Here's what you need to know when driving in Hawaii
Across the Aloha State, there are 9,523 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in Hawaii
What's the cheapest car insurance in Hawaii?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Farm | $1,290 |
| 2 | USAA | $1,296 |
| 3 | GEICO | $1,368 |
| 4 | Liberty Mutual | $1,435 |
| 5 | Progressive | $1,510 |
| 6 | First of Hawaii | $1,967 |
| 7 | Allstate | $1,974 |
| 8 | AIG | $2,938 |
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Cheap insurance for good drivers in Hawaii
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Hawaii drivers don't enjoy much of a rate discount for staying safe on the roads, as a lack of traffic tickets is rewarded by just a 9% price cut, compared to 17% nationally. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $108 | 9.06% |
| No Accidents | $413 | 27.66% |
| Good Credit | $0 | 0.00% |
Cheap insurance for young drivers in Hawaii
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. Hawaii is a relatively affordable state for teen drivers: the typical teen driver pays $1,946 per year — about $3,000 less than the national average for teens and only about double the average premium for all Hawaiian drivers.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $2,744 | $1,253 |
| 17 | $2,744 | $1,128 |
| 18 | $2,744 | $1,111 |
| 19 | $2,744 | $1,102 |
Cheap car insurance for bad drivers in Hawaii
If you have no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, you can save money on car insurance. As insurance companies use your driving record as a way to predict the level of risk you present, keeping your driving record clean will lead to lower premiums. It's especially important to avoid DUI citations in Hawaii, the state with the largest insurance rate penalty after a DUI (79%). Conversely, speeding tickets and at-fault accidents carry lower-than-average rate hikes in Hawaii (9% and 27%, respectively).
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,493 | 27.66% |
| DUI | $5,389 | 79.97% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,187 | 9.06% |
| Bad Credit | $1,080 | 0.00% |
What are the best car insurance companies in Hawaii?
Each car insurance company boasts about its affordable costs. But just like with any product, the cheapest car insurance isn't always the best option. Considering what's at stake, it's worth doing your research to obtain an auto insurance policy that can cover your car completely after a collision. Be on the lookout for a great value, instead of settling for the cheapest auto insurance in your state.
Review top auto insurance companies' financial strength and claims satisfaction levels to better understand the level of service they'll provide. Claims satisfaction — assigned by J.D. Power — is rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Poor" to "Superior" — determines an insurer's financial strength and ability to fulfill its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| AIG | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What is the Best Car Insurance Coverage in Hawaii?
The legal minimum car insurance in Hawaii is $20,000 Bodily Injury per person, $40,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $10,000 Property Damage per accident.
If you choose the minimum allowed coverage in Hawaii, expect to owe an average of $516 annually. This is more affordable than the U.S. average by 21%. If you elect better car insurance coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car-on-car collisions, theft, or weather incidents. It's worth noting that better coverage carries a cost: in Hawaii, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible runs $924, 79% more than liability-only car insurance. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay 108% more than you would for a liability-only policy.
Analyze typical rates for basic, better, and best coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Hawaii | $516.41 | $924.28 | $1,072.01 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii's insurance regulations mandate that drivers carry liability and personal injury protection coverages at or above the below minimum levels:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $20,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $40,000 per accident
- Property Damage $10,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 per person
Optional coverage in Hawaii (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Wage Loss
- Death and Funeral Expense
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
Learn more about Hawaii's car insurance regulations.
Hawaii Car Insurance FAQs
Is Hawaii a no-fault auto insurance state?
Yes. Hawaii is a no-fault state. Every driver is responsible for their own medical bills after a car collision, regardless of fault. In order to cover for this expense, every driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which provides necessary bodily injury coverage after an accident.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Hawaii?
Although there is no state law in Hawaii regarding buying car insurance without a license, it is generally considered a difficult task. Your driver's license is an insurance company's view into your previous driving history. Without this, an insurer might view you as a high-risk driver and thus increase your premium. The best way to find car insurance in Hawaii without a license is to speak directly to an insurance agent.
Is new car theft insurance required in Hawaii?
There isn't a specific "theft" coverage — it's included in comprehensive coverage. Whether or not comprehensive coverage is required will depend on the nature of your car ownership. If you have a lease or loan on the vehicle, you are required to carry comprehensive, collision, and potentially gap coverage on the vehicle.
How much does car insurance cost in Hawaii cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Kihei, Hawaii, and the most expensive in Hilo, Hawaii.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hilo | $1,121 |
| 2 | Ewa Beach | $1,056 |
| 3 | Royal Kunia | $1,056 |
| 4 | Honolulu | $1,049 |
| 5 | Halawa | $1,049 |
| 6 | Schofield Barracks | $1,047 |
| 7 | Kailua | $1,044 |
| 8 | Kapolei | $1,044 |
| 9 | Pearl City | $1,044 |
| 10 | Kahului | $1,035 |
| 11 | Kihei | $1,035 |
Recent Hawaii Car Insurance Questions and Answers
Can I get insurance if I have a van with access for a wheelchair but no license?
It's very likely that you can still get insurance. However, you will have to find a company that doesn't require everyone listed to be licensed.
Do I have to prove a driver was uninsured?
Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about not wanting to get another driver who is uninsured in trouble. At the end of the day, your insurance might require you show proof of an uninsured motorist in which case it is in your best interest to give as much information as possible to your company.
Should I file an insurance claim?
Here are a few things to consider: You have up to 2 years in Hawaii to file a property damage claim with your insurance provider. It's always best to file a claim as quickly as possible so your insurance company can best assess the damage on your vehicle, however you technically can file a claim up to 2 years from the date of the damage. Since the damage on your car came from 2 different incidents you will be required to file 2 claims and pay 2 different deductibles.
Can I buy a policy for two drivers and one car so that we aren't penalized for each other's driving history?
Driving records follow each individual driver. When multiple drivers are covered by the same policy then each driver's record will impact the total cost to insure them.
How Do Tickets Impact Car Insurance Rates in Hawaii?
If you get a ticket, your auto insurance costs may rise. How much your rates rise depends on the severity of the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at car insurance costs in Hawaii after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $5,378 | 397% | $4,296 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $5,316 | 392% | $4,235 |
| DUI | $3,694 | 242% | $2,613 |
| Racing | $2,330 | 116% | $1,249 |
| Reckless Driving | $5,301 | 390% | $4,220 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $5,279 | 388% | $4,198 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,397 | 29% | $316 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,555 | 44% | $474 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,183 | 9% | $102 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,255 | 16% | $174 |
| Improper Passing | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Speeding | $1,193 | 10% | $112 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,183 | 9% | $102 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,191 | 10% | $109 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,175 | 9% | $94 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,096 | 1% | $15 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,103 | 2% | $22 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,081 | 0% | $0 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,103 | 2% | $22 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,103 | 2% | $22 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,081 | 0% | $0 |
Hawaii Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Hawaii area, while also getting an insider view of the Aloha State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.