Kansas home insurance
Compare, shop and customize quotes from top-rated insurance carriers.
Why do homeowners need Kansas home insurance?
Your home is probably your most significant investment, and you need to protect it and your assets against loss. People use burglar alarms to protect against theft and smoke detectors to protect against fire. Kansas home insurance is your protection from financial loss that comes from damage to your home. Just as you want the best-quality alarms, you need the right home insurance. VIU by HUB can help.
Are Kansas home insurance rates high?
Kansas ranks among the top five states with the highest insurance rates. According to Zillow, the average home in the Sunflower State is worth just over $200,000. Dwelling coverage for a $200,000 home averages $4,100 annually, while the nationwide average is only $2,200 per year.
Why are Kansas rates so high? Insurance companies use several factors when determining rates, and Kansas homes are at increased risk for damage and loss due to the state’s severe weather:
• Located in “tornado alley,” Kansas averages 91 tornadoes yearly.
• Kansas is also in “hail alley,” experiencing 289 major hail events in 2022.
• Kansas snowfall averages 19 inches annually.
• The state was the eighth highest in the nation for lightning strikes in 2021.
All these weather events can cause significant damage to or destroy property, homes and belongings, which means Kansas residents have to file many insurance claims. Because insurance companies are more likely to have to pay out in the state than in most of the country, Kansas home insurance rates are higher.
Although home insurance in Kansas can be expensive, you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacement for your losses out of pocket if you're not insured.
What other factors affect your rates?
Whether your residence is a traditional home, a condominium, a mobile home or another kind of dwelling, you’ll typically need home insurance if you have a mortgage. Even if you own your home outright, maintaining home insurance to protect your assets is still a good idea. Some factors that may affect your rates include:
• Available bundling discounts.
• The fire protection rating for your address.
• The home’s location.
• The home’s security systems.
• The home’s age.
• Construction materials.
• Your insurance claims history.
• Your coverage limits and deductibles.
Renters may also purchase insurance that covers the personal belongings within their residences through VIU by HUB.
With so many variables to consider, you should request rates from multiple insurance companies because you may find significant savings by comparing quotes. VIU by HUB is a free, easy-to-use tool that lets you obtain several quotes from top insurers.
What kinds of Kansas home insurance are available?
When you’re comparing Kansas home insurance quotes through VIU by HUB, be sure to look at each policy’s inclusions and exclusions. This helps you to compare apples to apples and ensure that you have enough of the right kinds of coverage for your property.
Exclusions are types of loss events that your policy won't cover. Even if your chosen policy doesn't cover a specific kind of loss, purchasing optional policy endorsements to include these losses may be possible.
Dwelling
Your residence can sustain damage from several sources, including:
• Weather.
• Fire.
• Vandalism.
• Leaking pipes.
Dwelling coverage protects your home, attached structures, built-in appliances and permanent HVAC systems if eligible damage occurs. Some insurance carriers require you to obtain a policy that covers 80% or more of the structure’s replacement cost.
Outbuildings
Many properties in Kansas contain structures separate from the home. These can include decks, fences, garages, in-ground swimming pools and storage buildings. Any of these detached structures can suffer damage, and you’ll need to pay for repairs or replacement if you don’t have adequate insurance coverage.
Contents
Your home probably holds the majority of your possessions. If a covered loss occurs, contents coverage can pay for almost everything in your house, including clothing, electronics, furniture and other unattached items.
Some personal items are quite valuable, and your standard content coverage may be insufficient. If you have high-value items like collectibles, art and jewelry, you may add a rider or special endorsement to reflect their worth.
Many people take detailed videos or complete a personal inventory list to itemize their belongings to ensure full reimbursement.
Liability
Kansas home insurance doesn’t only cover possessions; it can also protect your assets through personal liability coverage in certain situations:
• Visitors and invited guests may sustain injuries while on your property.
• You or household family members may damage other people’s property.
• Your dog could bite someone.
If your policy covers such liabilities, it may pay for medical bills, property damage, lawyer fees and settlements. You can typically choose the amount of liability coverage to purchase. Rather than using the value of your home, consider your net worth to ensure that your liability coverage is enough to protect your assets.
Living Expenses
You may need temporary housing if you cannot remain in your home after severe damage or a total loss. You can face significant expenses for hotels and meals. Some insurance policies provide living expenses in these situations.
Second home
If you own a second home, you have unique risks. You may rent this property or use it for vacations, leaving it vacant for extended periods. Insurers may consider a second home a higher risk, and you should insure it against loss. A specialized policy addresses this need.
Optional
Your property’s specifics may indicate that you need additional coverage beyond what standard policies offer. These specifics may relate to your ZIP code, your net worth, your type of home or other structures on your property. Optional coverages may include:
• Flood
• Earthquake
• Umbrella liability
If you’re unsure about all the specific coverages you need, speak to a VIU by HUB Advisor. We can help you choose the right policy limits and coverages that fit your needs.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Sources:
Insurance Information Institute