Tour companies, shuttle services, and many businesses that move people or goods around Kauai for pay fall under Hawaii’s motor carrier law. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission regulates these motor carriers, including tour operators, though taxis are handled separately. For operators, insurance is part of keeping the authority to operate.

What the PUC Generally Requires

Under Hawaii’s motor carrier law, operators carrying passengers or property for hire on public highways generally must:

• Hold an active PUC certificate or permit
• Display their company name or logo and PUC number on both sides of each vehicle
• Carry the commercial insurance required by law, with proof filed with the PUC

Passenger carriers are classified by vehicle seating capacity, and required coverage can vary by classification.

How Insurance Filings Work

Liability Filings

Proof of liability coverage is typically filed with the PUC on uniform motor carrier certificate and endorsement forms. Those forms generally require the insurer to give the PUC written notice before the coverage can be canceled.

Cargo Filings for Property Carriers

Carriers of property may also need cargo insurance filings, which have their own certificate and endorsement forms and notice requirements.

New and Reactivated Authority

New applicants and carriers reactivating an inactive certificate generally must provide proof of insurance along with other documents, such as a vehicle inventory and registrations.

Why Lapses Matter

If required coverage lapses or a filing isn’t kept current, a carrier’s authority can be affected, and operating without it can lead to enforcement action.

Questions for Tour and Shuttle Operators

• Does my policy match my PUC classification and seating capacity?
• Are all vehicles on my PUC inventory listed on my commercial auto policy?
• Who updates my PUC filings when coverage renews or changes?

For current requirements, check with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission’s motor carrier resources.

Mokihana Insurance Agency in Lihue, HI has served Kauai businesses since 1976 and can review your commercial auto coverage and filings. Policy terms vary. Operators across Lihue, HI and Kauai can reach out to Mokihana Insurance Agency, learn about our agency, or browse our insurance blog.