Drivers in Hawaii must have liability auto insurance coverage and personal injury protection. Individuals driving in Hawaii need to carry this proof of financial responsibility in their motor vehicles at all times. Motorists will be ticketed and fined if they are found driving without coverage.

If a driver lets coverage lapse, he or she must immediately surrender the motor vehicle registration. The registration certificate along with license plates will need to be sent to the county director of finance. Once this step has been completed, the individual can not drive the car legally.

Minimum Coverage Conditions
Hawaii’s liability coverage must reflect a minimum of $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 per accident for property damage on the insurance policy. In order to determine if these minimums are sufficient, individuals should research medical costs and damage repair fees in the area. Although this policy does not cover the negligent driver’s damages, it will cover all medical and property bills accumulated by the victim or victims.

Bodily Injury Requirements
Bodily injury coverage is reflected as a $20,000/$40,000 quote on the policy. It will provide funds to cover the victim’s medical costs, financial loss, funeral costs and other similar assessments. Each injured individual can receive no more than $20,000 and if more than one party is injured, the group will be given an amount up to the maximum sum on the policy.

Property Damage Requirements
Hawaii has a $10,000 property damage requirement that is to be paid to the party who suffers vehicle or other property damage as a result of the insured individual’s fault. If an entire replacement of the vehicle is recommended, this cost will also be the responsibility of the negligent driver. The plan will pay out up to $10,000 to one or more individuals affected by the collision.

Personal Injury Protection
In addition to liability coverage, Hawaii residents must have a personal injury protection policy. This plan is designed to cover the expenses for the insured’s medical costs whether or not he or she is at fault. Coverage will be administered to both the driver and any passengers within the insured vehicle at the time of the accident. If an insured individual is the passenger in another vehicle that falls victim to a collision, the personal injury protection policy will pay the medical expenses for the insured individual. If the insured individual is struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, the personal injury protection plan will also be responsible for relinquishing funds for medical damages.

No Fault State
Hawaii is a No Fault State and therefore, employs the personal injury protection requirement as a means to cover an insured’s medical costs no mater which driver is at fault. Other passenger’s in the insured vehicle will also be covered but the individual at fault for the crash will be responsible to pay the property damages. No Fault State policies are intended to keep legal action between parties minimal. Drivers can only sue another driver if a serious injury is the result of a collision.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
The state of Hawaii requires all insure companies to offer motorists the option of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Because many drivers unfortunately, opt to drive without any insurance, an uninsured motorist plan should be considered. In the event that the insured individual is struck by an uninsured driver, the victim will receive funds to cover medical expenses and in many cases, monies to pay for property damage repair. This policy will also protect a victim if the faulty party had let their policy lapse. Often, people are unaware that they have a lapse in policy due to one missed payment. Drivers should protect themselves from the negligence of others.

Residents of Hawaii who decided to opt out of this coverage will have to do so in writing. A minimum purchase of $20,000 would be necessary for adequate coverage for an uninsured policy. Drivers who want additional protection from underinsured motorists can purchase a minimum of $20,000 in coverage. This should be considered when a driver is operating a vehicle worth a value that exceeds the minimum liability requirement in the state. If this driver is victim in a collision that requires the complete replacement of his or her motor vehicle, he or she may be responsible if the other driver does not have enough insurance and additional funds to make out of pocket payments.