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Hawaii doubled its required liability limits on January 1, 2026, moving from 20/40/10 to 40/80/20 for every new and renewing policy. The Insurance Division says the old limits were set many years ago and had not kept pace with medical and repair costs. It also notes that many drivers who move to twice the prior minimums might see an average premium increase of about 25 percent, though individual results vary widely with record, vehicle and claims history.
Hawaii is also a no-fault state, which means every driver must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection, and the insurance identification card must be kept in the vehicle. The state is one of only a few that ban the use of credit ratings for private passenger auto rating. Penalties for being caught uninsured are steep: $500 for a first conviction, and at least $2,000 for later offenses within five years, with possible jail, plate suspension or impoundment for repeat cases. Island geography, tourist rental traffic and limited road networks shape claims, and because registration is handled by each county, owners should confirm paperwork with their county office.
| Minimum liability | 40/80/20 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | Personal injury protection (PIP): at least $10,000 |
| Fault system | No-fault |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Not allowed |
Hawaii minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Hawaii you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $40,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $80,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $20,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Raised on January 1, 2026 from 20/40/10 for all new and renewal policies, doubling each required liability limit.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Besides liability, Hawaii requires:
- Personal injury protection (PIP): at least $10,000
The Hawaii Insurance Division suggests considering higher limits and additional coverages such as uninsured/underinsured motorist, comprehensive and collision beyond the required minimums.
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Hawaii a no-fault state?
Hawaii is a no-fault state. After most crashes, your own personal injury protection (PIP) pays your medical bills and some lost income first, whoever caused the accident. You can usually step outside the no-fault system and claim against the other driver only if injuries pass a legal threshold.
Hawaii is a no-fault state: your own PIP pays medical and rehabilitation costs regardless of fault. Hawaii also uses modified comparative negligence for lawsuits, so a plaintiff more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Hawaii?
Status: Not allowed. Hawaii law (HRS 431:10C-207) says an insurer may not base its standard or rating plan for private passenger auto insurance on a person's credit bureau rating.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Hawaii
A first conviction for driving without a policy in effect carries a fine of $500, and later offenses within five years carry a minimum fine of $2,000 under HRS 431:10C-117. Repeat convictions can also bring up to 30 days in jail, suspension or revocation of the vehicle's registration plates, or impoundment.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Hawaii drivers
- Check your renewal documents. The 40/80/20 limits apply to new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2026, so confirm your policy reflects them.
- Keep your Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card in the vehicle at all times. State law requires it to be with you when you drive.
- If you are moving from the mainland, expect different coverage rules. Hawaii requires PIP and higher liability limits than many states, so a policy written elsewhere may not meet them.
- Hawaii bars credit-based rating for private passenger auto policies, so your driving history, vehicle and coverage choices are what drive the price.
- The Insurance Division notes a serious accident can exceed the new minimums. Ask about higher limits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you want more protection.
- Registration is processed through county offices. If you change vehicles or ship a car to the islands, check with your county before driving it.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA)
- Motor vehicle agency: Hawaii Department of Transportation
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What are Hawaii's minimum car insurance limits in 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, Hawaii requires $40,000 bodily injury liability per person, $80,000 per accident, and $20,000 property damage liability, written as 40/80/20. They apply to new and renewal policies on or after that date and replace the former 20/40/10 limits. PIP of at least $10,000 is also required.
Is Hawaii a no-fault state?
Yes. Hawaii requires personal injury protection of at least $10,000, which covers your own medical and rehabilitation costs regardless of who was at fault. It still applies modified comparative negligence in lawsuits, so a plaintiff who is more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover. Ask a licensed agent how no-fault rules affect injury claims.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Hawaii?
Under HRS 431:10C-117, a conviction for driving without a policy in effect carries a fine of $500 for a first offense and a minimum of $2,000 for each later offense within five years. Repeat convictions can also include up to 30 days in jail, plate suspension or revocation, or impoundment. A good-faith defense is available in some cases.
Can Hawaii insurers use credit scores for auto insurance?
No. Hawaii law says an insurer may not base its standard or rating plan for private passenger auto insurance on a person's credit bureau rating. Hawaii is among a small group of states with this kind of ban. Insurers rely on other factors, such as driving record and vehicle, though factors vary by company.
How much will the 2026 limit increase raise my premium?
The Hawaii Insurance Division says that for many drivers, doubling coverage limits may result in an average premium increase of about 25 percent, but your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your record, vehicle and claims history. Contact your agent or insurer, and compare quotes from several companies, for your own numbers.
Sources
- Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA) – Auto Insurance Minimum Limits FAQs
- Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA) – Motor Vehicle Insurance Information
- Hawaii State Legislature – HRS 431:10C-117 Penalties
- NAIC – Use of Credit Reports/Scoring in Underwriting (state chart, Summer 2025)
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Hawaii Insurance Division (DCCA) or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.