The Complete Guide to Hawaii Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Aloha State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things HI car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Hawaii?
Car insurance in Hawaii averages $151/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $167 |
| Hilo | $179 |
| Pearl City | $167 |
| Waipahu | $168 |
| Kaneohe | $167 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Hawaii?
Hawaii drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
9.3% of drivers in Hawaii are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 5,526 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in HI, down 2% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
HI has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 36, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and earthquake are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Hawaii?
All Hawaii drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Hawaii drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $20,000 (per person)n$40,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $10,000 | Your medical bills and often lost wages after any car accident, regardless of who’s at fault | Car damage, pain and suffering, may have limits on who’s covered |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Hawaii?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Hawaii drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Hawaii?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from beach driving on volcanic rock
What happens if I drive without insurance in Hawaii?
Hawaii takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$500 for first offense. Multiple violations within 5 years? $1,500-$5,000.
Suspension
Three months first time, one year for repeat offenses. License suspended until you prove insurance.
Jail time
First offense keeps you out of jail. Multiple violations? Up to 30 days behind bars.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Hawaii?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Hawaii?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Hawaii car insurance FAQs
Is Hawaii a no-fault state?
Yes, Hawaii is a no-fault state. You’ll need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault. The no-fault system limits lawsuits for minor injuries, you can only sue if your injuries meet specific legal thresholds.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Insurance is checked as part of registration — vehicles can’t be registered without valid coverage.
What are the top risks for driving in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s driving challenges include narrow, winding roads combined with heavy tourist traffic. Unfamiliar drivers often stop suddenly or make unexpected maneuvers, creating collision risks. Sudden heavy rainfall can severely impact visibility, while high pedestrian and cyclist activity near beaches and urban areas requires constant vigilance.
How long do I have to report an accident in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $3,000 or more must be reported to police immediately. If an officer doesn’t investigate the accident, you must file a written report within 10 days. This report is submitted to the police department. Insurance companies may require faster notice.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, take it easy on those narrow, twisty roads and expect tourists to stop suddenly or make weird turns. Heavy rain can pop up instantly and wreck your visibility. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists near beaches and in town. Stay patient and don’t let the traffic stress you out.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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