Short answer: Hawaii is a no-fault state. Every policy must include at least $10,000 per person of personal injury protection for medical and rehabilitation costs, paid regardless of fault. For new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2026, minimum liability limits are $40,000/$80,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage.
The 2026 liability increase
The Hawaiʻi Insurance Division's Auto Minimum Limits FAQs (effective January 1, 2026) states that the prior 20/40/10 minimums were replaced for all new and renewal personal auto policies with effective dates on or after that day. The new floor is:
| Coverage | Hawaii minimum (on/after 1/1/2026) |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $40,000 per person / $80,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 per accident |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $10,000 per person (unchanged) |
Those liability figures also appear in HRS §431:10C-301. The Division's older consumer page still mentioned 20/40/10 in places; the FAQ and the statute control for 2026 renewals.
What no-fault means in Hawaii
The DCCA Motor Vehicle Insurance Information page explains that Hawaii is considered a no-fault state: your insurer pays injury bills for you and your passengers up to the PIP limit, and you generally cannot sue or be sued for injuries unless there are serious injuries. No-fault applies to injuries, not to vehicles or property. The at-fault driver remains responsible for damage to vehicles and other property.
PIP must cover at least $10,000 per person for medical and rehabilitative costs. HRS §431:10C-103.5 describes PIP as appropriate and reasonable treatment substantially comparable to prepaid health care plan benefits, subject to that $10,000 aggregate limit unless you buy more. Optional add-ons the Division lists include wage loss, alternative care, death benefits, funeral benefits and PIP deductibles or managed care.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Under §431:10C-301, a policy must include uninsured motorist coverage at the bodily injury limits in the statute unless any named insured rejects it in writing. Underinsured motorist coverage must also be offered. Your agent or company must advise you of those options and your right to decline in writing. The Division notes you may purchase UM and UIM at a minimum of $20,000 per person under older consumer guidance; confirm current offer amounts with your insurer when you renew under the new liability floor.
Cards, tickets and surrendering plates
State law requires the vehicle to stay insured for the full registration period and a valid Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card to be in the vehicle at all times. You can be ticketed and fined for driving without the card. If you drop insurance, you must surrender the registration certificate and license plates to the county director of finance, and you may not drive the vehicle.
Where the package still falls short
- $10,000 of PIP can run out after a short hospital stay.
- $20,000 of property damage may not replace a newer vehicle you hit.
- Collision and comprehensive are not statutory minimums, but lenders often require them.
- Even at 40/80/20, a multi-passenger crash can exceed your liability limits.
Optional benefits people often add
Beyond the statutory floor, DCCA lists optional coverages that change how a Hawaii policy feels after a crash: wage loss, alternative care (including naturopathy, acupuncture and faith healing where offered), death benefits commonly ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, funeral benefits around $2,000, PIP deductibles and PIP managed-care options. None of those replace the required $10,000 PIP medical aggregate, but they can fill gaps the basic no-fault package leaves open.
Premium impact of the 2026 change
The Insurance Division's FAQ notes that the new minimums are double the prior amounts for each mandatory liability coverage and that, for many drivers, moving to twice the prior minimums may produce an average premium increase of about 25%, with individual results higher or lower based on driving record, vehicle and claims history. Treat that figure as Division guidance, not a quote—shop your actual renewal.
Bottom line
Hawaii pairs mandatory PIP with a 2026 liability increase to 40/80/20. Read renewal notices carefully so your card and limits match the new floor. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Hawaii and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawaii a no-fault insurance state?
Yes. PIP pays medical and rehabilitation costs up to your limit regardless of fault, and injury lawsuits are limited unless there are serious injuries.
What are Hawaii's minimum liability limits in 2026?
For new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2026, $40,000/$80,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage, plus at least $10,000 PIP.
How much PIP does Hawaii require?
At least $10,000 per person for medical and rehabilitative expenses.
Can I reject uninsured motorist coverage in Hawaii?
Yes. UM must be included unless a named insured rejects it in writing; UIM must be offered and can be declined in writing.
Do I need an insurance ID card in Hawaii?
Yes. A valid Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card must be in the vehicle at all times.
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.