Car Insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most affordable states for car insurance — drivers pay an average of just $1,653 per year ($138/month) for full coverage, about 31% below the national average. GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with full coverage starting around $77/month. Hawaii is a no-fault state with mandatory PIP coverage, and it's one of three states that bans the use of age and credit score in pricing — making rates fairer regardless of your credit history.
- Hawaii updated its minimum requirements on January 1, 2026 — liability increased from 10/20/10 to 20/40/10
- Hawaii is a no-fault state — mandatory PIP ($10,000) pays your medical bills regardless of fault
- GEICO offers minimum coverage from $24/month — 48% below the state average
- Hawaii bans use of credit scores AND age as insurance rating factors — a unique consumer protection
- Full coverage in Hawaii costs about 31% less than the national average
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Hawaii
If you're driving in the Aloha State, you're in luck when it comes to insurance costs. Hawaii ranks among the top 5 most affordable states for car insurance, with full coverage premiums running about 31% below the national average. The state's no-fault system, ban on age-based pricing, and prohibition on credit score use all contribute to unusually fair and consistent rates across demographics.
| Coverage Level | Hawaii Avg (Annual) | National Avg (Annual) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Coverage | $1,653 | $2,388 | -31% |
| Minimum Coverage | $519 | $820 | -37% |
Several factors keep Hawaii's rates below average: the state prohibits using credit scores or age in pricing, the islands have limited road networks (reducing accident exposure compared to mainland highways), lower vehicle theft rates, and relatively mild weather compared to snow/ice states. Less driving opportunity per capita means fewer claims overall.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Hawaii
Hawaii has a smaller insurance market than most mainland states, but competition still produces meaningful price differences between carriers. Here are the most affordable companies in 2026.
| Company | Min Coverage (Monthly) | Full Coverage (Monthly) | Full Coverage (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $24 | $77 | $924 |
| USAA* | $31 | $112 | $1,338 |
| State Farm | $43 | $155 | $1,860 |
| Allstate | $49 | $163 | $1,956 |
| Progressive | $52 | $171 | $2,052 |
| AAA Hawaii | $48 | $168 | $2,016 |
*USAA is available to active/retired military members and their immediate families only.
GEICO's minimum coverage in Hawaii at $24/month is 48% below the state average — an exceptional value. For full coverage, GEICO at $77/month is roughly half the state average. If you're in Hawaii and not with GEICO, it's worth getting a quote to see how much you could be saving. USAA is equally competitive for eligible military members.
Car Insurance Rates by Island/City in Hawaii
Hawaii's geography means your rate can vary by island. Honolulu on Oahu has more traffic, more vehicles, and higher accident frequency than the Neighbor Islands. Here's how rates compare across Hawaii's major population centers.
| City / Island | Avg Monthly (Full Coverage) | Avg Annual (Full Coverage) | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu (Oahu) | $167 | $2,004 | +10% |
| Pearl City (Oahu) | $158 | $1,896 | +4% |
| Kailua (Oahu) | $147 | $1,764 | -3% |
| Kahului (Maui) | $138 | $1,656 | State Avg |
| Kailua-Kona (Big Island) | $131 | $1,572 | -5% |
| Hilo (Big Island) | $124 | $1,488 | -10% |
Honolulu drivers on Oahu pay about 10% more than the Hawaii state average, largely due to H-1 Freeway congestion and higher population density. The Big Island and Maui generally have lower rates. If you're on a Neighbor Island, you'll typically pay closer to or below the state average.
