements in Hawaii. InsuranceUSA provides an educational summary of the minimum state requirements for car insurance in Hawaii.

Obtain the license required by Hawaii car insurance providers

Hawaii has three different types of insurance including life/accident, health/sickness and property/casualty. Each type of insurance has separate education requirements.

I recommend: Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs provides the licensing requirements for insurance agents in Hawaii. Learninsurance.com offers a detailed list of educational requirements for an insurance license in Hawaii, and offers online licensing courses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Hawaii car insurance providers should set themselves apart by becoming a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). This designation is respected throughout the insurance industry and identifies the holder as a dedicated and knowledgeable professional. A variety of insurance professionals may become CPCUs such as agents, brokers, claim adjusters and risk managers. Many attorneys, consultants and educators may also hold the CPCU designation.

The average Hawaii auto insurance premium paid by residents in 2006 was $853 a year. That average ranks Hawaii as 15th for most expensive auto insurance, especially when the national average at that time was $817. As an individual or business owner, you need to maintain Hawaii car insurance coverage to protect your family, employees and/or business.

However, the notoriously high Hawaii auto insurance rates may cause some concern. Keep the following in mind to help you save money as you consider auto insurance in Hawaii pricing and costs:

1. Failure to meet the state minimum coverage requirements may result in fines.

2. Most agencies and companies offer various discounts on Hawaii auto insurance rates.

3. A larger deductible on your Hawaii auto insurance coverage means a smaller premium.

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Maintain minimum auto insurance in Hawaii to avoid fines

Residents of Hawaii, by law, must have minimum liability coverage on their vehicles. Failure to maintain minimum coverage may result in fines, suspension of your license or even the possibility of jail time (if your record shows numerous offenses). Therefore, you not only have the fine to pay and a red mark on your driving record, but you may also suffer a loss of income because you can't drive to work.

I recommend: The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Atlas Insurance Agency provide specific information on the minimum requirements for Hawaii automotive insurance and the penalties for not meeting them.

Select an auto insurance company in Hawaii that provides premium discounts

There are several possibilities for discounts on your automotive insurance in Hawaii. Among them are discounts for multiple insurance polices (such as home and auto) through the same provider, safe drivers, safety features on the vehicle (like anti-lock brakes, airbags and car alarms), and even good student discounts for the teenagers on your policy that do well in school.

I recommend: AIG Hawaii offers special discounts for group auto insurance that may really benefit your business. Consider using the First Insurance Company of Hawaii, which, in addition to various premium discounts, offers a direct repair program that can save you money if your car needs repairs after a collision.

Increase your Hawaii car insurance deductible to save money

As you obtain Hawaii auto insurance quotes, ask the representative about how the premium changes as you increase your deductible. Smaller deductibles of $250 to $500 mean you'll be paying more on your premium, since the insurance company has to pay more for repairs in the event of an accident. The Hawaii Insurance Commissioner recommends that you go for a policy with a higher deductible to reduce your premium. Yes, you would pay more if you were in an accident, but that usually doesn't happen very often to most people.

I recommend: DTRIC Insurance offers a discount on your deductible for every year you go without a claim against your car insurance policy, which will save you even more money. Consult the Insurance Information Institute for more ways to save on your Hawaii auto insurance policy.