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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

Nathan tra…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty
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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

How much does car insurance cost in Honolulu?

In Honolulu, car insurance costs an average of $712 for a six-month policy or $119 per month. In 2024, our data shows State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company in Honolulu with rates at $622 for a six-month policy.

Hawaii drivers pay an average of $704 every six months for car insurance. In comparison, Honolulu's average rate costs just slightly more, but less than the national average of $742. In Honolulu, 40% of our customers used our service because they were just looking at other companies' rates. If you too need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in Honolulu based on common factors like credit score, coverage level and more.

Average car insurance in Honolulu vs. Hawaii state average

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Car Insurance in Honolulu vs. Hawaii Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Honolulu Average $712
Hawaii Average $704

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Honolulu

1st place medal
1st place: State Farm

State Farm is the cheapest at $104 per month or $622 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: USAA

In second place is USAA which costs $104 per month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Island Insurance Group

Rounding out the list is Island Insurance Group as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, an Island Insurance Group policy in Honolulu costs $644 per six-month policy.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Houston:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Honolulu is $712 per six-month policy — $119 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Honolulu is State Farm ($622).
  • Though Honolulu is the most populous city in Hawaii, its car insurance rates rank somewhere in the middle for the state. 
  • 40% of Zebra customers in Honolulu stated they used our product because they were just looking to explore other options. 

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Honolulu car insurance rates by company

Our 2024 data states that the cheapest car insurance company in Honolulu is State Farm, with average monthly rates at $104 or $622 for a six-month policy. The second cheapest is USAA, also at $104 per month or $624 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Honolulu, HI
Average six-month cost of auto insurance from top companies in Honolulu, Hawaii

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $622
USAA $624
Island Insurance Group $644
21st Century $672
GEICO $690
Progressive $742
Allstate $1,005

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


The only way to know which company is the cheapest coverage for you is to compare. Our comparison will do the leg work for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, USAA and State Farm (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Honolulu.

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Average car insurance in Honolulu by rating factor

Rating factors are the criteria that car insurance companies use to determine the cost of premiums. Rating factors can include things like age, credit score, driving history, and the type of car you drive. While some rating factors are more important than others, all of them can have an impact on your premium.

Ultimately, rating factors can change, and in turn, so can the best car insurance company for you. This is why it's a great practice to shop around for a new provider from time to time to ensure you're still getting the best rates.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is also a major rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance in Honolulu. Even if you’ve had no claims with your insurance company, you could still be paying more with a particular insurance company because the price of doing business has increased in Honolulu.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Honolulu

Let's begin with one of the most important rating factors in the insurance business: age. Typically, teen drivers have the highest rates of accidents among any age group, making their premiums the highest. However, in Honolulu, teen driver rates are more aligned with the citywide average. The difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is only about $50; this small number is the exception, not the rule. 

Still, insurance premiums for teen drivers are the highest that Honolulu drivers experience. See the table below for the cheapest insurance companies for teenagers in Honolulu.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Honolulu, HI
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Honolulu

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $622
USAA $624
Island Insurance Group $644
21st Century $672
GEICO $714
Allstate $1,005
Progressive $1,067

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s State Farm $622
30s State Farm $598
40s State Farm $598
50s State Farm $598
60s State Farm $598
70s State Farm $598

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Honolulu drivers between 20-29 are USAA, State Farm and Island Insurance Group


Our data tells us that drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up the bulk of Honolulu drivers. On average, this group pays $712 every six months. By going with these companies, these groups can potentially save 12%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Houston

Another important indicator of what your car insurance premium will look like is the level of coverage you choose. Each state sets requirements on the minimum amount you are required to carry, and this low level of coverage typically means lower premiums. Our data indicates that 31% of Honolulu drivers only have state minimum coverage.

While this is the cheapest option, only carrying the minimum coverage leaves you at risk of being underinsured. "Full coverage" insurance (including collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to your policy) charges more in premiums but offers more protection in the event of an accident. These coverages also both carry a deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

Other optional coverages that may be worth considering are roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage. More coverage means higher premiums, but experts at The Zebra suggest still enrolling in these opportunities, as they can go a long way in protecting both you and your vehicle.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In an analysis of our data, 59% of drivers in Honolulu have owned vehicles. If you are not leasing or financing your vehicle, you should consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We recommend getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. The general rule of thumb is if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you probably don't need collision coverage. Bear in mind, however, that dropping these coverages means that you will have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Honolulu, HI
Cheapest companies for minimum coverage in Honolulu, HI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $193
Island Insurance Group $204
GEICO $227
State Farm $231
21st Century $233
Allstate $286
Progressive $340

Source: The Zebra

  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

Most of our customers in Honolulu opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Hawaii's 20/40/10 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $20,000 per person in bodily injury, $40,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in Hawaii.

Honolulu car insurance rates by credit score

While most states use your credit history in the underwriting process, Hawaii has banned the practice. This means that those with a poor credit history do not have to worry about it affecting how much they pay for auto insurance.

car insurance in houston by credit score

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

The most common claim type made in insurance is a collision or at-fault accident. An at-fault accident in Honolulu can raise rates from $119 to $158 per month. The cheapest insurance company in Honolulu after an at-fault accident is USAA.

