Do you need insurance to register a car in Hawaii?

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If you’re planning to register a car in Hawaii, make sure you have valid insurance first. Like most states, Hawaii requires proof of coverage before you can complete your vehicle registration.

In this guide, we’ll explain the steps to register your car with insurance in Hawaii and the consequences of driving without insurance.

Do you need car insurance to register your car in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, car insurance is a mandatory requirement for vehicle registration. The Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires all vehicles to maintain proof of financial responsibility to legally drive or park their cars on public roads.

Proof of insurance is necessary when registering a vehicle or renewing the registration. Hawaii’s minimum insurance coverage includes $20,000 for bodily injury per person, $40,000 for bodily injury per accident and $10,000 for property damage. Learn more about the state minimum requirements in the table below.

Minimum insurance requirements in Hawaii

In Hawaii, you’re required to have auto insurance to drive legally. The state sets minimum coverage limits to ensure drivers can cover the cost of injuries or damage if there’s an accident. Hawaii drivers are required to carry the following coverage limits:

How do you register your car in Hawaii?

You can follow these steps to register your car in Hawaii:

Purchase insurance. You must purchase car insurance before you can register your vehicle in Hawaii. Make sure you meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Make sure you have all the required paperwork. You’ll usually need the following documents to register your vehicle:

• Proof of insurance
• Vehicle title or proof of ownership
• Driver’s license
• Proof of address
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Visit the DMV. Visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or check if you can register online. You’ll need to bring a few documents, including proof of insurance, proof of vehicle ownership and a valid ID.

Pay the registration fee. You’ll have to pay a fee to register your car in Hawaii.

Receive your registration. Once your registration is processed, you’ll receive your vehicle’s license plates and a registration card, which you should always keep in your vehicle.

What are the consequences of driving without car insurance in Hawaii

Driving without insurance in Hawaii can lead to serious consequences, including big fines, a suspended license, and being held responsible for damages if you cause an accident.

Depending on the severity of the violation, you could also face higher insurance rates and even jail time. Here’s what can happen if you’re caught driving without insurance in Hawaii:

• License suspension
• Registration suspension
• Fines
• Jail time

What happens if my insurance lapses after I register my car in Hawaii?

In most states, you’re required to keep your car insured at all times to stay legally registered. If your coverage lapses, your registration could be suspended.

Driving without valid insurance can result in fines and legal issues, and you could be held liable for any damage or injuries you cause in an accident.

Registering your car in Hawaii is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet the state’s insurance requirements to avoid fines, penalties or loss of registration. Driving without coverage can lead to serious consequences, so it’s important to keep your policy active and stay in compliance with the law.

Shivani Gite

Contributing Writer

 

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Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.