Hawaii is unique because it is the only American state that is completely surrounded by water. Naturally, it's a mecca of boats and ships of all sizes, as well as Jet Skis, paddleboards, and seaplanes. Nevertheless, the islands are still large enough where a passenger vehicle is usually required to travel outside of the cities and away from the beaches. So that means that the people who live and drive in Hawaii are required by law to buy auto insurance and remain in good standing with their insurers -- just like all of the states with land borders.

How Hawaii Ranks
The typical Hawaii driver pays an auto insurance premium that is in the middle third when ranked against all of the other U.S. states. More specifically, the average auto insurance premium for a Hawaiian driver is $1,594, which is the 17th most expensive rate in the nation and about 10.8% higher than the national average. As in other states, premiums vary by city in Hawaii. For instance, Honolulu residents (on the island off Oahu) tend to pay more for car insurance than those who live in Kahului (on Maui).

State rankings of auto premiums, 2012

Rank	State	Avg. annual premium
1	Louisiana	$2,536
2	Oklahoma	$2,047
3	Michigan	$2,013
4	West Virginia	$2,002
5	Washington, D.C.	$1,866
6	Montana	$1,856
7	Rhode Island	$1,830
8	Wyoming	$1,732
9	California	$1,709
10	Georgia	$1,694
11	Connecticut	$1,665
12	Texas	$1,661
13	Florida	$1,654
14	Delaware	$1,652
15	New Jersey	$1,608
16	Pennsylvania	$1,598
17	Hawaii	$1,594
18	Kentucky	$1,572
19	Mississippi	$1,502
20	Missouri	$1,455
	National average	$1,438
21	Alaska	$1,431
22	North Dakota	$1,426
23	New York	$1,413
24	Kansas	$1,410
25	Massachusetts	$1,378
26	Maryland	$1,372
27	Alabama	$1,345
28	Arkansas	$1,334
29	Colorado	$1,322
30	Utah	$1,315
31	Washington	$1,305
32	South Dakota	$1,303
33	Indiana	$1,301
34	Virginia	$1,297
35	New Mexico	$1,274
36	Minnesota	$1,264
37	Nebraska	$1,244
38	Oregon	$1,241
39	Tennessee	$1,228
40	Nevada	$1,223
41	Illinois	$1,192
42	Arizona	$1,176
43	New Hampshire	$1,133
44	South Carolina	$1,108
45	Ohio	$1,099
46	Vermont	$1,063
47	North Carolina	$1,022
48	Idaho	$1,011
49	Wisconsin	$987
50	Iowa	$985
51	Maine	$889

Hawaii Auto Insurance Laws

Hawaii law calls for every driver to purchase a minimum amount of coverage; fairly typical of those levels set in most American states. Hawaiian drivers must purchase at least $20,000 in bodily injury coverage (per person), $40,000 in bodily injury coverage (per accident), and $10,000 in property damage coverage (per accident). The state does not mandate drivers to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage.

However, Hawaii is one of only 13 U.S. states that do require drivers to buy what is called personal injury protection coverage (or PIP), which is normally optional in the continental U.S. This insurance is designed to pay the policyholder if he or she is injured in an auto accident, regardless of whose fault it was. A minimum coverage level of $10,000 in PIP is mandated by Hawaii law.

Though Hawaii is referred to as a "no-fault" state, there are certain caveats. The no-fault concept generally only applies to bodily injury, which is covered under every driver's PIP coverage up to the policy limits. However, if victims' incur medical bills which exceed their policy limits, they may be able to file suit against another driver who was at fault in the accident. Plus, drivers who are found to be at fault can also be sued by victims for property damage.

Almost all states have laws which are designed to crack down on impaired driving, and Hawaii is no different. If a Hawaiian driver is convicted of driving under the influence, he or she may have to forfeit all auto insurance coverage for one year, making the person ineligible to drive on the state's roads. However, this provision can often be waived if the offender agrees to install an ignition interlock system in his or her vehicle. This device makes drivers blow into a tube to determine whether or not they have been drinking or consuming drugs; if alcohol or drugs are detected, the vehicle will not start.

Hawaii has a well-earned reputation for its laid-back, carefree lifestyle. However, the state is strict when it comes to drivers buying auto insurance. So if you plan to vacation or live in Hawaii, be sure that you policy is up to date and your coverage meets the state-mandated requirements.

Sources:

Insure.com

AutoInsuranceTips.com

All-About-Car-Accidents.com

esortment.com

CarInsurers.com

Yielding on this road is probably a good idea.

Driving is a dangerous activity, and that’s specifically why you always need to have car insurance. But most roads are fairly safe and flat. Imagine if you had to drive every day on a road that is perched on a cliff or some other dangerous condition; you might think about drinking an extra cup of coffee before beginning your commute. So feel lucky. Because even though driving as a whole is a risky activity, some of these routes are utterly dangerous every single time they are driven, and not just because of traffic.

10. Pakistan By Truck

How would you enjoy driving through snowy mountain landscapes? OK, maybe that sounds fun, but what if you’re driving a LARGE TRUCK?

9. Himalayan Craziness

When you think Himalayas, you think icy conditions. Well, not always as seen here. The driver in this video is apparently used to moving really fast.

8. Would You Cross This Bridge?

Seriously, this is a floating bridge. Literally. We’ve heard of suspension cables, but this is ridiculous! And check out the other bridges in this video for more hair-raising excitement.

7. Directly Down

Another shot directly from Pakistan. In this one, you can see what’s at stake: if you slip up, you’re essentially diving off a cliff.

6. Mountainous Yemen

The peaks in Yemen are truly beautiful. But don’t let that distract you, because the tiny brick wall at the edge of the road is not going to stop your vehicle from going over.

 

5. Why So Narrow?

Not only is this Bolivian road on a mountain, but there are wet conditions as well. And the road is so narrow that it would only take one slick spot to finish you off.

4. China-Pakistan Border

They say that Osama Bin Laden is hidden in hills like these. It’s no wonder that we haven’t been able to find him – he’s not driving anywhere!

 

3. Rocky Road

This stretch of road seems so bumpy, you’d wonder if the shocks went out on this vehicle. Although it doesn’t really look like any type of suspension would help smooth out this ride.

2. Hawaiian One Lane Bridges

In Hawaii, they don’t make two lane bridges for two lane roads. At least not on this road to a place called Hana. You just have to deal with it.

1. Indian Traffic, Taxicab Style

When you’re an Indian cab driver, you are paid by the fare. So the best way to make money is to drive as fast as possible, and ignore right-of-way rules. Welcome to dangerous flat-lands.

Pictures (Chronological)

http://thecontaminated.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/dangerous-roads-1.jpg