If your Hawaii family has kids approaching driving age, you might want to add them to your family’s car insurance policy
If you live in Hawaii and have teens approaching driving age, you should be aware of the unique licensing and insurance requirements this can entail. Before adding a teenage driver you to your Hawaii family car insurance coverage, there are few things you should know.
Since 2006, Hawaii has licensed teens through a Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDLP). This program 
allows teens to get a restricted instruction permit at the age of 15-1/2 and a provisional license when they turn 16. If they successfully progress as drivers, teens can attempt to get an unrestricted license wen they turn 17 (as long as they maintain a clean driving record).
(For details about Hawaii’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program, click here.)
As soon as your teen begins driving in any manner, s/he will have to have car insurance coverage and you should contact your insurance agent as that time approaches to either add your teen driver(s) to an existing policy or purchase a new policy specifically for your teen. Most insurers will not actually list the teen or change the policy during the learner's permit stage of the GDLP but if your agent is aware of your learning teen driver, steps can be taken to ensure that when the time come to add him/her, you can get the best possible rates.
Hawaii state law requires all licensed drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage:
- Bodily injury liability coverage at $20,000 per individual, with total injury coverage per accident of $40,000
- Property damage liability coverage at $10,000 in property damage
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000
Due to the higher risk associated with Hawaii teen drivers, many families opt for higher coverage than the minimum amount.
Adding a teen driver to your Hawaii family’s existing auto insurance coverage can carry with it a significant cost. The rates for your car insurance coverage can increases as much as $2,000 a year according to the National 
Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). But there are steps you can take to lower these costs:
- Good grades – if your teen maintains a B average or higher, there is a possibility of a discount on the rate, as academically successful teens tend to have a lower rate of accidents
- Safe driving - discounts on teen auto insurance may also be earned by having the teenager complete a safe driver course that has the state's approval
- Safe vehicles – purchasing or already having a family car that is considered a safe model for the teen to drive an lower your rates
- Higher deductibles/bundling coverage – you can lower your rates in general, by choosing a higher deductible or by bundling your auto insurance with a life or house insurance policy
Helping your teen get his/her driving privileges is a wonderful rite of passage for a family. Making sure you have the right car insurance coverage to meet Hawaii state laws and the rules specific for teen drivers is an important part of that. Reply! can help you in this endeavor by connecting you with Hawaii insurance professionals well-versed in helping your family welcome your teen driver with safe and open arms.