Like any other state, Kansas has been stringent in implementing rules on the roadways. One of the non-negotiable qualifications a motorist in Kansas should adhere to is the need to obtain auto insurance. When a driver is insured, they experience a different level of peace of mind.
The Kansas Insurance Department (KS ID) educates motorists on the benefits and privileges of acquiring insurance. This department seeks to create an atmosphere where all drivers along Kansas highways are legally protected by educating them on the right attitude of a consumer when shopping for insurance policies that suit their needs.
Under Kansas Statutes Chapter 40, all motorists in Kansas are required to obtain auto insurance. Operating on the state's roadways is strictly prohibited unless the vehicle falls into the exempted category stipulated in Kansas Statutes Annotated (KSA) 72-4005.
Driving on Kansas roadways uninsured could pose a legal threat to the driver, especially in unwanted incidents. Therefore, applying for an insurance policy is mandatory if the intention is to get a shield from financial and legal burdens in emergencies. After all, getting protected against emergencies is genuinely priceless.
What are the Auto Insurance Requirements in Kansas?
As implied earlier, driving without insurance in Kansas is illegal. Complying with the requirements is highly advisable for motorists to enjoy driving privileges.
The KS ID compiles a breakdown of insurance requirements written in the Auto Insurance Shopper's Guide. Motorists should be aware that the state imposes minimum mandatory coverages and limits for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury protection.
They should note that $25,000 is the minimum coverage per person for bodily injury liability, while a minimum coverage of $50,000 is incurred per accident. For property damage, the minimum coverage is $25,000 per accident.
Since Kansas is a "no-fault" car insurance state, as stipulated in the Kansas Automobile Injury Reparations Act, personal injury protection (PIP) is essential in the event of unwanted incidents. This coverage covers medical expenses for both the driver and the passenger.
Here is a breakdown of coverage under PIP:
- $14,500 per person medical expense
- $14,500 per person costs to home for employment
- $125 per day for up to one year in-home services benefits
- $1,000 a month for one year of disability/loss of income benefits
- $12,000-burial or cremation expenses
- $1,000 a month for one-year disability/loss of income benefits
In addition, a coverage limit is incurred for uninsured/ underinsured bodily injury. This accounts for $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
In extreme cases where coverage is insufficient to cover the expenses, the KS ID highly suggests motorists purchase insurance requirements beyond the basics. This is to guarantee that all assets will not be put at stake in instances of financial emergencies.
Auto Insurance Coverage Options in Kansas
As mentioned earlier, one way for Kansas motorists to cover financial losses is to obtain insurance coverage beyond the state's minimum requirement. For a comprehensive guide of these additional options, motorists may opt to add the following to upgrade protection:
Comprehensive Coverage
There are instances when accidents are not purely triggered by collision. For example, an icy tree branch smashes a car's windshield. This is where comprehensive coverage comes in.
This auto insurance coverage is beneficial when a vehicle needs repair due to damage caused by non-collision-related incidents such as fire, vandalism, theft, glass breakage, or animal contact.
Collision Coverage
In Kansas, drivers can add collision insurance to their auto insurance policy for additional protection. This optional coverage pays to fix or replace their car if it's damaged in a crash, regardless of who is at fault.
Similar to comprehensive coverage, drivers can choose a deductible amount they'll pay before the insurance kicks in. Collision coverage is precious for drivers with newer vehicles or those with car loans, as it helps them avoid significant financial burdens if their car needs repairs or replacement after a collision.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Adding rental reimbursement to a car insurance policy is optional but valuable. This coverage helps pay for a rental car if the vehicle needs repairs due to a covered insurance claim. It may even cover alternative transportation costs like taxis or public transit.
For a small additional monthly fee, rental reimbursement coverage can provide peace of mind by ensuring that motorists have transportation while their cars are being repaired after a covered accident.
Excess Medical Payments Coverage
Excess medical payments coverage is an optional auto insurance policy add-on. This provides additional financial protection for medical bills. It goes into effect after the policyholder's PIP benefits have been exhausted.
This coverage pays for necessary medical services for the policyholder and their passengers if injured in a covered accident, either while occupying the insured vehicle or while a pedestrian is struck by another vehicle.
Umbrella Liability Policy
An umbrella insurance policy is a safety net for the driver's existing auto insurance coverage. It provides an additional layer of liability protection, typically ranging from $1 million to $5 million, and it kicks in after the primary auto insurance policy's limits have been reached.
