Hawaii Senate Bill SB2965

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 1/30/26

Caption

Relating To Property Insurance.

Impact

This bill would amend existing Hawaii Revised Statutes to ensure that homeowners are made aware of potential non-renewals in a timely manner. By doing so, it seeks to provide homeowners with the chance to make necessary corrections, such as completing repairs, submitting required documentation, or resolving underwriting issues. This proactive approach is expected to contribute to the stability of the insurance market and provide better security for families, mitigating the situation where homeowners might otherwise find themselves uninsured amidst impending policy expirations.

Summary

SB2965, introduced in the Hawaii legislature, aims to enhance the protections available to homeowners regarding property insurance, particularly focusing on the non-renewal of policies. The legislation sets forth requirements for insurers who intend to non-renew a property insurance policy to notify the insured with a minimum of sixty days' notice. This notification must include specific factual reasons for the non-renewal and provide instructions on how policyholders can rectify any issues that may have led to the non-renewal. The intent of this bill is to prevent homeowners from being caught unawares of their insurance policies being terminated without an opportunity to address concerns.

Contention

There may be mixed opinions surrounding SB2965. Supporters could argue that the bill improves transparency and fairness in the insurance market, allowing consumers to maintain continuous coverage and avoid insurance gaps. Conversely, insurers might express concerns about the administrative burden and potential costs associated with implementing these requirements. Furthermore, stakeholders may debate whether this additional regulatory layer effectively serves its intended purpose or complicates the existing insurance framework in Hawaii.