Hawaii Insurance Council debates liability minimums amid support and opposition

Hawaii's insurance landscape may soon see significant changes as discussions surrounding the potential increase of minimum liability coverage limits gained momentum during a recent public hearing. Stakeholders from various sectors gathered to voice their opinions on the proposed legislation, which aims to raise the current minimums that have remained unchanged since 1998.

Mike Onofriere, representing the Hawaii Insurers Council, highlighted concerns about the unintended consequences of raising minimum limits, particularly for low-income residents who may struggle to afford higher premiums. He pointed out that Hawaii's current minimums are already higher than those in many states, with 43 states having lower bodily injury minimums. Onofriere emphasized that economic factors, rather than insurance limits, primarily drive the number of uninsured drivers.

Conversely, Evanoye from the Hawaii Association for Justice argued that the current minimums do not provide adequate protection for residents. He noted that adjusting the limits to account for inflation would require raising them to between $40,000 and $50,000. Evanoye suggested that the increase in premiums would be minimal, estimating an additional cost of only $3 to $7 per month for consumers seeking higher coverage.

Testimony from industry representatives revealed a split in opinions. While some, like Matt Tsujima from State Farm, expressed concerns that raising minimums could disproportionately affect those who can only afford the current rates, others, including Jay Angoff, pointed to data indicating that Hawaii's auto insurance market is among the most profitable in the nation. Angoff asserted that insurers could maintain profitability without raising rates, even with increased coverage limits.

As the committee deliberates on the proposed changes, the discussions underscore the delicate balance between ensuring adequate protection for drivers and maintaining affordability for consumers. The outcome of this legislation could reshape Hawaii's insurance landscape, impacting both policyholders and the broader community. Stakeholders await further developments as the committee continues to evaluate the implications of raising minimum liability coverage limits.