The best way to keep your auto insurance premiums low is by avoiding accidents and citations the best you can, regardless of location. Depending on the type of accident or ticket, your premium will be impacted for three to five years. More serious charges like DUIs and DWIs can stay on your record longer. Speeding citations, reckless driving charges, and accidents will all dramatically increase your premiums. 

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Honolulu, HI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident in Honolulu, HI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $765
State Farm $809
GEICO $849
Island Insurance Group $886
21st Century $1,091
Progressive $1,109
Allstate $1,343

Source: The Zebra

Honolulu car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Honolulu.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Honolulu, HI
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Honolulu, HI

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $712 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $712 0% $0
None $712 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $721 1% $9
One comp claim $721 1% $9
Two comp claims $721 1% $9
Failure to wear a seat belt $759 7% $47
Failure to show documents $764 7% $51
Child safety restraint $779 9% $67
Driving without lights $779 9% $67
Illegal turn $796 12% $84
Failure to yield $796 12% $84
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $796 12% $84
Driving too slowly $796 12% $84
Failure to stop at a red light $796 12% $84
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $796 12% $84
Wrong way/wrong lane $796 12% $84
Speeding in school zone $796 12% $84
Cell phone violation $796 12% $84
Improper passing $796 12% $84
Texting while driving $796 12% $84
Following too closely $796 12% $84
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $806 13% $93
Driving with expired registration $808 13% $96
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $843 18% $130
Passing school bus $853 20% $141
Operating a vehicle without permission $887 25% $175
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $946 33% $234
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $946 33% $234
In 65 MPH zone $1,109 56% $397
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,112 56% $400
Open container $1,216 71% $504
Reckless driving $1,770 149% $1,058
Racing $1,818 155% $1,106
Driving with a suspended license $1,836 158% $1,124
DUI $1,847 159% $1,135
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,847 159% $1,135
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,890 165% $1,178

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Honolulu so expensive?

Despite high prices for homes and goods, car insurance in Honolulu is actually more affordable than expected. Honolulu's average rates are lower than the national average and typical for the state of Hawaii. Still, car insurance can still be costly for some, depending on what area of the city you live in, age, driving history, and other factors.

Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance can be so expensive in Honolulu — regardless of your driving profile.

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Location

Where you live in Honolulu also affects how much you pay for car insurance. Besides your driving history and age, where you live is one of the biggest contributing factors to your insurance premiums.

Crime, theft and uninsured motorists have a lot to do with variations in insurance rates by zip code. Fortunately, Honolulu is relatively safe, with a lower crime rate than the national average. Still, 31% of Honolulu drivers are uninsured, leaving you at risk if you collide with an uninsured driver. 

The most expensive Honolulu zip code is 96818. According to our data, all other zip codes have the same average rate. 

steering wheel
Number of drivers

When it comes to transportation, driving a personal vehicle is Honolulu's premiere choice. There is a bus system and trolly service in Honolulu, but available routes are notoriously limited, so the best way to get around is by car. This fact means that there are high numbers of drivers on the roads at any given time, and more drivers means a higher probability of accidents. 

Still, when comparing the number of drivers in Hawaii to that of other states, the total is relatively low[1]. This is likely due to the size of Hawaii being smaller than mainland states. Even so, it's important to note that 31% of drivers in Honolulu are not currenly insured. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Honolulu, you could be left paying for the damage yourself.

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage


In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we recommend carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). This coverage will provide assistance to you if you or your vehicle are damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Honolulu

Car insurance prices have been increasing yearly, but there are still ways to save. Bundling two or more insurance products with the same insurance provider is a great way to earn a multi-policy discount. Most insurance companies offer this discount, so even when shopping around with different providers, consider this option. The most common combination is homeowners and auto insurance— with two policies, you might be able to save 10% or more on combined premiums. 

If you currently have separate policies for your home and car, it's worth shopping around to see if you could save by bundling. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

bundling home and auto insurance in honolulu
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Honolulu, HI
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Honolulu, HI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $551
State Farm $560
Island Insurance Group $599
21st Century $601
Progressive $654
GEICO $669
Allstate $979

Source: The Zebra

While certain rating factors are out of your control, you can take certain steps to make your driving profile more appealing to insurers. Shopping around and comparing auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible is the first way you can ensure you're getting the best rate for your coverage and service needs. It's a good practice to shop around at each renewal period, especially if personal factors like age, credit score and location have changed. Still, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

 

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

In general, auto insurance rates in Honolulu are relatively affordable compared to other states. The average car insurance premium in Honolulu is $712 for a six-month policy. Rates can still increase if you have any accidents or citations on your record, so keeping a clean driving profile is paramount to ensuring your premiums stay low.

In Hawaii, the state minimum limits are 20/40/10, or protection up to $20,000 per person bodily injury, $40,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 in property damage. These limits are the lowest you can get while complying with the law, but drivers have the option to increase these numbers for more coverage.

Yes. In Hawaii, it is required by law that you carry at least the state minimum liability car insurance coverage. Driving uninsured leaves you at risk of full financial responsibility should you find yourself in an accident.


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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.