Commercial Auto Insurance in Hawaii
If your business relies on vehicles in Hawaii, having the right commercial auto insurance is essential. This can include running a food truck in Honolulu, hauling equipment across Maui, or providing delivery services. To stay protected, you need coverage that keeps things running smoothly.
GEICO offers flexible, affordable commercial auto insurance, designed to meet the specific needs of Hawaii’s business owners. With a range of coverage options and a straightforward claims process, GEICO ensures your business stays protected, no matter where the road takes you.
What is Commercial Auto Insurance in Hawaii?
Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes. It’s different from personal auto insurance because it’s tailored to address the risks associated with running a business. If your vehicle is used for deliveries, hauling materials, or providing services, commercial auto insurance helps protect your business from costly accidents, damages, and liability claims.
This type of insurance covers more than just the vehicle. It includes protection for the driver and any business-related injuries or property damage caused by the vehicle. If you use your vehicle for work, it’s important to have the right coverage to avoid any gaps in protection. FMCSA and USDOT compliance are also critical for businesses operating large trucks or in interstate commerce. If your business is subject to these regulations, make sure to inquire about appropriate coverage options that meet these compliance requirements.
GEICO’s Commercial Auto policy also allows for personal use of your business vehicle without needing a separate policy, which makes it convenient and cost-effective for businesses with occasional personal use of their vehicles.
Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in Hawaii?
If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you need commercial auto insurance. In Hawaii, many types of businesses rely on commercial vehicles, and they all require coverage tailored to their specific needs. Here are some common professions that typically need commercial auto insurance:
- Contractors and Tradespeople: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians often carry expensive tools, making them more vulnerable to accidents and theft.
- Landscapers: Vehicles used to carry heavy equipment need protection from damage or accidents.
- Food Trucks and Catering Services: Food trucks, catering vans, and other delivery vehicles need coverage for their operations. It’s important to note that food spoilage, food-borne illness, allergic reactions, product liability (hot beverages), and equipment breakdowns are not covered under commercial auto insurance, so businesses should consider additional coverage like General Liability (GL) instead of a Business Owners Policy (BOP) for these situations.
- Delivery Services: Businesses that deliver products, packages, or food need commercial insurance to cover damages that may occur while transporting goods.
- Long-Haul Trucking: Businesses that transport goods across Hawaii or beyond need strong coverage for their vehicles and cargo.
- Real Estate and Sales Professionals: If your vehicle is used for work-related errands, you need commercial auto insurance to stay protected.
Whether you have a small fleet or a single vehicle, GEICO provides coverage options that fit your business needs. Be sure to check with your insurer regarding what types of tasks may be allowable under personal auto policies since this varies by carrier.
Minimum Hawaii Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements
In Hawaii, businesses are required to carry certain types of commercial auto insurance to protect their operations. The minimum coverage you need includes:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement in Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 per accident |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | $10,000 per person, per vehicle |
PIP coverage is mandatory in Hawaii due to its status as a No-Fault state. The size of a settlement generally doesn’t impact insurance costs, but other factors, like at-fault vs. not-at-fault accidents, do. This means that no matter who is at fault in an accident, each driver's insurance will cover their own injuries, regardless of who caused the crash. This is important to note when evaluating your coverage needs. For businesses that travel between states, it’s crucial to consider both Hawaii’s requirements and the laws of other states your business operates in.
Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in Hawaii
While Hawaii’s minimum coverage provides basic protection, businesses may choose to enhance their policies with additional coverage to further safeguard their assets. GEICO offers several optional add-ons to provide extra peace of mind.
Standard Commercial Auto Insurance Coverages in Hawaii
- Liability Coverage: Covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Helps with medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with too little or no insurance.
Hawaii-Specific Commercial Auto Coverage Requirements
As a no-fault state, Hawaii requires PIP. This coverage is important because it covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in your vehicle, regardless of fault. Unlike Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, which only covers medical expenses after an accident, PIP provides broader benefits. It can also help cover lost wages, child care expenses, and other related costs in the event of an accident. If your business vehicle is involved in an accident, PIP ensures that medical and related expenses are covered, regardless of who caused the incident.
Types of Vehicles Covered in Hawaii
No matter what type of vehicle you use for business in Hawaii, GEICO offers commercial auto insurance to fit your needs. Here are some of the vehicles that can be covered:
- Business Vehicles: Cars, trucks, or SUVs used for errands, meetings, or other business purposes.
