Hawaii SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Hawaii requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, license suspensions, and driving uninsured violations. The filing requirement typically lasts 3 years and costs $15–$25 to add to a policy, but high-risk premiums average $2,800–$5,200 annually depending on violation severity and carrier availability.

Two police officers in reflective vests at car accident scene with damaged vehicle on grass near roadway

Updated March 2026

State Requirements

Hawaii requires minimum liability coverage of 20/40/10: $20,000 per person for bodily injury, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Drivers with DUI convictions, multiple moving violations, uninsured driving incidents, or license suspensions must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Hawaii Department of Transportation. These minimums often fall short for high-risk drivers, who face higher scrutiny from carriers and may need higher limits to qualify with non-standard insurers. Hawaii also enforces strict penalties for lapses during the SR-22 period, including immediate license suspension.

Cost Overview

High-risk auto insurance in Hawaii costs significantly more than standard coverage due to DUI penalties, SR-22 filing requirements, and limited non-standard carrier availability on the islands. Average annual premiums for drivers with DUI or major violations range from $2,800 to $5,200, compared to $1,200–$1,800 for clean-record drivers. Hawaii's geographic isolation means fewer insurers compete for high-risk business, and carriers price in higher medical costs and vehicle repair expenses common to island markets.

State Minimum (High-Risk)
20/40/10 liability plus SR-22 filing. Only covers others' injuries and property damage, not your own vehicle. Common for drivers focused solely on meeting legal requirements after DUI or suspension.
Standard High-Risk Coverage
50/100/25 liability, PIP, UM/UIM, and SR-22 filing. Provides better protection if you cause a serious accident and covers you if hit by an uninsured driver, which is more common in Hawaii's rural areas.
Full Coverage (High-Risk)
100/300/50 liability, PIP, UM/UIM, collision, comprehensive, and SR-22. Covers your own vehicle repairs and theft, important for financed or newer vehicles but expensive for drivers with DUI or multiple violations.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Type of violation: DUI convictions increase premiums 80–150%, while at-fault accidents or speeding tickets may add 20–60%
  • SR-22 duration and lapse history: Drivers who let coverage lapse face restarted SR-22 clocks and higher rates at renewal
  • Island location: Oahu has more carrier competition and slightly lower rates than Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island, where non-standard insurers are scarce
  • Vehicle type: Older sedans common on the islands cost less to insure than trucks or financed SUVs, even with a high-risk profile
  • Time since violation: Rates drop 15–30% after the first year clean, and 40–60% after three years if no new incidents occur
  • Credit and payment history: Hawaii allows credit-based insurance scoring, so poor credit combined with a DUI can double premiums compared to good credit with the same violation

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Coverage Options

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

  • Hawaii Department of Transportation – Driver Licensing Division
  • Hawaii Revised Statutes § 431:10C-301 – Motor Vehicle Insurance
  • Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs – Insurance Division

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