If you’re convicted of a major traffic violation in Hawaii, you may have to ask your auto insurance company to file form SR-22 (certificate of financial responsibility) with the state.1 This form proves that you meet your state’s minimum insurance requirements so that you can get a temporary permit to drive until you’re eligible for a new license.
An SR-22 certificate carries plenty of considerations besides a heftier policy premium. Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance.
Hawaii will typically revoke the license of drivers convicted of a DUI or other major violation for three years.
If you have an ignition interlock installed, you can apply for an ignition interlock permit (IIP) and have your insurance company submit an SR-22 form to the state.
The cost of SR-22 insurance depends on many factors, but it’s typically more expensive than traditional coverage since insurers consider drivers with an SR-22 requirement as a higher risk.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Hawaii
If you’ll be driving until you’re eligible to apply for a new license with the state, you’ll need to get coverage from a company that can submit an SR-22 certificate to the state authorities.2
Below, you can see the average car insurance premiums for SR-22 policies in Hawaii from different insurers that can help you meet these requirements.
What is SR-22 insurance in Hawaii?
SR-22 insurance isn’t actually standard auto insurance. It’s a certificate that proves you have the minimum liability insurance requirements to drive legally.3 It works exactly the same as any other policy, whether you’re paying for minimum coverage or full coverage. The only difference is that when you have an SR-22 policy, your insurance agent will file an SR-22 certificate with the state of Hawaii as a form of proof of insurance.
Not all insurance companies will file SR-22s, and if your current insurer doesn’t, you’ll need to find a new insurer that will. Companies typically charge a small fee (around $25) for this service, but the biggest effects you’ll see are in the base premium for the policy itself.
If you’re a high-risk driver, your insurance premiums will increase because of the violation that led to the SR-22 requirement.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
Two states — Florida and Virginia — also use a form FR-44 for some traffic violations. FR-44s are similar to SR-22s. But FR-44s require drivers to prove they’re carrying coverage that exceeds minimum-coverage requirements.
You may need to file these forms instead if you’re convicted of a major driving offense in these states. If you don’t live there, you don’t have to worry about FR-44 insurance.
When you need SR-22 insurance
Hawaii law requires that drivers convicted of serious traffic violations, like reckless driving or DUIs, have their license revoked entirely rather than just suspending their license like in other states. In order to drive again, state regulations require you to meet certain conditions for a temporary permit until you’re eligible for a new license.
If you’re convicted of a drug-related offense, you may need to get an ignition interlock device installed in your car. You’ll also need to have your insurer submit an SR-22 document to the state showing proof that you have the minimum amount of car insurance coverage. You can then apply for an ignition interlock permit (IIP) to continue driving.
If you’re OK with giving up your driving privileges until your license revocation period ends, you don’t need to worry about buying this coverage since you won’t have any need for SR-22 insurance. But you can’t drive during this time, and you may pay higher rates when you get your license back because companies will be able to see a clear insurance policy lapse.
How to get SR-22 insurance in Hawaii
Many insurance companies offer car insurance coverage for drivers needing to file an SR-22. Here’s how to find an SR-22 policy:
How long Hawaii requires SR-22 insurance
Hawaii will generally require you to carry SR-22 insurance for at least three years until you’re able to apply for a brand-new driver’s license. This can sometimes be different, depending on your exact violation type. When you’re arrested, the police officer confiscating your license will give you a notification detailing when you can get a new license.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Hawaii
The violations that led to you needing SR-22 coverage stay on your driving record for life, although the state of Hawaii will add a note that you’re eligible for a license again once you’ve passed your license revocation period. Your auto insurance rates should decrease once this revocation period is over, but this isn’t a guarantee.
Fortunately, you can still use many of these tried-and-true techniques to save money:
Ask about discounts. Most companies offer several car insurance discounts that can lower your costs significantly. Check with your insurer to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Take defensive driver training. Insurers frequently offer a discount if you take a defensive driver training course. It’ll also help reinforce skills you need to avoid future car accidents and motorist mishaps.
Reduce your coverage amounts. You’ll usually need to buy full-coverage insurance if you’re paying off or leasing your car. But if you’ve got a paid-off vehicle, you can save a lot of money by lowering coverage on your car to the minimum required if you’re OK accepting more financial responsibility in case you suffer damage in an accident and need to file a claim.
Hawaii SR-22 insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about SR-22s in Hawaii, check out the additional information below.
How do you know if you need an SR-22?
The State of Hawaii or court order should notify you if it revokes your license. You’ll also be notified of the process for getting a temporary permit until you’re eligible for a new license again. Getting a temporary permit usually comes with an SR-22 requirement, along with getting an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
Yes. Most car insurance companies charge a small filing fee, generally around $25, to file an SR-22 certificate on your behalf to the state authorities.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
The average cost of SR-22 insurance is $256 per month — 7% higher than a standard auto insurance policy, according to Insurify data. This can vary with different violations; for example, a DUI conviction might increase your rates more than other types of driving offenses.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Hawaii?
You’ll generally need to keep your SR-22 auto insurance policy active for at least three years, although it depends on the exact reason why you need SR-22 coverage in the first place.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Hawaii?
Once your license revocation period is over, you can request a relicensing form from the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office. If you’ve met all other legal requirements, including taking a driver’s education course, driving test, and substance abuse evaluation, you can apply for a brand-new driver’s license at a DMV.
What happens to your SR-22 in Hawaii if you move?
Your insurer will still need to file an SR-22 form in Hawaii for the required period, typically three years. That’s because your driving record follows you from state to state, so you won’t be able to get a license in your new state without meeting Hawaii’s requirements first. Keep in mind that insurers don’t always offer policies in all states, so you may need to switch companies.
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