The penalties for driving without insurance in Hawaii can include fines up to $500, community service and license suspension. Penalties for repeat offenses may be even harsher, including higher fines and jail time.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Hawaii
| Type of Offense | License and/or Registration Suspended? | Car Impounded? | Jail Time? | SR-22 Required? | Maximum Fines & Fees |
| No Proof of Insurance (Can Prove Coverage Later) | No | No | No | No | Dismissed with proof |
| 1st Offense With No Coverage | Yes, license | No | 75-100 hours community service | Yes | $500 |
| Repeat Offense (No Coverage) | Yes, license | No | 200-275 hours of community service | Yes | $1,500 minimum, $5,000 maximum |
Not having car insurance and not being able to prove that you have it are two different violations. If you have insurance but cannot prove it when you get pulled over or at the scene of an accident, you are guilty of an "administrative violation", similar to a seat-belt ticket. In Hawaii, your citation might be dismissed if you can provide the court with proof of valid insurance for the date of the citation on or before your court date.
Driving without car insurance at all is much more serious, and the penalties are more severe. In addition to the legal consequences, you can also expect your car insurance premium to go up.
You can avoid these consequences by purchasing the car insurance coverage required in Hawaii.
Required Car Insurance in Hawaii
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage
The key to maintaining the minimum amount of coverage required by Hawaii is to find a policy you can afford. If your coverage has already lapsed, start by comparing quotes from the insurance companies WalletHub's analysis identified as having the best post-lapse rates.
Best Car Insurance in Hawaii After a Lapse in Coverage
Drivers in Hawaii pay an average of $445 per year to maintain the minimum amount of coverage. That's nothing compared to the consequences of driving without insurance, especially if you get into an accident.
What Happens If You Get Into a Car Accident Without Insurance in Hawaii?
- All penalties will apply if you get into an accident. If you get into an accident while driving without insurance in Hawaii, you will incur the penalties for driving without insurance no matter who is at fault. Driving uninsured can make it difficult to be compensated for damages if you are not at fault and can have long-lasting and life-changing consequences if you are at fault.
- If the accident is your fault, you'll have to pay for all the damages out of your own pocket. In addition to the legal consequences of driving without insurance, you could easily be responsible for tens of thousands of dollars or more in damages to your vehicle, the other driver's car repairs and hospital bills, and your own medical care. You could face mounting debt or even bankruptcy, especially if the other driver doesn't carry uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.
- Even if the accident is not your fault, driving without insurance may leave you responsible for your accident-related expenses. If you're in an accident in a no-fault state such as Hawaii and you don't have car insurance, you'll probably end up paying for hospital bills and medical expenses out of your own pocket. However, if the other driver was at fault and your injuries permanent loss of bodily function, permanent disfigurement, or death, or if your medical expenses exceed $10,000, then you can sue the at fault driver for damages.
This answer was first published on 07/14/23 and it was last updated on 07/17/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
Yes, you can go to jail for driving without insurance in Hawaii. Drivers who are caught driving without insurance in Hawaii can face up to 30 days in jail after the third and subsequent offenses, in addition to consequences such as suspension of license and registration.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Hawaii? ›
People caught driving without insurance in Hawaii face significant penalties. Sanctions include fines of up to $5,000, community service of up to 275 hours, license suspension for up to one year, vehicle impoundment and even jail time of up to 30 days.
Is it illegal to not have insurance in Hawaii? ›
Having motor vehicle insurance is essential to owning a motor vehicle in Hawaii. Hawaii State law requires that your vehicle be insured throughout the motor vehicle registration period and that you have a valid Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card in your motor vehicle at all times.
What happens if you get pulled over without your license on you in Hawaii? ›
In the state of Hawaii, driving without a valid license is considered a crime. You could face up to 30-days in jail and fines up to $1,000. Reasons you could be charged include: Never obtaining a driver's license.
What happens if you don't have insurance? ›
If you don't insure your vehicle you will get a Fixed Penalty Notice and if you still don't insure it, it could be seized, clamped or destroyed or you could be taken back to court.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in Hawaii? ›
The penalties of driving without insurance, if convicted, may include heavy fines, suspension of your driver's license, surrendering of your registration certificate and license plates, and possible imprisonment.
What is no fault insurance in Hawaii? ›
The no-fault system allows accident victims to claim compensation quickly instead of waiting several months or even years for a decision to be made in a car accident case. Rather than wait for insurance companies to battle it out over who is at fault, Hawai'i Residents can get the medical treatment they need.
Does insurance follow the car in Hawaii? ›
Car insurance usually follows the car in Hawaii. The types of car insurance that follow the car in Hawaii are collision, comprehensive, and property damage liability. You're required to carry property damage liability and personal injury protection in Hawaii. PIP follows the driver, unlike liability coverage.
What is the minimum insurance in Hawaii? ›
Here are the minimum Hawaii auto insurance coverage requirements for the legal operation of an automobile in the state: Bodily injury liability coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Basic personal injury protection: $10,000. Property damage liability coverage: $10,000.
What is the 1.5 medical rule in Hawaii? ›
Except for certain union agreements, the law requires employers to contribute at least half of the premium cost for single coverage. The employee must contribute the rest as long as their share is not more than 1.5% of their wages.
Hawaii does not have a Stop and Identify Law, which requires people to identify themselves to police when requested by police. Though, if you are operating a vehicle or boarding a commercial vehicle, this does not apply, and you would need to provide identification.
Can you drive with an expired license in Hawaii? ›
Under state law, an expired license is invalid for driving.
How do I check the status of my Hawaii driver's license? ›
Verification of licenses can be done on-line at no cost using our license search site at https://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch. You or the requesting agency will be able to obtain information such as original license date, license expiration date, license status, disciplinary action, etc.
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Hawaii? ›
Car insurance usually follows the car in Hawaii. The types of car insurance that follow the car in Hawaii are collision, comprehensive, and property damage liability. You're required to carry property damage liability and personal injury protection in Hawaii. PIP follows the driver, unlike liability coverage.
What is the minimum insurance coverage in Hawaii? ›
Here are the minimum Hawaii auto insurance coverage requirements for the legal operation of an automobile in the state: Bodily injury liability coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Basic personal injury protection: $10,000. Property damage liability coverage: $10,000.
What is full coverage insurance in Hawaii? ›
Full coverage insurance in Hawaii is usually defined as a policy that provides more than the state's minimum liability coverage, which is $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $40,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage.
Is Hawaii a diminished value state? ›
State of Hawaii Acknowledges Diminished Value Claims – Find out how much you are entitled to. If you were in an accident that was not your fault, or partially not your fault, in Hawaii, you may be entitled to recover money for the loss in value to your vehicle due to the accident.
