Hilton Head Island, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island is witnessing competitive auto insurance rates, with American National offering the lowest liability coverage at just $23 per month. Full coverage rates also show affordability with options starting at $52 per month. Additionally, changes to flood insurance policies have allowed approximately 50% of households to drop their flood insurance due to new rate maps. As the island adapts to the evolving landscape of insurance, residents are reminded to assess their coverage needs amidst recent climate impacts.
Hilton Head Island is currently experiencing competitive auto insurance rates, with options that enhance affordability for both liability and full coverage. The lowest liability coverage offered in the area is from American National, priced at $23 per month, while the most economical full coverage insurance rate is also from American National, listed at $52 per month.
For drivers opting for liability-only insurance in Hilton Head Island, the five most cost-effective choices are:
- American National: $23
- American National P&C: $28
- USAA: $31
- Encompass: $34
- South Carolina Farm Bureau: $36
When it comes to full coverage insurance, the alternatives include:
- American National P&C: $52
- South Carolina Farm Bureau: $67
- American National: $76
- Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $77
- USAA: $112
It is important to note that premiums for auto insurance in Hilton Head Island can escalate significantly due to traffic violations. The average rates after common driving infractions are as follows:
- No violation: $184
- Not-at-fault accident: $194
- Failure to wear a seat belt: $210
- Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit: $230
- Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit: $234
- DUI: $290
- Reckless driving: $298
- Driving with a suspended license: $298
- Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run: $309
On the flood insurance front, Hilton Head Island has undergone significant changes due to the adoption of new Flood Insurance Rate Maps in 2021. Changes in these maps have resulted in a decreased number of households classified as high risk. Approximately 50% of households are now eligible to drop flood insurance, despite the presence of over 26,300 federal flood insurance policies in the town as of 2020, of which around 22,000 were in previously high-risk areas.
By 2024, the flood insurance policies are projected to decrease to around 23,700. The restructuring of mapping has shifted the classification of properties from 75% as high risk under old maps to 25% under the new maps. It is crucial for homeowners to remember that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding damages, requiring separate flood insurance instead. Federal flood insurance can cover damages up to $250,000.
The updated flood maps have adjusted the base flood elevation from 14 feet to approximately eight feet. However, experts warn that this data may not accurately reflect current flood risks due to collections conducted prior to major storm events. To address these concerns, Hilton Head Island has implemented additional building codes to uphold enhanced flood protection standards, especially in light of recent storm patterns, climate change issues, and prior flooding events that have heightened the awareness of flood risks on the island.
FAQ
What is the cheapest liability coverage in Hilton Head Island?
The cheapest liability coverage in Hilton Head Island is offered by American National at $23 per month.
What are the top five cheapest options for liability-only insurance?
The top five cheapest options for liability-only insurance in Hilton Head Island are:
- 1. American National: $23
- 2. American National P&C: $28
- 3. USAA: $31
- 4. Encompass: $34
- 5. South Carolina Farm Bureau: $36
What changes have been made to flood insurance in Hilton Head Island?
In 2021, Hilton Head Island adopted new Flood Insurance Rate Maps, reducing areas considered high-risk and allowing approximately 50% of households to drop flood insurance.
Key Features of Insurance in Hilton Head Island
| Insurance Type | Price | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | $23 | American National |
| Full Coverage Insurance | $52 | American National P&C |
| Flood Insurance Coverage Limit | $250,000 | Federal Flood Insurance |
| Average Insurance Rate (No Violation) | $184 | N/A |
| High-Risk Properties Under New Maps | 25% | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- Stacker: Car Insurance Rates in Hilton Head Island
- US News: Homeowners Insurance in South Carolina
- ValuePenguin: Best Cheap Renters Insurance in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Flood Insurance in the United States
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Insurance Rates

Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