- Contractor Vehicles: Vans or trucks used to carry tools, equipment, and materials to job sites.
- Delivery Vehicles: Vans, trucks, or other vehicles used for delivering goods, food, or services to customers.
- Food Trucks & Catering Vehicles: Vehicles used for food preparation and delivery, protected from damage during transit. Remember that food spoilage and foodborne illnesses are not covered under your commercial auto policy
- Heavy Trucks: Includes tractor-trailers, Dump trucks, Box Trucks, flatbeds, and Cargo & Freight.
- Owner-Operator Trucks: Vehicles operated by independent drivers who own their trucks.
- Specialty Vehicles: Refrigerated trucks, buses, or other unique vehicles used for business purposes.
- Non-Trucking Liability: Coverage for trucks when not hauling cargo or under dispatch.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Hawaii Commercial Auto Insurance
In Hawaii, the cost of commercial auto insurance is generally in line with the national average, influenced by the state’s similar insurance requirements and claims history. However, your specific rate will be determined by several unique factors, and your premium may vary significantly based on your business's needs and risks.
Insurance providers typically take into account consider the following when calculating your rate:
- Your Job or Industry: Some jobs, like construction or delivery, typically experience higher rates.
- Type of Vehicle: Bigger vehicles or ones used to carry goods often cost more to insure.
- Driving History: Drivers with no accidents or tickets usually pay less.
- How Much Coverage You Want: Choosing higher coverage limits will cost more, but may give better protection.
These factors all contribute to determining how much you’ll pay for commercial auto insurance in Hawaii.
How to Save on Commercial Auto Insurance in Hawaii
One of the best ways to save on commercial auto insurance without compromising important coverage is by taking advantage of available discounts. GEICO offers numerous discounts, allowing you to save money.
Key discount opportunities include:
- Pay in Full: You can save money by paying your entire bill at once instead of monthly payments.
- DriveEasyPro Rewards and Savings: Our telematics program can reward you with lower rates for safe driving. DriveEasy Pro is designed to help you understand your driving habits and may help you unlock savings.
- Vehicle Equipment Features: Business vehicles with certain safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft devices, or auxiliary running lamps may qualify for lower rates.
- Good Driving Record: Drivers with clean driving records may qualify for lower rates because they’re less likely to be involved in accidents.
- Defensive Driving Discount: Eligibility varies by state, but completing a defensive driving course may help you save even more.
- CDL Experience Discount: Based on the number of drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), your business may be eligible for extra savings.
Why Choose GEICO for Hawaii Commercial Auto Insurance?
For businesses of all sizes, GEICO offers flexible payment options and a proven track record of helping customers recover quickly after a claim. GEICO’s efficient claims process ensures that you experience minimal downtime, helping your business get back on the road quickly after a claim. And with dedicated, knowledgeable representatives, you can always count on personalized service when you need it most.
Get your free, no-obligation commercial auto insurance quote today and see how GEICO can help your business thrive in Hawaii.
How to Get a Hawaii Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO
Getting a quote for commercial auto insurance with GEICO is fast and easy. You can get a quote online, or by speaking with a customer support representative. Be ready to provide:
- Your business details (industry, vehicle types, etc.)
- Driver information (age, experience, driving history)
- Coverage preferences and limits
Get a commercial auto insurance quote today or speak with a GEICO specialist by calling 866-509-9444.
Hawaii Commercial Auto Insurance FAQs
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What are the penalties for lack of coverage on commercial vehicles in Hawaii?
Operating a commercial vehicle in Hawaii without the required insurance can result in fines, penalties, and the suspension of your vehicle registration.
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Can I add employees as drivers on my commercial auto insurance policy?
Yes, you can add employees as authorized drivers on your commercial auto policy to ensure they are covered when driving company vehicles.
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Does commercial auto insurance cover vehicles outside of Hawaii if I travel for business?
Yes, commercial auto insurance typically covers business vehicles when traveling outside of Hawaii, but be sure to confirm with your insurer for specific coverage areas.
Please note
DriveEasy Pro is not available in all states and situations. Premium rates will generally vary based on the driving habits logged by the program. All active drivers on the policy must participate. All provided devices must be installed and activated as outlined in the DriveEasy Pro program requirements and instructions. For more information, see the DriveEasy Pro User Agreement, Privacy Notice, and FAQs.
*OBD plug-in devices and road-facing dashcams must be returned if a policy is cancelled or a participating vehicle is removed
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