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Hawaii SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Hawaii requires 40/80/20 liability coverage and is a no-fault state.

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Hawaii at a Glance

40/80/20

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

No-fault

Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash

Required

PIP coverage must be on every policy

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

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.

Liability Insurance

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 Insurance

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.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

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.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Hawaii requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your liability limits, though you can reject it in writing. 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 Auto Insurance

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

$32/mo

Typical monthly rate in Hawaii, non-owner policies

Rate data: Insure.com, 2026

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)
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Stay Covered While You Drive Borrowed Cars

Find Coverage After Violations

If your license is suspended

Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP); Employee Driver Permit variant

A restricted license is available while suspended.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 in Hawaii after a DUI?

Hawaii requires SR-22 filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction, starting from the date you file the certificate and reinstate your license. If your insurance lapses at any point during the 3-year period, your license is suspended immediately and the entire 3-year requirement restarts from zero once you file a new SR-22 and pay reinstatement fees. Maintaining continuous coverage without any gaps is essential.

Can I get car insurance in Hawaii with a suspended license?

You cannot legally drive with a suspended license, but you can purchase an SR-22 policy while suspended to meet reinstatement requirements. Many non-standard carriers in Hawaii will issue SR-22 policies to suspended drivers who are working toward reinstatement, though you'll pay high-risk rates. You must resolve all suspension conditions (pay fines, complete courses, file SR-22) before the Hawaii Department of Transportation will reinstate your driving privileges.

Which insurance companies offer SR-22 in Hawaii?

Non-standard carriers that operate in Hawaii and file SR-22 certificates include regional and specialty insurers, though availability is more limited than mainland states. Not all national carriers write high-risk business on the islands, so working with an independent agent who specializes in non-standard placements is often necessary. Expect fewer options and higher premiums than standard market drivers, but coverage is available.

What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses in Hawaii?

If your SR-22 policy cancels or lapses for any reason during the 3-year requirement period, your insurer must notify the Hawaii Department of Transportation within 10 days. The state immediately suspends your driver's license, and the entire 3-year SR-22 requirement period restarts from zero once you purchase new coverage, file a new SR-22 certificate, and pay reinstatement fees. Continuous coverage without any gaps is mandatory.