Here's what you need to know when driving in Kansas
Across the Sunflower State, there are 286,642 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped, then you take the wheel.
Cheap car insurance in Kansas
What's the cheapest car insurance in Kansas?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farm Bureau Mutual | $1,081 |
| 2 | Travelers | $1,084 |
| 3 | Cal Casualty | $1,268 |
| 4 | Allied | $1,321 |
| 5 | USAA | $1,407 |
| 6 | Nationwide | $1,439 |
| 7 | State Farm | $1,439 |
| 8 | Safeco | $1,500 |
| 9 | National Farmers Union P&C | $1,536 |
| 10 | Progressive | $1,642 |
| 11 | GEICO | $1,852 |
| 12 | Farmers | $2,033 |
| 13 | Metropolitan | $2,160 |
| 14 | American Family | $2,170 |
| 15 | Electric | $2,223 |
| 16 | Shelter | $2,292 |
| 17 | Safe Auto | $2,306 |
| 18 | Allstate | $2,501 |
| 19 | Encompass | $5,296 |
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Cheap Insurance for Good Drivers in Kansas
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Kansas drivers without a recent moving violation typically save 16% on their car insurance premiums, near the national average of 17%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $283 | 16.56% |
| No Accidents | $516 | 26.59% |
| Good Credit | $1,271 | 47.16% |
Cheap Insurance for Young Drivers in Kansas
Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. Kansas is a relatively affordable state for teen drivers: the typical teen driver pays $4,139 per year — about $800 less than the national average for teens, but still far more than the Kansas driver average across all age groups.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $3,726 | $6,197 |
| 17 | $3,454 | $5,395 |
| 18 | $3,411 | $4,818 |
| 19 | $2,963 | $3,154 |
Cheap Car Insurance for Bad Drivers in Kansas
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 24% after a DUI, 26% after an at-fault accident, and 16% after a speeding ticket in Kansas. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies in Kansas are lower than nationwide averages, especially after a DUI citation. If you have a clean driving record, be on the lookout for good-driving discounts from your insurer.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,940 | 26.59% |
| DUI | $1,886 | 24.50% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,707 | 16.56% |
| Bad Credit | $2,695 | 47.16% |
What are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Kansas?
Every car insurance company advertises its low prices. But as with any product, the most affordable auto insurance isn't always the best choice. Considering the financial stakes, it's worth doing your homework to discover the policy that covers your car adequately after a collision. Be on the lookout for the best value, rather than settling for the cheapest auto insurance in your state.
Review top insurance companies' financial stability and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service you will receive. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Poor" to "Superior" — evaluates an insurer's financial stability and ability to meet its policy and contractual obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allied | 3 | Superior |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| American Family | 4 | Excellent |
| Cal Casualty | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| Shelter | Not Rated | Excellent |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What is the Best Auto Insurance Coverage in Kansas?
The minimum required level of insurance in Kansas is $25,000 Bodily Injury per person, $50,000 Bodily Injury per accident, and $25,000 Property Damage per accident.
For the minimum required coverage in Kansas, expect to owe an average of $480 per year. This is cheaper than the U.S. average by 27%. If you elect better coverage, you can select a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages incurred by car collisions, theft and vandalism, or weather incidents. Better coverage comes with a cost: in Kansas, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,199, 150% more than basic insurance coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 198% more than you would for basic coverage.
Analyze average rates for liability-only and comprehensive coverage levels in the following table.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Kansas | $480.46 | $1,199.20 | $1,432.08 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car Insurance Laws
State minimum insurance requirements in Kansas
In Kansas, drivers are required to carry liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection at or above the below mandatory minimums:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $25,000 per accident
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
Personal injury Protection (PIP)
- $4,500 medical expense per person
- $900 per month income loss for one year
- $25 per day at-home services
- $4,500 rehabilitation expense per person
- $2,000 funeral expense per person
Optional coverage in Kansas (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
Kansas is a no-fault state
A no-fault insurance laws system requires drivers to carry their own protection. When an accident happens, no matter who is at fault, your own insurance foots the bill. Each driver takes care of their own damages, theoretically reducing the chances of a party suing over culpability. As a bonus, it guarantees every driver immediate medical treatment in the event of an accident.
Learn more about car insurance laws in Kansas.
