Insurance Claim Rights in Hawaii
Hawaii is a no-fault state requiring PIP coverage of at least $10,000. Injured parties first turn to their own PIP for medical expenses. To sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, injuries must meet a threshold — either exceeding PIP limits or involving significant permanent impairment. Hawaii also uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar for tort claims.
20/40/10
Min. Liability
2 yrs
PI Deadline
2 yrs
PD Deadline
Yes
Diminished Value
Fault System
How Hawaii's No-Fault (PIP) System Works
Hawaii is a no-fault state. After an accident, you first turn to your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. To step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for pain and suffering, your injuries must meet specific thresholds defined by state law.
Deadlines
Statute of Limitations in Hawaii
Personal Injury
2 Years
You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Hawaii. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Property Damage
2 Years
For property damage claims (vehicle repairs, total loss, personal property), Hawaii allows 2 years to file a lawsuit. This includes diminished value claims if applicable. Report damage to your insurer as soon as possible: report to insurer promptly; pip claims should be filed within 2 years.
Coverage Requirements
Minimum Auto Insurance in Hawaii
Hawaii requires all drivers to carry at least 20/40/10 in liability coverage. These numbers represent the minimum bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage limits in thousands of dollars. While these are the legal minimums, higher coverage is strongly recommended.
Bodily Injury / Person
$20,000
Maximum per injured person
Bodily Injury / Accident
$40,000
Maximum per accident total
Property Damage
$10,000
Maximum for property damage
Diminished Value
Diminished Value Claims in Hawaii
Hawaii Allows Diminished Value Claims
After an accident in Hawaii, your vehicle may lose market value even after high-quality repairs — this is called "diminished value." Hawaii allows you to file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance to recover the difference between your vehicle's pre-accident and post-repair market value. The amount recoverable depends on the vehicle's age, mileage, damage severity, and repair quality.
Calculate your diminished valueKey Laws
Important Insurance Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $10,000 (HRS § 431:10C-103).
To step outside the no-fault system and sue for pain and suffering, medical expenses must exceed the PIP threshold or injuries must involve significant permanent loss.
Hawaii follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar (HRS § 663-31).
Resources
Hawaii Department of Insurance
If you have a complaint about your insurance company or need help with a claim dispute in Hawaii, contact the state Department of Insurance. They regulate insurance companies operating in Hawaii and can assist with claim disputes, bad faith complaints, and coverage questions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Insurance Claims
How does Hawaii's no-fault system work?
In Hawaii, your own PIP coverage pays for medical expenses up to $10,000 after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. To step outside the no-fault system and sue the other driver for pain and suffering, your medical expenses must exceed PIP limits or you must have significant permanent injuries.
What are Hawaii's minimum insurance requirements?
Hawaii requires PIP coverage of at least $10,000, plus 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.
What is the statute of limitations for auto claims in Hawaii?
Hawaii has a 2-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and property damage claims. This deadline starts from the date of the accident.
Start Your Hawaii Claim with InsurifyAI
InsurifyAI knows Hawaii's insurance laws and generates state-specific demand letters, settlement estimates, and claim strategies tailored to HI's no-fault (pip) system.
No credit card required. Free to start.