With an estimated 8% of Kansas drivers lacking auto insurance, this additional coverage becomes a crucial safety measure. It shields responsible drivers from the financial burden caused by accidents involving uninsured motorists.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Kansas
Driving without insurance in Kansas is a serious offense with significant consequences. Breaching this law can lead to jail time, fines, and license suspension (with additional fees).
Here's a breakdown of the specific penalties offenders might face:
Jail Time
Driving without insurance is a Class B misdemeanor in Kansas. Whether it's the driver's first offense or a subsequent violation, this classification carries a range of potential penalties. In addition to fines, the offender could face a sanction not exceeding six months in the county jail.
Fines
KSA Section 40-3104 outlines the requirements for financial responsibility (insurance) and non-compliance penalties. For the first offense, offenders may be fined between $300 and $1,000. For subsequent offenses, the fine increases significantly, which ranges from a minimum of $800 to a maximum of $2,500.
License and Registration Suspension
Under Kansas insurance law, a driver's license and vehicle registration can be suspended until the offender provides proof of obtaining the minimum required insurance coverage.
Offenders must also note that penalties get more severe once they engage in subsequent violations. A perfect example is being caught driving without insurance within three years of a prior conviction.
The fee for getting the license back after an insurance violation depends on the time since the last offense. If it's been within the past year, the reinstatement cost is steeper, at $300.
However, if it's been more than a year since the violation, the fee becomes more manageable and is reduced to just $100.
Following the reinstatement of the motorists' license, they will likely be required to file an SR-22 certificate with their insurance company. This certificate acts as proof of one year of insurance maintenance. There are associated fees for obtaining and maintaining an SR-22, such as $100 for a first offense.
Increased Premium Rates
Insurance companies in Kansas assess risk to determine the likelihood of a driver filing a claim. Uninsured drivers are considered high-risk for several reasons.
First, driving without insurance indicates a disregard for legal requirements and potentially responsible driving behavior. Second, the failure to maintain insurance may suggest financial instability, raising concerns about the driver's ability to cover future accident costs.
Because of these risk factors, uninsured drivers often face higher premiums. The exact increase varies depending on the insurance company, the individual's driving history, and the severity of the offense.
How To Choose the Right Auto Insurance in Kansas?
Kansas has a large number of insurance companies with different policies. Choosing the right coverage can feel overwhelming with so many companies and policy options.
To better navigate the insurance journey, here are steps in choosing the right insurance company for vehicle owners:
Get Quotes from Multiple Companies
In Kansas, having car insurance isn't just a good idea; it's the law. However, with numerous insurance companies vying for business, settling for the first quote the individual receives could mean missing out on significant savings and potentially inadequate coverage.
Not all auto insurance policies are created equal. Some might offer robust coverage at a premium price, while others prioritize affordability with limited protection. By getting quotes from several companies, applicants can identify a policy that aligns perfectly with their needs and budget.
How To Find a Kansas Licensed Insurance Company?
Kansas motorists seeking to verify the legitimacy of an insurance company can utilize the online service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) through its Consumer Insurance Search Results tool. The NAIC, a state-based system, protects consumers from insurance fraud and other illegal practices.
When in doubt, motorists can use the search function to find the insurance company using its NAIC code. Once they've located the company, they must click the "Report Options" option. From the report options, select "Go to Complaint Code Report." This report allows the motorist to filter complaints based on various criteria.
Individuals must remember to select "Kansas" under the "I want to see complaints for:" dropdown menu to view complaint data specific to that state.
Through these steps, motorists can utilize NAIC company codes to gain valuable insights into insurance company complaint histories within the Kansas market. Thus, it paves the way for more informed decision-making.
Review the Company's Reputation
Researching an insurer's financial stability and customer service ratings is crucial in choosing the right auto insurance provider. This process aids in identifying a reliable company that can fulfill its financial obligations and provides satisfactory service.
For a better view, individuals may refer to the complaint index report provided by the KS ID, which describes the features of a company with a stained reputation. Here, individuals acquire data-driven options to help them make informed decisions.
Understand the Policy Details
Understanding the intricacies of coverage is crucial to guaranteeing motorists adequate protection in case of an accident.
Note that the policy will explicitly outline the types of coverage individuals have purchased. This includes mandatory liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage) and optional coverages like collision, comprehensive, and medical payments/PIP.
No insurance policy covers everything. A section will outline exclusions, which are events or situations the insurance company won't cover. This could be damage caused by intentional actions or breakdowns due to normal wear and tear on the owner's vehicle.
What Factors Affect Auto Insurance Rates in Kansas?
Auto insurance rates in Kansas are influenced by various factors, including personal characteristics, driving habits, and vehicle specifics. Understanding these factors can help Kansas drivers make informed decisions about their insurance and potentially find ways to reduce their premiums.
