Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii requires minimum liability coverage of 20/40/10: $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. SR-22 filing is typically required following DUI convictions, major license suspensions, repeat traffic violations, or driving uninsured after an at-fault accident. The filing requirement generally lasts 3 years from the date of reinstatement, not from the violation date. For high-risk drivers, state minimums often fall short of actual liability exposure after a serious violation.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Hawaii?
High-risk auto insurance rates in Hawaii are driven by violation type, how long ago the incident occurred, and whether you live in a high-cost urban area like Honolulu or a lower-cost rural region. DUI convictions typically increase premiums by 80–150% for the first 3 years, while at-fault accidents with lapses may raise rates by 50–90%. Non-standard carriers in Hawaii often require higher down payments and offer fewer discounts than standard insurers.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions carry the highest surcharges (80–150% increase), followed by at-fault accidents with lapses (50–90%) and repeat moving violations (40–70%)
- Time since violation: Rates decrease significantly after 3 years violation-free, with most surcharges dropping by 30–50% at the 3-year mark and returning near standard rates after 5 years
- Urban vs. rural location: Honolulu rates run 20–35% higher than rural areas due to theft, vandalism, and accident frequency; Hilo and Kailua-Kona fall in between
- Down payment requirements: Non-standard carriers in Hawaii often require 25–50% down on a six-month policy, compared to 10–20% for standard-risk drivers
- Vehicle type: Older vehicles with liability-only coverage cost less to insure than newer financed vehicles requiring full coverage during the SR-22 period
- Credit and payment history: Some non-standard carriers use insurance scores or prior lapse history to tier rates, with poor credit adding 15–30% to premiums even among high-risk policies
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Sources
- Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division
- Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16 Chapter 23 (Motor Vehicle Insurance)
- Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 287 (Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act)