STATE LAW – HAWAII LIBRARY – GUIDE 04
Who Is an Insured Under Hawaii Auto Insurance?
Insured status can differ among liability, PIP, UM/UIM and other coverages. Hawaii’s no-fault structure makes it especially important to identify the person, vehicle and policy relationship for each claimed benefit.
Hawaii defines “insured” for the motor-vehicle insurance article
HRS § 431:10C-103 includes the named insured and specified household residents, including a spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, relatives, and certain minors in custody. Temporary absence does not necessarily end household residency.
Liability coverage also protects qualifying operators
HRS § 431:10C-301 requires liability protection for the owner and an operator using the insured motor vehicle with a reasonable belief that the person is entitled to operate it, subject to statutory and policy limitations.
PIP insured status is different
HRS § 431:10C-304 identifies persons eligible for PIP benefits, including specified owners, operators, occupants, users, pedestrians and bicyclists, subject to statutory exclusions. Do not assume liability insured status answers the PIP question.
UM/UIM requires a separate coverage analysis
Named-insured, household, occupancy and policy-specific provisions can produce different UM/UIM results. Read the statutory definitions, policy wording, and selection/rejection record together.
PUBLIC-INTEREST LEGAL EDUCATION
VictimsGuide does not provide legal services or create an attorney-client relationship. Insurance requirements, deadlines, remedies and controlling authority can change. Verify current primary authority, policy language and the law applicable to the particular event before legal reliance.
Official Sources
Verify current Hawaii law at the source
The reviewed Hawaii guide content above is preserved. Use current statutes, insurance regulations, controlling cases and the operative policy before legal reliance.
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