With more than 150 million drivers and 160 million registered vehicles on the road today, it is no surprise that car collisions occur every second. Most of us simply leave it up to our insurance company to tell us how much auto insurance our state requires. We  grumble  about the insurance premiums, but continue to pay because, after all, it’s the law. And, many of us skimp on our liability coverage and hike up our deductible simply to lower the monthly premium amount. While this can make sense for your monthly budget, overall it is rarely worth the risk.

Just how much car insurance is enough in Hawaii? Well, first of all, you must have some idea of what you’re paying for:

• Bodily injury liability is a requirement in most states. This will compensate the driver and passengers in the other car as well as the passengers in your car and protect you from lawsuits which could arise from a collision. Depending on the level of assets you must protect, generally $100,000 – $300,000 is sufficient. Hawaii law request you having a minimum of $20,000 of liability coverage.
• Property damage liability pays for repair and replacement of the other driver’s car. In Hawaii, you are required to purchase $10,000 , but if you happen to hit a Corvette you could be liable for anything over $10,000. 
• You must purchase personal injury protection in minimum limits of $10,000.  This coverage will pay for your medical treatments in case you are injured while operating your own vehicle and is required by Hawaii law.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorists pays for medical costs for you and your family should you get hit by a driver who either has no  insurance or is extremely underinsured. You should opt for at least $100,000.
• Comprehensive and collision pays for repair or replacement of your car following an accident. Some people with an older car which is paid for forego this coverage altogether, but ask yourself whether you can afford to replace your car if it is involved in a collision.
• Full auto glass coverage is usually worth the additional premium, while rental-car reimbursement — which pays some $15 per day — is generally not worth  the premium .

If you have been injured in a car crash and need to know what insurance benefits you may be entitled to, the attorneys at Shim & Chang can help you.