Hawaii's No-Nonsense Approach To Dui And Auto Insurance

Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means that your insurance company will pay for your injuries and your passengers' injuries up to the personal injury protection (PIP) limit. In Hawaii, you buy insurance for the car, not the driver, and the state requires a minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage to ensure you don't pay out of pocket for injuries to other parties in the event of an accident. This means that insurance companies will look at the car's insurance policy and coverage when a DUI has been committed.

Hawaii's no-fault insurance laws

Hawaii is a no-fault state, which means that your insurance company will pay for your injuries and your passengers' injuries up to the personal injury protection benefits (PIP) limit. No-fault protection applies only to injuries, and you cannot sue or be sued unless there are serious injuries.

Hawaii's no-fault auto insurance system is intended to simplify the process for drivers who wish to obtain compensation after an accident. Instead of filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver, motorists can simply file a claim with their own insurance company. This allows accident victims to claim compensation quickly, rather than waiting several months or even years for a decision to be made.

The minimum insurance requirements may not be enough for those who are seriously injured. These limits include:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000 for you and your passengers
• Bodily Injury Liability: $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident for anyone else injured in the crash
• Property Damage: $10,000 per occurrence

If you own a motor vehicle that you plan to drive (or let others drive) in Hawaii, it must be insured by a policy that satisfies Hawaii law. The law requires at least $10,000 per person in basic PIP coverage for each car. For additional premiums, you can buy optional PIP insurance that pays benefits not covered by basic PIP.

In addition to the required PIP insurance, for as long as your vehicle is registered in Hawaii, you must insure it with at least these minimum liability insurance coverages:

• $20,000 for bodily injury to, or the death of, one person in an accident
• $40,000 for bodily injuries to, or the deaths of, two or more people in an accident
• $10,000 for property damage in an accident

Hawaii doesn't require you to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you can add it if you wish to provide more protection than the PIP coverage offers.

The impact of a DUI on insurance rates

A DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates in Hawaii. While the exact increase depends on various factors, you can generally expect a substantial rise in your premiums. Here's an in-depth look at the potential consequences of a DUI on your insurance rates:

Increased Insurance Rates:

A DUI will likely result in higher insurance rates, as insurers consider drivers with a DUI to be riskier to insure. The increase can be significant, with some sources estimating an average hike of around 84% or an additional $138 per month for full coverage insurance. This means that if the average insurance rate in Hawaii is $87 per month, it could more than double for someone with a DUI.

Surcharges and Penalties:

In addition to higher rates, you may also be subject to surcharges or penalties specifically related to the DUI conviction. These charges can vary depending on the insurance company and state regulations. Some companies may impose a flat fee, while others may increase your rates by a certain percentage. It's important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand any potential surcharges.

Loss of Good Driver Discounts:

If you previously qualified for a good driver discount, you will likely lose this discount after a DUI conviction. This can further increase your insurance rates, as you will no longer benefit from the reduced rates offered to low-risk drivers.

Limited Insurance Options:

Some insurance companies may refuse to insure drivers with a DUI, or they may have strict eligibility requirements. This can limit your choices and make it more challenging to find affordable coverage. You may need to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates.

SR-22 Requirements:

In some cases, you may be required to obtain an SR-22 form, which verifies that you have the minimum required auto insurance coverage. This form is typically needed after a DUI conviction and can be filed with your insurance company. There may be a fee associated with filing an SR-22, and it could impact your rates, depending on the company.

Long-Term Consequences:

The impact of a DUI on your insurance rates may extend beyond the immediate increase in premiums. In some states, a DUI can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, and insurance companies may consider this when calculating your rates. Additionally, certain discounts, such as good driver discounts, may not be available to you during this period.

Impact on High-Risk Drivers:

If you are considered a high-risk driver due to multiple DUIs or other infractions, the impact on your insurance rates may be even more significant. You may need to seek coverage from a high-risk insurer, which often comes with much higher rates.

Alternative Insurance Options:

If you are unable to find affordable coverage from traditional insurance companies, you may need to explore alternative options, such as your state's assigned risk pool or high-risk insurance programs. These options tend to be more expensive, but they can provide the necessary coverage to meet legal requirements.

In conclusion, a DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences on your auto insurance rates in Hawaii. It's important to understand the potential impact and be prepared for higher premiums and limited insurance options. By comparing rates, exploring alternative coverage, and maintaining a clean driving record going forward, you can work towards mitigating the long-term effects of a DUI on your insurance.