Here are some of the factors that may affect auto insurance rates:
Driving Record
Driving history is one of the most significant factors affecting insurance rates. Kansas insurance companies consider traffic violations such as speeding tickets, running red lights, and other moving violations.
At-fault accidents are also among the factors affecting premium rates. This means that accidents in which the motorists are deemed responsible will likely raise their premiums. Severe offenses like DUI/DWI (driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated) convictions can also dramatically increase rates or even lead to policy cancellation.
Additionally, a frequent history of claims, regardless of fault, is viewed unfavorably by insurance companies and may result in higher premiums.
Age and Gender
While insurers can't discriminate based on protected characteristics, statistical risk factors play a role. Younger drivers, especially teens and those under 25, often face higher rates due to their limited driving experience.
In addition, older drivers may see rate increases after a certain age, typically around 70, due to increased accident risk.
In some cases, gender may influence rates, with young male drivers often paying more than their female counterparts.
Location Within Kansas
Urban areas like Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka may have higher rates due to increased traffic and crime. In contrast, rural areas often enjoy lower rates but may face challenges related to distance from emergency services. Also, zip codes with higher auto theft rates or vandalism typically see elevated premiums.
Vehicle Make and Model
Motorists should note that expensive vehicles cost more to repair or replace, which leads to higher premiums, while cars with high safety ratings may qualify for discounts.
In Kansas, vehicles that are commonly stolen can also result in higher insurance costs. Additionally, sports cars and high-performance vehicles typically have higher premiums due to the increased risk of accidents associated with them.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
The chosen amount and type of coverage directly affect the premium. Opting for higher liability limits will increase premiums but provide more protection.
On another note, choosing a higher deductible can lower monthly payments but increase out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim.
Additional coverages like comprehensive, collision, or roadside assistance will increase overall costs.
How To Save Money on Auto Insurance in Kansas?
Saving money on auto insurance in Kansas requires a strategic approach that considers the state's unique insurance landscape.
For a comprehensive guide, motorists should consider the following steps:
Shop Around and Compare Quotes
The Kansas insurance market is competitive, with rates varying significantly between providers. It is a good move to obtain quotes from multiple insurers, both national companies and local Kansas-based insurers.
Having multiple options can help identify the right company that is a good fit for the motorists' needs and budget.
It is also crucial for motorists to reassess their options annually, as rates can change.
Bundle the Policies
Many Kansas insurers offer multi-policy discounts. For potential savings, consider bundling auto insurance with homeowners, renters, or life insurance. This strategy can be particularly effective in Kansas, where severe weather events make property insurance necessary for many residents.
Increase the Deductibles
Opting for a higher deductible can substantially reduce premiums. However, individuals must check if they can afford the out-of-pocket expense to file a claim.
Before increasing the deductible, assess the financial situation and consider setting aside an emergency fund specifically for the deductible amount. This approach allows motorists to benefit from lower premiums while maintaining financial stability if they need to file a claim.
Take Advantage of Kansas-Specific Discounts
Kansas also has tailored discounts for specific individuals. Below are some of the categories applied:
- Farm vehicle discounts for rural residents
- Defensive driving course discounts (approved by the Kansas Department of Revenue)
- Good student discounts for young drivers
- Military discounts for service members stationed at Fort Riley or McConnell Air Force Base
What To Do After an Auto Accident in Kansas?
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing the proper steps immediately after the accident can help protect motorists' rights and facilitate a smoother claims process.
Ensure one's safety and others involved in the accident. If necessary, move vehicles to a safe location to prevent further accidents. Call for help by dialing 911 immediately if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
Take photos of the accident, including the vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Then, gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
Kansas Police may use the information collected for a thorough investigation. Importantly, seek medical attention even if there is no trace of injury. Some injuries may not manifest immediately.
How To File an Insurance Claim in Kansas?
The first thing a motorist should do to file an insurance claim in Kansas is to notify the insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary details and follow their claims process.
Request a copy of the police report from the investigating officer. This document will be essential for the insurance claim and potential legal proceedings. Then, collect any additional evidence related to the accident, such as witness statements, repair estimates, and medical bills.
Motorists should consult an attorney before discussing the accident with the other party or their insurance company. They are also advised to be wary of their social media post, which could harm their case.
Motorists may file disputes if suspicious activity occurs while processing the claim. They can use the file a complaint tab found in the online services provided by the KS ID. Those with outstanding complaints may contact the Consumer Division at 800-432-2484 or 785-296-3071.