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Hawaii SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Hawaii requires 40/80/20 liability coverage and is a no-fault state.

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Hawaii at a Glance

40/80/20

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

No-fault

Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash

Required

PIP coverage must be on every policy

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

SR-22 filing is required following DUI convictions, major violations, license suspensions for traffic offenses, at-fault accidents without insurance, and accumulating excessive points. Drivers with violations on record often need coverage above state minimums to satisfy court orders or reinstatement conditions.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Hawaii's 20/40 minimum is low for drivers with prior violations—many DUI and reckless driving convictions result in court orders requiring higher limits, often 50/100 or 100/300, as a condition of license reinstatement. Carrying only state minimums leaves you exposed to lawsuits that exceed policy limits, a significant risk if you already have one major violation on record.

Property Damage Liability

Covers damage to another person's vehicle or property when you're at fault.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Hawaii is a no-fault state, requiring PIP to cover your own medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of who caused the accident. Higher PIP limits reduce out-of-pocket medical costs and can demonstrate financial responsibility during an SR-22 filing period.

SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility

An SR-22 is not insurance but a state-mandated filing proving you carry continuous coverage. Required for 3 years following DUI convictions, major violations, license suspensions, and uninsured accidents in Hawaii. Your insurer files the SR-22 electronically with the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles, and any lapse in coverage triggers an immediate license suspension and restarts the 3-year clock.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or inadequate coverage. Hawaii insurers must offer UM/UIM at limits matching your liability coverage, and you can only decline it in writing. High-risk drivers with prior at-fault accidents benefit from this coverage because another uninsured accident during an SR-22 period can extend filing requirements and cause further license issues.

Cost Overview

$362–$383/mo

Typical monthly rate in Hawaii, drivers with an SR-22 after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and NerdWallet, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Time since incident: rates decrease gradually after 3–5 years with no additional violations
  • Island location: Oahu typically has lower rates than neighbor islands due to more carrier options and competition
  • Credit-based insurance score: Hawaii allows insurers to use credit in underwriting, significantly impacting high-risk rates
  • Vehicle type: older, high-theft vehicles like pickup trucks cost more to insure on the islands due to parts scarcity
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If your license is suspended

Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP); Employee Driver Permit variant

A restricted license is available while suspended.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state can act when your insurance lapses.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Hawaii?

Hawaii requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of reinstatement or court order. The clock restarts if your coverage lapses at any point during this period, requiring you to refile and serve the full 3 years again. Maintaining continuous coverage without any lapses is the only way to satisfy the requirement and avoid extended filing periods.

Which insurance companies offer SR-22 in Hawaii?

Non-standard carriers operating in Hawaii include national high-risk insurers and specialty providers, though the island market has fewer options than mainland states. Working with an independent broker experienced in high-risk coverage can help you access multiple SR-22 carriers and compare quotes. Avoid naming specific companies without verification, as availability changes frequently in Hawaii's limited market.

Does Hawaii require SR-22 for suspended license?

Yes, Hawaii typically requires SR-22 filing to reinstate a suspended license following DUI convictions, major traffic violations, uninsured accidents, or accumulating 12+ points in 12 months. The DMV specifies SR-22 requirements in your suspension notice, and you must maintain the filing for 3 years from reinstatement to avoid further penalties.