How insurance companies find out about a DUI

Insurance companies in Hawaii have various methods to find out about a policyholder's DUI (Driving Under the Influence) record. Here are some common ways they may obtain this information:

Driving Record Checks:

Insurance companies often review driving records when providing quotes or renewing policies. They can access driving records through state motor vehicle departments or third-party services that compile and provide such information. These records typically include details of any DUI convictions, which can significantly impact insurance rates.

Accident Reports:

In the event of an accident, insurance companies will investigate the incident, including reviewing police reports and witness statements. If a policyholder is found to have been driving under the influence at the time of the accident, this information will be noted in the official records and shared with the insurance company.

SR-22 Filing:

In Hawaii, individuals convicted of DUI are typically required to file an SR-22 form. This document serves as proof of financial responsibility and is usually mandated by the state for high-risk drivers. Insurance companies often request or require SR-22 filings from policyholders with DUI convictions to ensure continued coverage.

Rate Inquiries:

When a driver is convicted of DUI, insurance companies may become aware of this information through rate inquiries. Insurance rates for individuals with DUI convictions tend to increase significantly, and insurance companies may adjust their rates accordingly, reflecting their knowledge of the conviction.

Policy Changes:

Following a DUI conviction, individuals may need to make changes to their insurance policy to meet state requirements or as mandated by a court. These changes could include increasing liability limits or adding specific endorsements. Insurance companies will be notified of these changes and may inquire about the reasons behind them, leading to the disclosure of the DUI conviction.

Public Records:

In some cases, insurance companies may access public records or legal databases to obtain information about their policyholders. DUI convictions are typically a matter of public record, and insurance companies may discover them through these searches, especially if the conviction is recent.

It's important to note that insurance companies have a vested interest in knowing about their policyholders' DUI records due to the increased risk associated with impaired driving. This information helps them assess the risk accurately and determine appropriate rates and coverage options for the individual.

The penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance in Hawaii can result in significant penalties, including fines, community service, license suspension, and even jail time. Here are the detailed penalties for driving without insurance in Hawaii:

First Offense

For a first-time offender, the penalties include a fine of up to $500. If you are unable to pay the fine, you may be able to perform community service instead, ranging from 75 to 100 hours. Additionally, your license will be suspended for a minimum of three months, and the only way to reinstate it is to purchase insurance and provide proof to the local government.

Second Offense

For a second offense, the penalties become more severe. The fine increases to anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, and you may still choose the community service alternative, but the requirement is now much higher, ranging from 200 to 275 hours. Your license suspension also increases to one full year.

Multiple Convictions

Hawaii imposes even stricter penalties for multiple convictions of driving without insurance within a five-year period. In addition to the fines and community service mentioned above, you may face jail time of up to 30 days, have your registration plates suspended or revoked, and your vehicle may be impounded.

Accident While Uninsured

If you are involved in an accident and are uninsured, you will face the same penalties mentioned above, regardless of whether you were at fault. If found to be at fault, you will also be responsible for paying any damages, including car repair and medical bills, out of pocket.

Reinstating Your License

To reinstate your suspended license in Hawaii, you will need to purchase an auto insurance policy that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements and have your insurer file an SR-22 certificate, which you will need to maintain for three years. You will also need to contact your county to determine their specific process for reinstatement, as Hawaii does not have a statewide DMV. This may include submitting a reinstatement request, paying a fee, and providing proof of insurance. You may also need to retake the necessary driver's examinations, including the knowledge test and the road skills test.

The cheapest auto insurance companies in Hawaii

The cost of car insurance in Hawaii is lower than the national average, and there are several companies offering competitive rates.

According to a few sources, Geico is the cheapest option for car insurance in Hawaii, with an average annual rate of $862. However, other sources suggest that State Farm, Farmers, and Progressive also offer competitive rates.

| Insurance Company | Average Annual Rate |

|---|---|

| Geico | $862 |

| State Farm | $1,555 |

| Farmers | N/A |

| Progressive | $2,249 |

It is important to note that car insurance rates are unique to each individual and can vary based on factors such as age, marital status, driving history, and type of vehicle. Therefore, it is always a good idea to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable option for your specific needs.

Frequently asked questions