Resources

Guides for Hawaii business owners

Short, practical answers to the questions we hear most. If yours isn't here, just ask.

Hiring your first employee in Hawaii

The day you hire, Hawaii expects three types of coverage to be in place. Here's what to set up.

Workers' Compensation before the employee's first day.
Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) at the same time, often through the same carrier.
Medical insurance for employees who work 20 or more hours a week, under Hawaii's Prepaid Health Care Act. Not offered through CIP.

Rules and thresholds change. For the latest official requirements, check the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), or ask us.

What to send for a free policy review

The more we see, the more useful the review. Photos or PDFs are fine.

Declarations pages for every current business policy
Your most recent renewal notices
Any lease or client contract with insurance requirements
A rough count of employees and annual payroll
Claims from the last five years, if any

Hurricane season checklist

Hurricane season in the Central Pacific runs from June through November.

Know your hurricane deductible as a dollar amount, not just a percentage
Photograph your space, equipment and inventory, and save the photos off-site
Confirm whether you have flood coverage, and when it starts (flood policies often have a waiting period)
Check that business interruption coverage is on your policy
Save our number and your policy numbers in your phone

Common questions

What's the difference between an independent agent and a captive agent?

A captive agent represents one insurance company. An independent agent can quote with several carriers and compare them for you.

Does it cost more to use an agent?

No. Agents are paid by the carrier through commission built into the premium, so you pay the same price you'd pay buying direct, and often less after comparing.

How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?

Usually the same business day once your policy is active. Use the contact form and choose "Certificate of insurance."

I'm a sole owner with no employees. Do I need insurance?

The employer mandates don't apply until you hire, but most landlords and clients require general liability, and a single lawsuit can be costly without it.

Insurance terms, explained

Declarations page: The summary page of your policy: who's covered, limits, deductibles and premium.
Deductible: The amount you pay on a claim before the insurance pays.
Limit: The most the policy will pay, per claim or per year.
Exclusion: Something the policy specifically does not cover.
Certificate of insurance (COI): A one-page document proving you have coverage, often required by landlords and clients.
Additional insured: Another party, such as a landlord, added to your policy so they're protected too.
Premium audit: A year-end check of payroll or sales that can adjust what you paid for workers' comp or liability.

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