First Insurance Company of Hawaii is a regional property and casualty insurer based in Honolulu

First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH) writes homeowners, auto, and commercial property insurance primarily for customers in Hawaii. The company has been operating since 1960 and is owned by First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Inc., a Hawaii corporation. Unlike national carriers that operate in all 50 states, FICOH focuses on the Hawaii market, which means their rates, coverage options, and claims handling are built around local conditions — hurricanes, volcanic activity, and the specific cost of living in the islands.

If you live in Hawaii and are shopping for homeowners or auto insurance, FICOH is one option among several regional and national carriers. Understanding how they operate, what they cover, and how they compare to other insurers will help you decide whether to get a quote from them.

Key Takeaways

  • First Insurance Company of Hawaii writes homeowners, auto, and commercial property insurance only in Hawaii, not on the mainland.
  • You can request a quote by contacting FICOH directly through their website or by phone, or by working with an independent agent who represents multiple insurers.
  • Homeowners policies from FICOH cover the structure of your home, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses if you cannot stay in your home.
  • Hawaii's hurricane season and volcanic risk mean that standard homeowners policies may exclude certain perils, so review what is and is not covered before you buy.
  • Claims are filed by phone or online, and FICOH assigns an adjuster who will inspect damage and work with you on the settlement.

What First Insurance Company of Hawaii covers

FICOH's homeowners insurance typically includes coverage for the structure of your home (the walls, roof, and built-in systems), your personal property inside the home, liability if someone is injured on your property, and additional living expenses if a covered loss makes your home unlivable. The exact coverage limits and deductibles depend on the policy you choose and the value of your home.

Auto insurance from FICOH includes liability coverage (which pays for damage or injury you cause to others), collision coverage (which pays for damage to your car from an accident), comprehensive coverage (which pays for theft, weather, or vandalism), and uninsured motorist coverage (which protects you if hit by a driver without insurance). Like homeowners policies, you select your deductible and coverage limits when you buy.

Commercial property insurance covers buildings, equipment, and inventory for small businesses and rental properties. The coverage is customized based on what you own and what risks matter most to your business.

How to get a quote from First Insurance Company of Hawaii

You can request a quote directly from FICOH by visiting their website or calling their main office in Honolulu. You will need basic information: your address, the year your home was built, the square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, your claims history, and details about any previous insurance. For auto insurance, have your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current or prior insurance information ready.

Alternatively, you can work with an independent insurance agent in Hawaii who represents FICOH and other carriers. An agent can compare quotes from multiple companies at once, which saves time if you want to see how FICOH's rates compare to competitors like State Farm, Allstate, or other regional insurers.

Quotes are usually free and do not require you to buy anything. FICOH will provide a written quote that shows the coverage, limits, deductible, and the annual or monthly premium. Review the quote carefully to make sure the coverage matches what you need.

Understanding deductibles and coverage limits

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file a claim. FICOH typically offers deductibles of $500, $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 for homeowners insurance. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly or annual premium, but it means you will pay more if you need to file a claim. Choose a deductible you can actually afford to pay if something happens.

A coverage limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a covered loss. For homeowners insurance, you need to choose a limit high enough to rebuild your home if it is destroyed. For auto insurance, Hawaii requires a minimum liability limit, but you can choose higher limits for better protection. FICOH will help you determine appropriate limits based on your home's value or your car's value.

Hawaii's cost of living and construction costs are higher than the mainland, so make sure your coverage limits reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild or replace. Underinsuring your home is a common mistake that leaves you paying out of pocket for losses above your limit.

What is typically excluded from Hawaii homeowners policies

Standard homeowners policies in Hawaii often exclude or limit coverage for certain perils because of the islands' unique risks. Flood damage is almost always excluded from standard homeowners insurance — you need a separate flood insurance policy, which you can purchase through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from private insurers. Earthquake and volcanic damage are also typically excluded or available only as an add-on endorsement.

Wind and hail damage may be covered under your standard policy, but some insurers limit coverage or require a separate wind deductible (which is higher than your regular deductible). Ask FICOH specifically what is covered and what is not before you buy, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or near volcanic zones.

Maintenance issues, wear and tear, and damage from poor upkeep are never covered by any homeowners policy. If your roof leaks because it is old and deteriorated, insurance will not pay to fix it. Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage — not gradual failure.

How to file a claim with First Insurance Company of Hawaii

If you experience a loss covered by your policy, contact FICOH as soon as possible. Most insurers ask you to report claims within a specific time frame (often 30 to 60 days). You can file a claim by phone, through their website, or by visiting a local office. Have your policy number, photos of the damage, and a description of what happened ready when you call.

After you file, FICOH will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster will contact you to schedule an inspection of the damage. Cooperate with the inspection process and provide any documentation the adjuster requests — receipts, repair estimates, photos, or proof of ownership. The adjuster will then estimate the cost of repairs or replacement and work with you on the settlement amount.

If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, you have the right to hire your own appraiser or public adjuster to review the damage. If the two estimates differ significantly, FICOH and your appraiser may agree to binding arbitration, where a neutral third party decides the settlement amount. This process protects you if you believe the initial offer is too low.

How First Insurance Company of Hawaii compares to other insurers

FICOH is a regional carrier, which means it specializes in Hawaii and understands local risks and costs. Regional insurers often have faster claims processing and local adjusters who know the area. However, national carriers like State Farm, Allstate, and Geico may offer lower rates in some cases, and they have more resources for customer service and online tools.

The best way to compare is to get quotes from FICOH and at least two other carriers for the same coverage and deductible. Rates vary based on your location, home value, claims history, and credit score, so what one person pays may be very different from what you pay. Do not choose based on price alone — also consider the insurer's reputation for claims handling, customer service ratings, and whether they offer the coverage options you need.

You can check customer complaints and ratings through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Division, or through independent rating sites like J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). These sources show how often customers file complaints and how quickly insurers resolve them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does First Insurance Company of Hawaii operate on the mainland?

No. FICOH only writes insurance for customers in Hawaii. If you move to the mainland or need coverage outside Hawaii, you will need to switch to a different insurer.

Can I bundle homeowners and auto insurance with FICOH?

Yes. FICOH offers both homeowners and auto insurance, and bundling both policies with the same insurer often qualifies you for a discount. Ask about multi-policy discounts when you get a quote.

What discounts does First Insurance Company of Hawaii offer?

Common discounts include bundling multiple policies, installing security systems or smoke detectors, paying your premium in full upfront, maintaining a clean claims history, and being a long-term customer. Ask FICOH what discounts you may be may have access to to based on your situation.

How long does it take to get paid after filing a claim?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the claim and how quickly you provide requested documentation. straightforward claims may be settled in a few weeks; complex claims involving structural damage or disputes over the estimate can take several months. FICOH should give you an estimate of the timeline when the adjuster is assigned.

Is flood insurance included in a homeowners policy from FICOH?

No. Flood insurance is never included in standard homeowners policies. You must purchase it separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. If you have a mortgage and live in a flood zone, your lender will require you to carry flood insurance.