Kansas Car Insurance FAQs
What do Kansas car insurance rules state about loaning a car?
There is no Kansas law regarding loaning your car to someone — the legality of this depends on your insurance company's policy. Many car insurance policies have a stipulation referred to as "permissive use." This extends coverage to an individual who uses the vehicle infrequently but does not live at the listed residence. The definition of "infrequently" depends on carrier-specific requirements. Your best option is to speak with an insurance agent at your current provider.
Is car insurance required in Kansas?
Yes. Car insurance is required in Kansas in order for a vehicle to be driven or parked on public roadways.
What should I do when a car insurance company declares my car "totaled" in Kansas?
Depending on your coverage and the accident, you could receive a payout for the totaled vehicle. For example, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage, you would receive the current value of the vehicle minus your deductible. You could use this to acquire a new vehicle. If you were the not-at-fault party in the collision, the other driver's insurance could cut you a check for the current value of the vehicle. If you were the at-fault party and only have liability coverage, you can consider selling the vehicle for scrap value. If you repair the vehicle, it will be deemed a "salvaged title" and could potentially be denied coverage given the risk insurance companies assign to salvaged titles.
How much does car insurance cost in Kansas cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Salina, Kansas, and the most expensive in Dodge City, Kansas.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dodge City | $1,907 |
| 2 | Kansas City | $1,902 |
| 3 | Garden City | $1,900 |
| 4 | Liberal | $1,862 |
| 5 | Wichita | $1,714 |
| 6 | Great Bend | $1,650 |
| 7 | Derby | $1,630 |
| 8 | Leavenworth | $1,622 |
| 9 | Hutchinson | $1,576 |
| 10 | Emporia | $1,561 |
| 11 | Hays | $1,549 |
| 12 | Topeka | $1,537 |
| 13 | Leawood | $1,524 |
| 14 | Overland Park | $1,522 |
| 15 | Lenexa | $1,516 |
| 16 | Shawnee | $1,515 |
| 17 | Olathe | $1,507 |
| 18 | Lawrence | $1,493 |
| 19 | Manhattan | $1,488 |
| 20 | Gardner | $1,486 |
| 21 | Newton | $1,462 |
| 22 | Salina | $1,435 |
Recent Kansas Car Insurance Questions and Answers
If I have two separate insurance claims to file, do they tally the two claims to determine if the car is totaled?
The claims department will want to do whatever is the least expensive option. They will likely add the damages together to decide what to do.
Can I get insurance for a car with an accident report?
Yes, you can buy a vehicle that has been in an accident. If the car has a salvaged title, you may not be able to add "full coverage" (comprehensive and collision coverage) so make sure to check with the company you decide to go with.
Can I get car insurance with just a state ID in Kansas?
Yes, there are several companies that will insure you without a license. Some companies will require you to get a license within a certain time frame so make sure to find out the details before getting a policy.
After an auto accident where my car was totaled, can I change my coverage from full to liability only to keep my rates down?.
Yes, you can downgrade your coverage to liability only until you get a new car. It is true that you should maintain coverage if you plan on getting a new car soon in order to keep the rates down.
How Do Tickets Impact Auto Insurance Rates in Kansas?
If you receive a ticket or citation, your car insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the specific citation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
See below average auto insurance rates in Kansas after a few common violations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $2,123 | 44% | $646 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,993 | 35% | $517 |
| DUI | $1,993 | 35% | $517 |
| Racing | $2,083 | 41% | $606 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,993 | 35% | $517 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $2,081 | 41% | $604 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,933 | 31% | $457 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,872 | 27% | $395 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,778 | 20% | $301 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,852 | 25% | $376 |
| Improper Passing | $1,826 | 24% | $349 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,826 | 24% | $350 |
| Speeding | $1,752 | 19% | $275 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,765 | 20% | $288 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,826 | 24% | $349 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,753 | 19% | $277 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,826 | 24% | $349 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,733 | 17% | $256 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,724 | 17% | $248 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,656 | 12% | $180 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,613 | 9% | $137 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,613 | 9% | $137 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,508 | 2% | $31 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,548 | 5% | $71 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,548 | 5% | $71 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,536 | 4% | $59 |
Kansas Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Kansas area, while also getting an insider view of the Sunflower State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.