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Auto insurance is an essential part of car ownership, but depending on the coverage and company, it can get expensive. It’s not always easy to find cheap car insurance in Hawaii. The best way to find the best rates is to compare coverage and prices from several different companies. Take a look at some tips for finding cheap car insurance in Hawaii.
Does Hawaii Require Car Insurance?
The state of Hawaii requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in order to legally operate a vehicle. The minimum requirements are:
- $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage
- $10,000 of basic personal injury protection
- $10,000 of property damage liability coverage
- $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
The state also requires that drivers carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times, and you must be able to produce it upon request. If you don’t have proof of insurance, you’ll have to surrender the registration certificate and the license plates to the county director of finance.
It’s important to note that if you take out a loan to purchase a vehicle or lease a car, your lender or the dealership that writes the lease agreement will likely require additional coverage.
What Optional Coverages Are Available in Hawaii?
The minimum requirements might be the cheapest car insurance you can get in Hawaii, but it might not be enough to cover the damages to you and others in an accident. To make sure you have the protection you need, you might consider purchasing additional optional coverage. Some of these include:
- Collision. This coverage helps pay for damages to your insured vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive. This coverage helps pay for damages to your insured vehicle that are not the result of an accident, such as weather, theft, fire, or vandalism.
- Wage loss. This coverage helps replace lost wages if you cannot work as a result of an accident.
- Loan/lease payoff. This coverage will pay off your loan or lease if you total a covered vehicle. It’s also known as gap insurance.
- Death and funeral expenses. This coverage will help pay for funeral expenses after a fatal car accident.
- Rental car reimbursement. This coverage will help pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop after an accident.
- Roadside assistance. This coverage will go toward reimbursing you if your covered vehicle needs a tow, a flat tire fix, and sometimes overnight stays if your vehicle breaks down.
What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Several factors affect car insurance rates. Every insurance company has a unique formula for calculating its premium rates, but they all take the same things into consideration. Some of the factors that have the largest impact on your rates include:
- Your age. Young, inexperienced drivers usually pay higher rates than middle-aged drivers. Statistics show that young drivers are also more likely to take risks behind the wheel and are more likely to cause an accident.
- Your credit score. In almost every state, insurance companies use an insured’s credit score as a major factor to determine auto insurance rates. If you have a high credit score, providers consider you a lower risk, and your rates will reflect this.
- Your driving record. Insurance companies use your driving record to determine the kind of driver you are. You’ll pay higher rates if you have a history of accidents, speeding tickets, and other traffic violations.
- Where you live. The city or town you live in directly affects your rates.
How Can I Get Cheap Car Insurance in Hawaii?
The best way to get the cheapest rates is to keep your driving record clean and watch your credit score. You can keep your credit score high by paying your bills on time. If you have any issues with your score, take the necessary steps to correct them.
In addition to your driving record and credit score, there are other ways you can get cheap car insurance in Hawaii. Start by shopping around. Since every insurance company charges different rates, comparing policies from several companies and choosing the one with the best rates for a policy with the coverages you need will save you money.
You can also look for discounts. Most providers have several, and you can take advantage of as many that apply. Students with good grades will often pay cheaper rates than students with low grades, and there are often discounts if you have a vehicle with certain safety features. If you have homeowners or renters insurance and get your auto insurance through the same company, you will most likely receive a discount on all your policies.
Increasing your deductible is another way to lower your car insurance rates in Hawaii. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket before the insurance policy pays. The amounts range from as little as $100 or $200 to up to $1,000. If you raise your deductible, it will help lower your monthly premiums. Just remember that if you get into an accident, you’ll have to come up with the entire amount of the deductible.
What Are the Best Auto Insurance Companies in Hawaii?
There’s a lot to consider when ranking insurance companies. Affordability is one, but their financial stability, coverage options, and customer service are also important. Some of the top providers in Hawaii are:
- GEICO
- State Farm
- Progressive
- USAA
- Farmers
- Island Insurance
In many cases, GEICO has the cheapest car insurance in Hawaii for drivers looking for full coverage. Full coverage includes the minimum liability coverage required by the state, plus collision and comprehensive coverage. State Farm and Progressive also have some of the cheapest rates.
Car insurance is necessary to protect you and others in the case of an accident. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in Hawaii, start by shopping around and comparing rates. Just remember, the cheapest rates might not be the best policy, so make sure you get the coverage you need. It could save you money in the long run.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
