Hawaii Car Insurance: The 2026 Limits Change and PIP

Hawaii’s official 2026 FAQ lists 40/80/20 liability for new and renewal policies effective January 1, 2026 or later, plus at least $10,000 PIP.

Use the policy’s effective date

The regulator’s January 2026 FAQ says the new liability minima are $40,000 per person, $80,000 per accident and $20,000 property damage. It applies the change to new and renewal policies effective on or after January 1, 2026. Older 20/40/10 summaries should not be used for those policies.

Keep PIP separate from liability

The FAQ also identifies at least $10,000 PIP for medical and rehabilitation costs, regardless of fault. That does not decide every injury entitlement or lawsuit question. Read benefit definitions, limitations and the procedure for the actual claim.

A renewal-document exercise

Hypothetically, a driver compares a prior-term 20/40/10 document with a 2026 renewal. The two documents describe different periods; the lower old number is not evidence that the renewal may use superseded minima.

Ask useful premium questions

Ask for the actual renewal total and an explanation of changed selections. This guide does not repeat the FAQ’s suggested average percentage increase as a prediction for you. Keep discounts, payment charges and voluntary coverage choices visible in the comparison.

Complete the Hawaii discussion

Bring the declarations, PIP wording and financing agreement to the insurer. Ask which vehicle protections a lender requires independently and what happens after a covered loss. Use the official Insurance Division resource for questions about the change, with the policy effective date included.

Compare the changed limits through a covered-loss illustration

Hypothetical: One other person has $35,000 of accepted covered injury damages. Assume responsibility, coverage and no other adjustment. That amount exceeds the old $20,000 person limit by $15,000 but fits a $40,000 person limit. This comparison explains the changed ceiling; it does not retroactively change the applicable policy or promise a claim payment.

A second illustration concerns property: $18,000 of accepted covered damage to another person’s property exceeds an old $10,000 limit by $8,000 but fits $20,000. Always attach the accident date and relevant policy period to the discussion. The 2026 new/renewal applicability rule is not permission to apply any old or new number to every claim.

Create a renewal comparison that separates rule changes from choices

Do not attribute every renewal-price change to the statutory increase. Vehicle use, selected protections and other actual rating information may also differ. Request the insurer’s own explanation instead of applying a regulator’s average estimate to your household.

An injury benefit and a damaged vehicle require different records

PIP’s medical and rehabilitation role does not supply repairs to your car. In a hypothetical accepted $3,800 comprehensive loss with a $500 deductible, the simple payment is $3,300 before other adjustments. That calculation depends on carrying the applicable coverage and satisfying its terms; the required PIP figure does not establish it.

Keep injury bills and rehabilitation records separate from estimates, photographs and vehicle valuation. If the car is financed, also retain the lender’s agreement. A compliant renewal schedule and a lender-compliant physical-damage arrangement are related but different checks.

Before accepting renewal, confirm the actual term, changed amounts and any requested elections in writing. When contacting the Insurance Division about the change, identify the policy date and disputed line so the question can be evaluated against the correct rule.

Source and review scope

Read the Hawaii Insurance Division source. Material inspected October 12, 2026; this is machine-supported research, not human approval. The actual policy, applicable law and exceptions require review. Use the coverage needs checklist to prepare questions; it does not choose coverage or establish legal compliance.