At any given time, more than 250,000 military personnel and their families live in Hawaii, according to the Hawaii Defense Economy Commission, with a large portion stationed on Oahu. If you have recently PCS’d to Honolulu, HI, your auto insurance situation may have changed more than you realize.
Hawaii Is a No-Fault State: What It Means for You
Many military families relocating to Hawaii come from at-fault insurance states. Hawaii operates differently. As a no-fault state, your own auto insurance policy pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
This coverage is provided through Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Hawaii law requires a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage per person. If you are coming from a state like Texas or North Carolina, this system can feel very different.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Honolulu, HI
In addition to PIP coverage, Hawaii requires drivers to carry:
- Bodily injury liability of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability
- Proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times
If you shipped your vehicle to Hawaii, keep in mind that you must have an active Hawaii no-fault policy in place before you can pick up your vehicle at the port.
PCS Moves and Potential Coverage Gaps
When your vehicle is in transit from the mainland, there may be coverage gaps. The military typically covers the shipment of one vehicle for OCONUS moves, but carrier liability is limited. In many cases, your personal auto insurance policy may not cover damage that occurs during ocean transport.
If your household has a second vehicle that is not shipped through the military, you will need to make separate insurance arrangements. Working with an experienced agency like Innovative Insurance Resources can help you identify and close these coverage gaps.
Set Up Your Policy Before Settling In
Moving to a new duty station is stressful enough without worrying about your insurance coverage. Taking the time to set up your auto policy in Honolulu properly, HI can help you avoid unexpected issues.
The team at Innovative Insurance Resources can guide you through Hawaii’s unique requirements and ensure your policy meets all legal and personal needs. Reach out today so you can focus on settling your family into life in Hawaii with confidence.
