Is Kansas a no-fault car insurance state?

The average driver in Kansas doesn’t likely know all the differences between no-fault state insurance rules and tort state regulations. Drivers simply purchase “good” insurance to protect themselves from financial repercussions after an accident.

Understanding the difference between fault and no-fault auto insurance could prove helpful when filing a claim.

If you live in Kansas and want to be adequately covered, enter your ZIP code above and compare at least three to four auto insurance policies today!

What is no-fault car insurance?

No-fault car insurance doesn’t mean no one was negligent. The term refers to rules dictating the injured party files a claim with their own insurance company to recover specific damages.

In a fault/tort state, the driver instead files a claim against the negligent party’s insurance company or otherwise seek legal damages.

So, if a drunk driver strikes your vehicle and causes $3,000 in injuries and medical expenses, you would file a claim under personal injury protection/medical payments for the losses. In a tort state, filing a claim against the other driver’s liability coverage becomes necessary.

One significant benefit to the no-fault claim process is expediency. Since you would be dealing with your own insurance company, there’s no requirement to deal with an insurance adjuster representing the negligent driver.

Barring severe injuries, the injured party would be limited in their ability to take legal action.

Is Kansas a no-fault state?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzC_qs-jQWc

At present, Kansas is a no-fault state, and that delineation isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Residents in Kansas may find the no-fault status makes it easier for them to recover losses after an accident.

Yet, there may be some concern felt about being required to purchase additional types of coverage not necessary in other states. Three mandatory coverage categories are necessary for residents in the state of Kansas:

• Personal Injury Protection/Medical Payments
• Auto Liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Personal injury protection covers a wide range of different losses. The driver alone wouldn’t be the person covered for losses. Family members and passengers without coverage can be covered.

Passengers with their own policies, however, file with their own insurance company.

Not every driver may be thrilled with the requirement to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist. Buying more coverage usually means paying a higher premium.

This type of coverage is commonly optional in other states. Drivers often choose not to carry the coverage, which can be a mistake. Drivers hit by an uninsured motorist might find themselves with no recourse to collect any money when an indigent driver causes a major accident.

Auto Insurance in Kansas

One thing about auto insurance in Kansas, the required coverage does provide a baseline level of coverage capable of addressing minor auto accidents. In terms of auto liability coverage, the state requires the following minimum amounts:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
• $50,000 for multiple persons injured/killed in a single accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Auto liability protects other drivers. Uninsured/underinsured coverage protects you from injury when you are the one struck. Not everyone follows the law and buys mandatory insurance. The minimum coverage amounts in Kansas for this type of insurance are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury for multiple parties in a single accident

Personal injury protection coverage in Kansas is unique. There are several different settlements and claims that can be made under PIP. The mandatory minimums in the state cover the following areas:

• $4,500 in medical payments
• $900 per month for up to one year for loss of income/disability
• $25 per day for in-home services
• $4,500 for rehabilitation expenses
• $2,000 for funeral and burial costs

The minimum amounts are not that much. Purchasing more than the minimum gives far more beneficial amounts of coverage.

Buying the minimum amount of insurance may satisfy state law, but minimum coverage won’t necessarily do much in civil court.

– Additional Insurance Coverage Options in Kansas

Even though collision and comprehensive insurance are not mandatory, purchasing these optional types of coverage helps. Both cover damage to your car.

Collision comes into play when with an accident; comprehensive deals with non-collision incident lead to losses.

Looking over several different policies allows you to find excellent rates on policies with significant coverage. Remember, less coverage comes with the increased risk of covering your own losses.

– Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Kansas

A first offense for driving without insurance in Kansas is a Class B misdemeanor. A $300 to $1,000 fine and/or up to six months in jail reflects the seriousness of the charges. Drivers may also be charged with a misdemeanor for failure to show proof of insurance.

A second offense raises the misdemeanor to Class A, which means a minimum fine of $800 to $2,500. Jail time could be upwards of one year. A driver’s license might be suspended as well. Further violations of this statute could rise to the level of a felony.

Finding the Best Car Insurance Coverage in Kansas

The internet has made locating good coverage in Kansas a streamlined process. Ask for quotes online and request at least three or four of them.

The more quotes you review, the greater the chances you find the perfect policy.

Do not assume only drivers looking for a new insurance policy check out quotes. All drivers should examine available quotes every six months or so. This way, the possibility of purchasing the best insurance stays on the table.

One thing few auto insurance customers take into consideration is the financial health of the company. Take that as a huge oversight. An insurance company ready to file for bankruptcy won’t be in a position to pay out a large settlement.

Thankfully, there are resources capable of discussing an insurance company’s fiscal situation.

Websites publish information about the financial health of insurance companies. Among the top rating websites are:

• Moody’s Investor Services
• AM Best
• Standard & Poor’s Insurance Ratings Services
• Fitch Ratings

To learn further details on the fiscal strength of insurance businesses, customers gain from checking out consumer websites. JD Powers and Consumer Reports detail significant information.

Reviewing the content on the site allows for making a well-informed decision about purchasing insurance.

Ask about Available Discounts

Discounts on car insurance in Kansas can reduce premiums quite a bit. Drivers may even qualify for discounts and do not apply for them. They just don’t know the discounts are available.

Here are a few discounts many drivers could take advantage of:

• Anti-theft
• Driver’s Education
• Anti-lock Brakes
• Multi-vehicle
• Multi-line
• Good Driver
• Good Student

These are only a small number of discounts available. When looking over quotes, inquire about available discounts.

Discounts not only cut down on the price of auto insurance, but they also allow drivers to add more insurance coverage to a policy. More insurance equals more financial security for the insured.

Looking to save on auto insurance? Enter your ZIP code below and start comparison shopping today!