Hawaii Minimum Car Insurance Requirements (Updated 2026)
Hawaii updated its minimum liability requirements effective January 1, 2026 — the first increase in the state's bodily injury minimums in many years. Make sure your policy meets the new requirements if you haven't updated since 2025.
| Coverage Type | New Minimum (2026) | Prior Minimum (Pre-2026) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $20,000 | $10,000 | Medical costs for one person you injure |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $40,000 | $20,000 | Total medical costs for all injured in one accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 | $10,000 | Damage to other vehicles and property you cause |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 | $10,000 | Your own medical bills regardless of fault |
Hawaii's new "20/40/10" liability minimums (up from 10/20/10) represent a meaningful increase in consumer protection. However, the property damage minimum remains at $10,000 — which is still quite low given today's vehicle costs. If you financed or leased your vehicle, your lender requires full coverage regardless of state minimums.
If your Hawaii policy was purchased before January 1, 2026 and hasn't been renewed, verify with your insurer that your coverage meets the new 20/40/10 bodily injury minimums. Most major insurers automatically updated existing policies, but it's worth confirming. The $10,000 property damage minimum is still low — consider increasing it to at least $25,000–$50,000.
What Affects Car Insurance Rates in Hawaii
Hawaii's rate environment is unique thanks to several state-specific laws and geographic factors. Here's what influences your premium in the Aloha State.
No Credit Score or Age Pricing (Unique to Hawaii)
Hawaii is one of only three states (along with California and Massachusetts) that prohibit insurers from using credit scores or age as rating factors. This means a 19-year-old driver with poor credit pays the same base rate as a 45-year-old with excellent credit — a significant consumer protection that keeps rates more equitable across demographics.
Island / Location
Oahu, especially Honolulu, has the highest rates due to traffic congestion and population density. The H-1 Freeway and Pali Highway are known accident corridors. The Big Island and Maui tend to have lower rates because vehicle density, accident frequency, and theft rates are lower on the Neighbor Islands.
Driving Record
While Hawaii can't price based on age or credit, your driving record still matters significantly. A single at-fault accident in Hawaii raises your premium by an average of 35–45%. A DUI conviction can double your rate or more. State Farm offers some of the most forgiving rates in Hawaii for drivers with DUI violations.
Vehicle Type and Replacement Cost
Importing vehicles to Hawaii costs more than on the mainland, which means vehicle replacement and repair costs are elevated. This pushes comprehensive and collision premiums up relative to equivalent coverage on the mainland. Rare or specialty vehicles can be especially expensive to insure in Hawaii.
Coverage Levels
Jumping from minimum to full coverage in Hawaii typically adds $95–$120/month to your premium (at state average rates). Given Hawaii's lower-than-average costs, carrying full coverage is more accessible here than in most states. If you own your vehicle outright, compare the cost of full coverage to your vehicle's current value to decide if it makes sense.
How to Save on Car Insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii is already one of the more affordable states for car insurance, but these strategies can push your rate even lower.
Get a GEICO Quote First
GEICO's Hawaii rates are dramatically below average — $77/month for full coverage vs. a state average of $138/month. That's a potential savings of over $700/year. Start your comparison there. If you're military or a veteran, compare USAA as well.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Hawaii insurers offer discounts for completing state-approved defensive driving courses. The Hawaii Department of Transportation approves programs, and most major carriers will reduce your premium 5–10% upon completion. This discount typically lasts 3 years.
Bundle Renters or Homeowners Insurance
Combining your auto policy with renters or homeowners insurance typically saves 10–15% on both. State Farm and Allstate have strong multi-policy programs in Hawaii. If you're renting in Honolulu, bundling is an easy way to reduce costs on both policies simultaneously.
Choose a Higher Deductible
Raising your collision or comprehensive deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce those coverage components by 20–25%. Hawaii's low theft rates mean comprehensive claims are less frequent here, making a higher deductible a reasonable risk for many drivers.
Reduce Mileage if You Use TheBus or Carpool
Oahu's TheBus system is one of the most extensive transit networks in the Pacific. If you use public transit for most commuting and only drive occasionally, ask your insurer about low-mileage discounts. Drivers logging under 7,500 miles/year can qualify for 5–15% off with many carriers.
Hawaii Car Insurance Laws and Regulations
Hawaii's insurance laws are unique in several important ways that every driver in the state should understand.
