Hawaii Insurance Law & Code
Beyond getting licensed, Hawaii producers must know the substantive rules that protect policyholders. This chapter covers the state insurance code and the department's rule-making authority, required policy protections such as the free-look right, replacement rules, and the Hawaii Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association. These are state-specific overlays on the national policy provisions.
The Hawaii Insurance Code and Department Rules
The Hawaii insurance code is the body of statutes governing insurers, producers, policies, and market conduct in the state, and the department adopts administrative rules to implement it. Different parts of the code address licensing, required policy provisions, unfair trade practices, and claims handling. Knowing that the code and the department's rules together control what a producer may and may not do is foundational.
Policyholder Protections and Required Provisions
Hawaii requires certain protections in individual policies. A key example is the free-look (right-to-examine) provision, which gives the policyowner a set period after delivery — commonly at least 10 days for individual life — to return the policy for a full premium refund; replacement and senior sales often carry longer periods. The state also regulates grace periods, required disclosures, and policy language so consumers understand what they buy. Replacement regulations require producers to give applicants replacement notices and to notify the insurers involved.
The Hawaii Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association
The Hawaii Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association pays certain covered claims of policyholders when a member insurer becomes insolvent, subject to statutory dollar limits that vary by benefit type (for example, death benefits, cash value, and annuity values). Importantly, Hawaii law prohibits producers and insurers from using the existence of the association as an inducement to buy insurance or in advertising; it is a backstop, not a selling point.
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State-specific details
State exam facts
- Exam vendor
- Pearson VUE
- Prelicensing education
- None
- Passing score
- 70%
Who regulates life & health insurance licensing in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Insurance Division, part of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), licenses producers. Hawaii uses Pearson VUE to administer the licensing examinations.
Does Hawaii require prelicensing education for the life & health exam?
No. Hawaii does not require prelicensing education, though exam preparation is strongly recommended.
How is the Hawaii life & health exam structured?
Hawaii uses separate Life and Accident & Health exams delivered by Pearson VUE, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass.
Sources: https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins, https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/hi/insurance.html
In the Hawaii Life & Health Insurance Producer Exam guide: A KEY CONCEPT box, a Common Traps list and a Check Yourself set closing each of the 9 national chapters. Practice here stays free.