Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Hawaii requires minimum liability coverage of $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage (20/40/10). The state also mandates $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. SR-22 filing is required after DUI convictions, driving without insurance citations, multiple serious violations within 12 months, and license suspensions for points or refusal of chemical testing. High-risk drivers should understand that meeting state minimums may not provide adequate protection if another incident occurs.
Hawaii's 20/40/10 minimums are among the lowest in the nation and may not cover damages in serious accidents. High-risk drivers face elevated risk of future claims, making higher liability limits (50/100/50 or 100/300/100) a practical consideration despite the added cost. Hawaii allows judgment creditors to suspend licenses for unpaid accident damages exceeding policy limits.
SR-22 is not a separate insurance policy but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Hawaii Department of Transportation. You must maintain continuous coverage for the entire 3-year requirement period without any lapses. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing in Hawaii, particularly national companies that limit non-standard business on the islands, making carrier selection critical.
Hawaii is a no-fault state requiring $10,000 in PIP coverage to pay medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of who caused the accident. High-risk drivers cannot waive this coverage. PIP helps protect you from immediate out-of-pocket costs after an accident, which matters when your rates are already elevated and financial margin is tight.
Hawaii requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your liability limits, though you can reject it in writing. Approximately 10–12% of Hawaii drivers are uninsured based on industry estimates. High-risk drivers who have already experienced one incident may face severe financial consequences if hit by an uninsured driver, making this coverage worth consideration despite the added premium.
Non-standard carriers specialize in high-risk profiles including DUI convictions, multiple violations, at-fault accidents, and coverage lapses. Availability in Hawaii is more limited than the mainland due to the state's isolated market and smaller insurer presence. Expect fewer carrier options and higher premiums, but coverage is available through regional carriers and specialized programs.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance premiums in Hawaii are substantially higher than standard rates due to violation history, SR-22 requirements, and limited non-standard carrier availability on the islands. A DUI conviction typically increases premiums by 80–150% for three to five years, while multiple violations or at-fault accidents can raise rates 60–120%. Hawaii's isolated market and higher cost of living contribute to baseline rates that exceed many mainland states even before high-risk factors apply.
State-required 20/40/10 liability and $10,000 PIP with SR-22 filing for a driver with one major violation. Lowest legal cost but provides minimal protection if another incident occurs.
50/100/50 liability, $10,000 PIP, and uninsured motorist coverage with SR-22 filing. Offers more realistic protection for high-risk drivers who need cushion against future claims.
100/300/100 liability, comprehensive and collision with $500–$1,000 deductibles, PIP, uninsured motorist, and SR-22 filing. Appropriate for drivers with financed vehicles or significant assets to protect despite elevated premiums.
- Violation type and severity (DUI carries higher surcharges than speeding violations)
- Time since violation (rates decrease as violations age beyond 3–5 years)
- Island location (Oahu typically sees different rates than neighbor islands due to traffic density)
- Age and gender (young high-risk drivers pay significantly more than older drivers with similar violations)
- Vehicle type and value (comprehensive and collision costs increase with vehicle replacement cost)
- Credit-based insurance score where permitted (Hawaii allows use with restrictions)
Estimates based on available industry data for high-risk driver profiles and may not reflect current market conditions. Individual rates vary based on violation type, driving history, vehicle, and other factors.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity (DUI carries higher surcharges than speeding violations)
- Time since violation (rates decrease as violations age beyond 3–5 years)
- Island location (Oahu typically sees different rates than neighbor islands due to traffic density)
- Age and gender (young high-risk drivers pay significantly more than older drivers with similar violations)
- Vehicle type and value (comprehensive and collision costs increase with vehicle replacement cost)
- Credit-based insurance score where permitted (Hawaii allows use with restrictions)
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Hawaii
Coverage Options
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Required by Hawaii law and necessary for SR-22 filing, but state minimums of 20/40/10 may not adequately protect high-risk drivers from financial liability in serious accidents.
Electronic certificate filed by your insurer proving you maintain continuous coverage meeting state minimums. Required for 3 years after DUI, uninsured driving, or serious violations, with immediate license suspension if coverage lapses.
Mandatory no-fault coverage paying up to $10,000 for your medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs after an accident regardless of who was at fault. Cannot be waived in Hawaii.
Pays for your injuries and damages when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Hawaii requires insurers to offer this coverage, though you can reject it in writing.
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a collision with another car or object, regardless of fault. Required by lenders for financed vehicles but optional if you own your car outright.
Specialized coverage designed for drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, at-fault accidents, or coverage lapses who cannot obtain standard market policies. Premiums are higher but acceptance standards are more flexible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Hawaii Revised Statutes § 431:10C-104 — Motor Vehicle Insurance Requirements
- Hawaii Department of Transportation — Driver License Division, SR-22 Certificate Requirements
- Hawaii Insurance Division — Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs