How to Find Temporary Car Insurance in Hawaii

Temporary car insurance in Hawaii doesn’t really exist, but you can purchase a six-month policy and cancel early.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
If you’re on the hunt for reliable temporary car insurance in Hawaii, you’ll want to purchase a six-month policy and take advantage of their option to cancel early. Watch out for any companies advertising temporary car insurance for shorter terms than six months—those are usually scams!  
So you’ve landed in the Aloha State (lucky you!), and you’re looking for temporary car insurance. While it’s wise to insure your car even if you’ll only need coverage for a short time, keep in mind that the shortest policies offered by most reputable insurance companies last at least six months. 
You’re better off purchasing a six-month policy from one of these companies and canceling early, rather than wasting time and money on scams from other unreliable companies promising coverage they can’t deliver on. 
If you’re wondering how to get legitimate short-term coverage in Hawaii, the
car insurance
comparison shopping app
Jerry
has put together this handy guide to answer your questions and get you on the road responsibly.  
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
icon4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars
icon4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

What is temporary car insurance?

Temporary car insurance
in Hawaii—and all other states—doesn’t exist. Some companies may lure you in with promises of coverage for a couple of months, weeks, or even days, but those are almost always scams. Once they have your information, they will often redirect you to a broker who will point you to a traditional policy. 
Regardless, to drive legally in Hawaii, you will need insurance according to
Hawaii's car insurance laws
. So even if you only need insurance for a short period, it’s recommended that you purchase a traditional six-month policy from a company you trust—then, you can just cancel it early. 
Keep in mind that if you are going to keep your car, whether in Hawaii or any other state, you’ll also want to be sure that you have another policy lined up before canceling your existing insurance. Don't allow for any gaps in your coverage, as driving without insurance is illegal in most states. 
MORE: Cost of living in Hawaii

Best companies for temporary car insurance in Hawaii

Though temporary car insurance in Hawaii doesn’t really exist, many reliable companies offer six-month policies with no early cancellation fees. Many will even reimburse you for the cost of the coverage you don’t use. 
Here are a few companies to consider when looking for coverage: 
  • Progressive
    : Progressive typically won’t charge you for canceling before your policy is up, and you may qualify for a refund if you paid your premium in advance.
  • GEICO
    : You can cancel your GEICO policy at any point in the six months. Usually, you can get a refund for any unused amount. 
  • USAA
    : USAA usually offers low-cost coverage, doesn’t charge any cancellation fees, and often offers refunds of unused amounts. While it is only available to military members, veterans, and families, it’s a good option for those who qualify. 
  • Allstate
    : There is no fee to cancel an Allstate policy in most cases, and you may be eligible for a refund of your unused premiums. 
  • State Farm
    : State Farm makes it easy to cancel your policy with no fee. They also offer options for refunds on unused amounts if you qualify.
Before you cancel your insurance, make sure you have another policy in place for your car if you plan on keeping it. Driving without insurance is against the law in Hawaii and can lead to a fine of $500 and license suspension of up to three months. 
Repeat offenses can lead to fines of up to $5,000, and you may be required to file an
SR-22 certificate
.
Key Takeaway Several reputable car insurance companies in Hawaii will allow you to cancel your six-month policy early with no fee, and some will reimburse you for unused premiums.

Alternatives to temporary car insurance

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to utilize short-term insurance options like
rental car insurance
or
non-owner car insurance
. These options might be right for you if you are looking for an alternative to temporary car insurance in Hawaii. 

Rental car insurance

Many people decide that renting a car is their best bet for getting around Hawaii during their stay. And while Hawaii is home to some of the most scenic routes in the world that make long drives more than worth it, the state is also known for its particularly dangerous roads. So you’ll want to make sure to have some form of insurance.  
If you’ve decided to rent a car for your stay, it may be simpler and more affordable to take advantage of the insurance options provided by the rental company. Those include:
  • Collision damage waiver
  • Rental car liability coverage
  • Personal accident insurance
  • Personal effects coverage
The collision damage waiver (CDW) will offer you the most protection, but it can be a bit pricier than the other options. You may only need to purchase one of the less expensive options. These provide less comprehensive coverage, though, so you’ll want to consider which insurance fits your needs best. 
Some credit card companies even offer free rental collision coverage, so be sure to check with yours to see if you might be eligible. 

Non-owner car insurance

Non-owner car insurance
offers a short-term solution for Hawaii drivers who don’t own a car but do frequently borrow or rent one. 
These policies can ensure that you meet your state’s mandated liability coverage levels, and they are usually 10% cheaper than traditional insurance. Comprehensive and collision coverage are not included, however. So keep that in mind when selecting your policy.  
Key Takeaway Rental car insurance and non-owner insurance offer temporary coverage if you are driving a car you do not own in the state of Hawaii. 

How to find affordable car insurance in Hawaii

Whether you’re looking for traditional coverage for any period of time, rental car insurance, or non-owner insurance, the
Jerry
app can help you find the perfect policy at the most affordable rates. 
As a
licensed broker
, Jerry scans quotes from over 50 name-brand insurers and delivers the best deals straight to you. And if you ever have any questions, friendly agents can be reached by text straight through the app!
“This was so easy! Signing up with
Jerry
saved me $499 on my semi-annual insurance. As if it was nothing!” —Kache P.
RECOMMENDED
Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry
This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍
avatar
Gabriella R.
Find insurance savings
rating primary
4.7/5 Rating on App Store

FAQs

It’s unlikely. Most reputable insurance companies won’t offer policies for periods of less than six months. Your best bet is to purchase a six-month policy with a company you trust. Check their cancellation and refund policy beforehand, though.
Driving without insurance is against the law in Hawaii. First-time offenders can be subject to a $500 fine and license suspension. For those who are convicted multipletimes, the fines can be as much as $5,000. Other penalties can include community service of up to 275 hours, license suspension for up to two years, and even up to 30 days in jail.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings