Hawaii Auto Insurance Minimums Rise to 40/80/20 in 2026: What Drivers Need to Know

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As of January 1, 2026, Hawaii requires minimum liability insurance of $40,000 per person and $80,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 per accident for property damage — shown as 40/80/20. The previous minimums were 20/40/10. The new limits apply to new policies and to existing policies when they renew on or after that date.

What are Hawaii’s new minimum car insurance limits for 2026?

Hawaii now requires three liability minimums: $40,000 per person for bodily injury, $80,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage. These are written as 40/80/20. The previous 20/40/10 limits were doubled for bodily injury and property damage. The change took effect on January 1, 2026, under Act 138 (Senate Bill 2342).

Hawaii also requires personal injury protection (PIP) of at least $10,000 per person. PIP pays for your own medical and rehabilitation costs after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. The PIP requirement did not change in 2026. It is separate from the liability minimums and remains in force.

Will my premium go up, and by how much?

For many drivers who carry only the state minimum, premiums may rise. The Hawaii Insurance Division’s FAQ says that increasing coverage limits to twice the prior minimums “may result in an average premium increase of about 25%” for many drivers. That figure is a general reference, not a guarantee, and it is not a quote for any individual driver.

Your actual change depends on your insurer, your driving record, the vehicle you drive, your claims history, and where you live. The FAQ does not break the 25% reference down by island or county. Sample premiums published by the division for 2026 show how much insurers vary for the same clean-risk profile.

These are sample premiums, not quotes. They are for a specific profile and coverage set, and they do not predict what any individual driver will pay. They do show that shopping around matters: the same clean-risk driver could see very different prices from different insurers in the same county.

Who is most affected by the new limits?

The change applies statewide to personal auto policies that are new or up for renewal on or after January 1, 2026. Drivers who carry only the old 20/40/10 minimums will see coverage rise to the new floor at their next renewal. Drivers who already carry higher limits — for example, 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 — are not required to lower their coverage, but they should still review renewal notices to confirm what they are paying for.

If your current policy is still in force and has not renewed yet, the new limits will apply at your next renewal, not in the middle of the policy term. The FAQ says the new minimums apply to “all new and renewal policies with effective dates on or after January 1, 2026.”

The new minimums also apply to motorcycles and other motor vehicles, though the FAQ focuses on personal auto. Commercial auto policies are subject to separate rules, and fleet operators should check with their insurer or the Insurance Division.

What should drivers do now?

Drivers should check their current policy and prepare for renewal. The steps below are based on the Hawaii Insurance Division’s FAQ and the sample premium data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii’s 2026 Minimum Limits

Will my premium definitely go up by 25%?

No. The 25% figure is a general reference in the Hawaii Insurance Division’s FAQ. It says that for many drivers, increasing coverage limits to twice the prior minimums may result in an average premium increase of about 25%. Your actual change depends on your insurer, driving record, vehicle and other rating factors. Some drivers may see a smaller increase, and some may see a larger one.

Do I need to add PIP coverage?

No. PIP coverage of at least $10,000 per person was already required in Hawaii before the 2026 change, and it remains required. The 2026 change only increased the liability limits.

What if I already have higher limits than 40/80/20?

You are not required to change your coverage. However, your insurer may still adjust your premium for other reasons. Check your renewal notice and ask your insurer if you have questions.

Does the new minimum apply to my existing policy right away?

No. The new 40/80/20 limits apply to new policies and to existing policies when they renew on or after January 1, 2026. If your current policy is still in force and has not renewed yet, the new limits will apply at your next renewal, not in the middle of the policy term.

The Bottom Line

Hawaii’s auto insurance minimums are now 40/80/20 for liability coverage, effective January 1, 2026, under Act 138. If you carry only the minimum, your coverage will rise at renewal, and your premium may increase. Sample premiums from the Hawaii Insurance Division show that shopping around can make a real difference even for drivers with identical profiles. Check your declarations page, review your renewal notice, and ask your insurer or the Hawaii Insurance Division if anything is unclear.

How We Verified This

This article is based on the Hawaii Insurance Division’s official FAQ, “FAQ: Auto Insurance Minimum Limits (Effective January 1, 2026),” and its 2026 sample premium publication, both published by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The FAQ was opened and read in full; it states the 25% reference as a general estimate, not a guarantee. The legal basis was confirmed in the Hawaii State Legislature’s record for SB 2342 (Act 138). The sample premiums are for a defined clean-risk profile and are not quotes. This article is general information, not legal or financial advice, and it is not a personal insurance quote. For questions about your own policy or to file a complaint, contact the Hawaii Insurance Division.