The Hawaii Insurance Division published a memorandum informing insurers that pet insurance is now classified as property insurance following the enactment of Act 79.
Act 79 defines pet insurance as "a property insurance policy that provides coverage for accidents and illnesses of pets." Prior to the Act, pet insurance was classified and regulated as marine and transportation insurance.
The Act was effective as of January 1, 2026. Insurers are expected to review their forms and other materials to be in compliance with the Act. However, insurers that filed pet insurance programs before January 1, 2026, are not required to refile just for reclassification purposes.
Any subsequent filings should be filed under the correct property type of insurance and pet insurance subtype in SERFF. Insurers who previously did not file their pet insurance products due to an inland marine exemption must do so by December 31, 2026.
The memorandum can be found here.
Ray Sugrim
Ray Sugrim is an Insurance Editor with FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, a division of National Underwriter Company and Arc Network. Ray is responsible for helping develop and edit content for subscribers. Ray is a St John’s University graduate with a degree in Risk Management & Insurance and is a CPCU candidate.