NEW YORK » Allstate will start insuring drivers who pick up passengers through ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.

The insurer said Wednesday that the Ride for Hire policy will cost $15 to $20 a year on average and will provide coverage for drivers who get into accidents while they are on the way to pick up new fares. It said it can also help them deal with gaps in coverage between their own auto insurance and policies offered by the ride-hailing companies.

Allstate Corp. will offer Ride for Hire coverage in Colorado, Illinois, Texas and Virginia in 2015 and said it plans to start offering the coverage in other major markets in 2016. Companies including Farmers, Geico, and USAA also started offering ride-hailing insurance in a few states earlier this year.

Waipahu dealer files for bankruptcy

Used-car dealership Paradise Autos in Waipahu has closed, and its owner, Wayne Meadows, has filed for personal bankruptcy citing debts of $875,986 that were primarily associated with the business.

Meadows’ attorney declined comment, and Meadows could not be reached.

His Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy filing listed assets of $20,850.

It is not uncommon for small-business owners to be required by lenders to offer personal guarantees for loans and credit lines, and most of Meadows’ creditors are credit card issuers and financial institutions. They include Capital One, First Hawaiian Bank, the Hickam and Pentagon federal credit unions and Wells Fargo.

Meadows also cited in his filing some $173,764 in sale and use taxes owed to the state of California in connection with a business called Variety Motors.

Pending against Paradise Autos is a claim filed by NextGear Capital in Indiana. NextGear is listed as a creditor owed $251,000 for a business loan in Meadows’ filing.

HCC course covers hybrid vehicle care

Instruction in automotive maintenance for hybrid and electric vehicles is being offered this month by Honolulu Community College.

The noncredit course is designed for professional technicians, sales representatives, car enthusiasts or owners of the alternative powertrain vehicles.

The curriculum will include technical service information and vehicle maintenance instruction, as well as proper handling of tools, high-voltage equipment and safety equipment.

The course is being offered at a discounted rate of $395, compared to its estimated value of $739. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

The nine sessions will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 16 through July 2. Get registration details by calling 845-9296.

Car buffs to view Kia electric models

New electric Kia models including the Soul, Sorento SUV and Sedona minivan will highlight the Kars at the Kurb display at the monthly Auto Lunch Bunch gathering Wednesday at the Hawaii Yacht Club.

A rare 1933 MG J2 belonging to Willy Williams will represent vintage vehicles for the display.

Attendees will hear about the Hawaii automotive market from luncheon speaker Bill van den Hurk, president of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and owner of Hawaii’s Kia dealerships, as well as four motorcycle dealerships. He also was a racer with the Sports Car Club of America.

The noon lunch at 1739 Ala Moana Blvd. costs $15 and includes a meal, iced tea, tax and tip. Required reservations can be made via Ed Kemper at 225-2965 or edracers@aol.com.

On the Move

» The Queen’s Medical Center honors the student and adult volunteers of the year at an appreciation luncheon recently:

— Chester Hui is this year’s recipient of the student Kokua Po‘okela Award. He served at Queen’s Heart and in the ICU and is now assigned to Fleetwing.

— Francis Bueno received the adult Kokua Po‘okela Award. He supported the team at the Queen’s Medical Center – West Oahu.

— Faye Uno received the Ho‘omau Award, which recognizes longevity of service. She has been a volunteer for the medical center for 26 years and helps visitors and callers at Information Desk and also serves in Fleetwing.

Ship Ahoy!

Today’s ship arrivals and departures: