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Info Center: FAQs Island Insurance FAQ Questions - AUTO

How much auto insurance do I need?
It's safe to say that no one can predict exactly how much insurance you would need if you were to cause an auto accident. Each person's financial situation is different but when deciding on a coverage limit, what you should consider is that you could be held responsible for injuries sustained by individuals. If a lawsuit is filed against you and the damages awarded or attorney fees exceed your coverage limit, you would be responsible for the balance. We suggest contacting your independent insurance agent to discuss what coverage limits would be most appropriate for your situation.
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What is Bodily Injury Liability?
If you're in an auto accident which is covered by your policy and you are at fault, Bodily Injury (BI) Liability coverage protects you from the cost of damages due to injury or death of others up to the limit of liability you selected.

Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law requires minimum Bodily Injury Liability coverage limits of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident.
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What is Property Damage Liability?
Property Damage Liability coverage provides coverage for damages to someone else's vehicle or property when you or an insured driver are at fault in an auto accident.

Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law requires minimum Property Damage Liability coverage of $10,000 per accident. Additional limits are available.
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What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides medical coverage to you, your passengers or a pedestrian who suffers injuries caused by an auto accident involving a covered vehicle, up to the PIP coverage limit you selected regardless of fault.

Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law requires minimum Personal Injury Protection coverage benefits of $10,000 per person per accident. Additional Personal Injury Protection coverage benefits may be purchased. Contact your independent insurance agent to select the appropriate amount of coverage that best suits your needs.
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What is a VIN?
A Vehicle Identification Number is the vehicle's unique identification number made up of digits and letters. The VIN number can be commonly found in the following places:

  • Driver's side dashboard
  • On your insurance policy
  • Motor vehicle identification card (no-fault or insurance card)

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What is a Motor Vehicle Identification Card?
Commonly called a no-fault card or insurance card, this card identifies you and your vehicle and is your proof of having auto insurance as the law requires.
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What are the minimum liability insurance requirements by the State of Hawaii for private passenger vehicles?

The Hawaii Motor Vehicle Insurance Law requires the following minimum insurance amounts for private passenger vehicles.

  • $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident Bodily Injury Liability
  • $10,000 per person per accident Personal Injury Protection
  • $10,000 per accident Property Damage Liability
  • $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident Underinsured Motorist (optional)
  • $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident Uninsured Motorist (optional)

We recommend you contact your independent insurance agent and discuss your needs in order to have adequate coverage to suit your situation.
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What is the difference between property damage liability and collision insurance?
Property Damage Liability insurance covers the cost of damage to the property of others. Collision insurance covers damage to your own car caused by an accident less any deductible.
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What is the difference between Collision coverage and Other Than Collision Coverage?
Collision generally covers damage to your automobile caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. Other Than Collision generally covers damage to your automobile from causes such as vandalism, theft, or glass breakage.
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What is an endorsement?
An endorsement form is an amendment to your policy written especially to cover unique coverage situations for you. An endorsement is attached to your policy to modify the terms and conditions of the insurance contract. An endorsement to your policy can also mean a change to your policy that is made during the policy's term, such as if you add or remove a vehicle.
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What is a deductible?
A deductible is the policyholder's share of the loss in return for a lower premium.
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What discounts are available for auto insurance?

  • Multi-Policy Discount
  • Group Discounts
  • Renewal Discount
  • Prior Insurance Discount
  • Multi-Car Discount
  • Accident Free Discount with built-in Accident Forgiveness
  • Hybrid Discount
  • Transportation expense at no additional cost
  • Towing and labor cost coverage to vehicles with other than collision coverage

For a complete list of auto discounts, visit our Discounts and Benefits page in the Personal Insurance section.
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Should I buy collision insurance if I have an old car?
Buying collision insurance is a personal decision. You may want to consider the value of your car or the amount of loss you can personally assume. Please consult your independent insurance agent to help you decide what coverages are best for you.
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What is the difference between Bodily Injury Liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection?
Bodily Injury Liability coverage pays for injuries you or anyone covered under your policy cause to others and are held liable for in a lawsuit. Personal Injury Protection coverage pays for reasonable medical expenses for you or your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
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What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM)?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) pays for bodily injury damages you are legally entitled to recover from a driver who does not have liability insurance or an unidentified driver. In addition to the insured, a resident spouse, resident relatives, reciprocal beneficiaries and occupants of your covered auto are also covered. Uninsured Motorist coverage does not pay for property damage.
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What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)?
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) pays for bodily injury damages you are legally entitled to recover that exceed the insurance limits of the driver who caused the accident. In addition to the insured, a resident spouse, resident relatives, reciprocal beneficiaries and occupants of your covered auto are also covered. Uninsured Motorist coverage does not pay for property damage.
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What is the difference between Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) pays for damages you are legally entitled to recover from a driver who does not have auto insurance or an unidentified driver. Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) pays for bodily injury damages you are legally entitled to recover that exceed the insurance limits of the driver who caused the accident.
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What is the difference between Stacked and Unstacked for Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage?
If the STACKED option is selected, the maximum coverage benefits available for any one accident will be the sum total of the Uninsured Motorist coverage limits on all vehicles insured under the same policy. If the STACKED option is not selected, the maximum coverage benefits available for any one accident will be only the Uninsured Motorist coverage limit for any one vehicle, regardless of the number of vehicles insured under this policy.
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What is the difference between Stacked and Unstacked for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage?
If the STACKED option is selected, the maximum coverage benefits available for any one accident will be the sum total of the Underinsured Motorist coverage limits on all vehicles insured under the same policy. If the STACKED option is not selected, the maximum coverage benefits available for any one accident will be only the Underinsured Motorist coverage limit for any one vehicle, regardless of the number of vehicles insured under this policy.
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