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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

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

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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

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…

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. The average car insurance rate in Hawaii is $1,088 per year — 29% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Hawaii car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Hawaii based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized car insurance quotes.

The best car insurance companies in Hawaii

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Hawaii.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Hawaii

2nd place medal
Shelter Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Shelter Insurance scored an 856 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
Farmers

Farmers Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 848 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.2 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Hawaii drivers pay about 29% less for car insurance on average.
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Hawaii is USAA.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Hawaii

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

USAA
Cheapest full coverage insurance: USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA at $1,167 annually, or $97 per month.

USAA
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage in Hawaii, USAA is the cheapest on average. 

state farm logo
Cheapest for DUI: State Farm

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,167
State Farm $1,240
Island Insurance Group $1,267
GEICO $1,350
Progressive $1,494
Allstate $2,074

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.


Hawaii auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Hawaii. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Hawaii, expect to pay an average of $370 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 31%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Hawaii, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

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
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Hawaii, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $972, 62% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 67% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Hawaii car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Hawaii with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Hawaii.

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Hawaii car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Hawaii.

Cheap auto insurance in Hawaii for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Hawaii, the average cost for minimum coverage is $31 per month, or $370 yearly — a savings of $761 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $366
Island Insurance Group $381
GEICO $423
State Farm $443
Allstate $555
Progressive $655

Cheap auto insurance in Hawaii with bad credit

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.

Cheap auto insurance in Hawaii with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $439 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,437
State Farm $1,613
GEICO $1,671
Island Insurance Group $1,746
Progressive $2,239
Allstate $2,761

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Hawaii

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Hawaii, teen drivers pay an average $1,128 per year — this is uncharacteristically low compared to teen drivers in other states.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,167
State Farm $1,240
Island Insurance Group $1,267
GEICO $1,401
Allstate $2,074
Progressive $2,152

Hawaii auto insurance rate by violation

In Hawaii, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 146% after a DUI and 20% after a speeding ticket.

See below average auto insurance rates in Hawaii after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,409 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,409 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,409 0% $0
One comp claim $1,428 1% $19
Two comp claims $1,428 1% $19
Two Med/PIP claims $1,428 1% $19
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,502 7% $93
Failure to show documents $1,511 7% $102
Child safety restraint $1,542 9% $133
Driving without lights $1,542 9% $133
Failure to stop at a red light $1,577 12% $168
Cell phone violation $1,577 12% $168
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,577 12% $168
Speeding in school zone $1,577 12% $168
Following too closely $1,577 12% $168
Improper passing $1,577 12% $168
Illegal turn $1,577 12% $168
Texting while driving $1,577 12% $168
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,577 12% $168
Failure to yield $1,577 12% $168
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,577 12% $168
Driving too slowly $1,577 12% $168
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,596 13% $187
Driving with expired registration $1,601 14% $192
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,671 19% $262
Passing school bus $1,681 19% $272
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,756 25% $347
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,877 33% $468
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,877 33% $468
In 65 MPH zone $2,195 56% $786
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,201 56% $793
Open container $2,402 70% $993
Reckless driving $3,530 151% $2,121
Racing $3,619 157% $2,210
Driving with a suspended license $3,657 160% $2,248
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,675 161% $2,266
DUI $3,675 161% $2,266
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,758 167% $2,349

Hawaii DUI laws

In Hawaii, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,625. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Hawaii

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Hawaii, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Hawaii, State Farm, advertises annual rates 54% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Hawaii is USAA, while the priciest firm is Island Insurance Group, with prices 340% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,890
USAA $2,323
Progressive $2,425
GEICO $4,051
Allstate $4,468
Island Insurance Group $12,051

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Hawaii SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Hawaii to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Hawaii might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Hawaii

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Hawaii in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Pearl City, Hawaii, and the most expensive in Hilo, Hawaii.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Hawaii's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Pearl City $1,415
Honolulu $1,425
Waipahu $1,431
Kailua $1,455
Hilo $1,495

Car insurance price trends in Hawaii

In Hawaii, average annual auto insurance costs increased by just $8 in the past year. A typical Hawaii driver pays an average of $1,088 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Hawaii leans toward significantly cheaper car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

HAWAII CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Hawaii Yearly Change — Hawaii Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,088 $8 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,080 -$21 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,101 -$20 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,121 -$675 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Hawaii car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Hawaii auto insurance.

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.

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.

In Hawaii (and other states), 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.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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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.