Hawaii P&C Insurance Law & Regulation
The Hawaii supplement covers the state regulator and the consumer-protection rules that overlay the national forms.
The Insurance Division of DCCA
Hawaii regulates insurance through the Insurance Division of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), headed by an Insurance Commissioner. The division oversees insurance companies, producers, self-insurers, and captives, licenses producers, reviews forms and rates, and enforces the Hawaii insurance code. Know that the DCCA Insurance Division — not the county or the motor-vehicle office — licenses P&C producers.
Unfair Trade Practices and Fiduciary Duty
Hawaii's unfair trade practices law prohibits misrepresentation, false advertising, unfair discrimination among like risks, coercion, defamation of insurers, and unfair claim practices. Rebating is prohibited. Premiums a producer collects are fiduciary funds and may not be commingled or converted. The Commissioner can fine, suspend, or revoke a license for violations.
Cancellation and Nonrenewal
Hawaii law regulates cancellation and nonrenewal of personal auto and property policies, limiting mid-term cancellation of seasoned policies to defined grounds and requiring advance written notice. Specific notice periods are set by statute and change over time; confirm current day counts with the DCCA Insurance Division.