Short answer: Hawaii life policies must give a thirty-day grace period during which the policy stays in full force. After a premium default, you can apply to reinstate within three years (unless the policy was surrendered for cash or paid-up term has expired), with evidence of insurability and payment of arrears at interest not above 6% a year. Check your policy face page for the free-look window printed by the insurer.
This guide is general consumer information for Hawaii life insurance buyers. It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Policy wording, underwriting and the statutes linked below control.
Thirty-day grace
HRS §431:10D-102(a)(1) requires a grace period of thirty days, during which the policy continues in full force. If a claim arises during grace before an overdue premium is paid, that premium may be deducted from the proceeds.
Reinstatement within three years
Under §431:10D-102(a)(5), a lapsed policy will be reinstated at any time within three years from premium default—unless it was surrendered for its cash value or the paid-up term insurance has expired—upon:
- a written application
- evidence of insurability satisfactory to the insurer
- payment of all premiums in arrears, and
- payment or reinstatement of other policy indebtedness
all with interest not exceeding six per cent a year, compounded annually.
Incontestability and entire contract
The same section makes the policy (excluding disability and accidental-death benefit provisions) incontestable after two years in force during the insured's lifetime, except for nonpayment, and treats application statements as representations—not warranties—absent fraud. The application is part of the contract only if a copy is attached when issued.
Free-look
Read the face page of your delivered Hawaii policy for the examination window the insurer prints; we could not load Hawaii's official statute site to confirm a free-look section number.
Insurer financial strength
To ask about an insurer's financial strength or solvency under Hawaii regulation, contact the Hawaii Insurance Division.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
What's Hawaii's life insurance grace period?
Thirty days under HRS §431:10D-102(a)(1).
How long do I have to reinstate a lapsed Hawaii life policy?
Up to three years from default, with conditions, under §431:10D-102(a)(5).
When does a Hawaii life policy become incontestable?
After two years in force during the insured's lifetime, except for nonpayment.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.