No-Fault State with Mandatory PIP
Hawaii is one of 12 no-fault states in the country. Every auto policy must include at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. After an accident, PIP pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs regardless of who caused the accident — without waiting for fault determination. You don't need to prove the other driver was at fault to receive PIP benefits.
However, Hawaii's no-fault system doesn't eliminate the right to sue. If injuries are serious enough (meeting Hawaii's tort threshold), you can still pursue a claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and damages beyond your PIP limits.
No Credit Score or Age Pricing
Hawaii is one of only three states that ban insurers from using credit scores or age as pricing factors. This consumer protection means:
- Young drivers (under 25) don't pay a penalty premium in Hawaii
- Drivers with poor credit histories pay the same as those with excellent credit
- Rates are primarily driven by driving record, vehicle, and location
2026 Minimum Requirement Update
Effective January 1, 2026, Hawaii increased its bodily injury liability minimums from 10/20 to 20/40 (per person/per accident). If your policy was written before this date, contact your insurer to confirm your coverage was automatically updated. Driving with coverage below the new minimums is a violation of Hawaii law.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii strictly enforces its insurance requirement. Driving without minimum coverage can result in:
- Fines of $500 for the first offense
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Required SR-22 filing (in certain cases)
- Potential civil liability for accident damages with no coverage to pay them
Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan (HJUP)
If you've been denied coverage by standard insurers due to your driving record, you may be eligible for coverage through the Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan (HJUP). This state-regulated risk pool provides insurance to high-risk drivers who can't obtain coverage in the standard market. Rates are typically higher than standard market rates, but HJUP ensures no Hawaii driver is left uninsured due to their history.
Frequently Asked Questions
GEICO is by far the cheapest option for most Hawaii drivers, offering minimum coverage for about $24/month ($293/year) — 48% below the state average — and full coverage from around $77/month ($924/year). If you're military or a veteran, USAA offers similar value at around $112/month for full coverage. For all other drivers, GEICO is the clear starting point for comparison shopping in Hawaii.
Yes. Hawaii is one of 12 no-fault states in the U.S. All drivers must carry at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). After an accident, PIP pays for your medical expenses regardless of who caused it. You can still sue the at-fault driver if your injuries exceed PIP limits or meet Hawaii's serious injury threshold.
As of January 1, 2026, Hawaii requires 20/40/10 liability coverage ($20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident in bodily injury, $10,000 property damage) plus $10,000 in PIP. These are higher than the previous 10/20/10 minimums. If your policy predates 2026, confirm with your insurer that it's been updated to meet the new requirements.
No. Hawaii is one of only three states (along with California and Massachusetts) that prohibit insurers from using credit scores as a rating factor. Similarly, Hawaii bans using age as a pricing factor, which means young drivers don't pay significantly more simply because of their age. Your rate is primarily based on your driving record, vehicle, and location.
The average Hawaii driver pays about $138/month for full coverage and $43/month for minimum coverage — well below the national average. Honolulu drivers pay slightly more at around $167/month for full coverage. Drivers on the Big Island and Maui typically pay closer to $124–$138/month.
The Hawaii Joint Underwriting Plan (HJUP) is a state-regulated program that provides auto insurance to drivers who have been denied coverage in the standard market due to their driving record or other factors. It's a last-resort option with rates higher than standard market policies, but it ensures all Hawaii drivers can obtain the legally required coverage.
- Hawaii Insurance Division — Auto Insurance Consumer Information
- Bankrate — Average Cost of Car Insurance in Hawaii (2026)
- The Zebra — Best Cheap Car Insurance in Hawaii (2026)
- ValuePenguin — Cheapest Car Insurance in Hawaii (2026)
- NerdWallet — Cheap Car Insurance in Hawaii (March 2026)
- MoneyGeek — Average Car Insurance Cost in Hawaii (2026)
Compare Car Insurance Rates in Hawaii
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