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Kansas is known for its rich history, thriving labor market, and beautiful nature with vast plains, gentle hills, and impressive forests. The state's third-most populous city, Kansas City, is synonymous with art and jazz.
However, Kansas residents, landlords, and property managers have much more to do besides enjoying the wonders of this state.
If you choose Kansas for your real estate investment, you should consider the risks that come with this decision. Many cities are at high risk of flooding. Also, it's one of the five states with the highest number of tornadoes each year.
Fortunately, you can protect your property and investment with a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy.
There are many options to choose from if you need this coverage. What should you consider to choose the best? Read on to find the answer!
This guide offers valuable information on the best Kansas homeowners insurance companies, how to choose the right policy, the additional coverages you may need in this state, and more.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance in Kansas
A homeowners insurance policy can protect your property from unforeseen events that often result in expensive losses, including natural disasters.
This type of coverage provides financial protection against damage to your home or rental unit, covering both the structure and your belongings most of the time.
Average Home Insurance Costs in Kansas
In Kansas, homeowners insurance costs average $3,083 each year for premiums of $250,000 in homeowners coverage. This sum is considerably higher than in other states. Actually, the national average is $1,428.
Homeowners' insurance premiums are so high in Kansas because this state reports many major hail events and tornadoes every year. The riskier the area, the higher the insurers' rates.
However, multiple factors can influence homeowners' insurance costs, including the following:
- The age and condition of the property
- The location of the property
- Construction time
- Security features
- Claims history
- Coverage limits
- Additional or state-specific coverage options
- Discounts
Homeowners Insurance vs. Landlord Insurance
Besides looking for information on home insurance costs, property owners and managers should understand the difference between the two common types of coverage – homeowners insurance and landlord insurance.
Although a homeowners insurance policy often covers property structure and other items, it might not be comprehensive enough for landlords.
If you rent out your house but a disaster occurs, you may need coverage for potential rental income losses. In addition, your insurance policy should cover payments for someone else's medical bills if they're injured on the property. That's why landlord insurance coverage might be a better option.
Some insurers may recommend an endorsement or separate policy for landlords who need additional protection. However, the right policy should be adapted to their needs and preferences.
Additionally, some landlords could benefit from a homeowners insurance policy in the following scenarios:
Vacancy
If you plan to travel for a short period, and your property will be vacant, homeowners insurance could be the right option to get protection against potential damage. However, you should inform your insurer about the vacancy to avoid affecting your coverage.
Temporary Absence
What if you won't be home for a short period and want to find a tenant to earn extra cash? In these cases, homeowners insurance might also be a better option.
However, you should choose a new coverage if you plan to rent out your home for a long period. It's also important to inform the insurance company about your intentions.
Transition Period
Homeowners insurance is also the most recommended coverage if you want to live in your property until you find the right tenant. This type of policy offers financial protection in case of damage during this transition period.
Home Sharing
If you're renting out a room on your property, homeowners insurance could also be the ideal option. Many companies offer "home sharing" coverage in these cases.
In addition, you need liability coverage for accidents involving both guests and tenants, as well as protection against rental income losses.
How to Choose a Kansas Homeowners Insurance Company
Is homeowners insurance what you need for your property? If you think this type of coverage offers enhanced protection for your investment, check out these tips before choosing a policy.
Unique Policy Needs for Kansas Homeowners Insurance
When looking for a Kansas home insurance policy, you should consider options that suit your needs.
As mentioned, this state is often hit by tornadoes, major hail events, floods, and other natural events. If you consider these hazards and potential challenges, you'll be able to choose a specialized policy with the right additional coverages.
Here are some examples of the types of coverage Kansas home insurance policies should include:
Flood Coverage
Since floods are common in Kansas, a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy should include coverage for these events. However, the standard options don't cover damage caused by flooding. Therefore, you should ask your company or agent if they offer this add-on.
Wind Damage Coverage
This type of coverage can vary from state to state and often goes by different names, such as "hurricane insurance" or "wind and hail insurance." However, it typically covers damage caused by winds, storms, tornadoes, and similar events.
Although hurricanes are not common in Kansas, this state is prone to wind-related disasters.
Evacuation and Additional Living Expenses Coverage
If a natural event or accident damages your property, you may need to evacuate and move to a temporary place.
This type of insurance covers lodging expenses or other essential costs while you cannot stay on your property.
Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage
This coverage offers financial protection in the event of covered losses, such as a fire or theft. It covers the costs of replacing damaged belongings with brand-new items.
Other Factors to Consider When Assessing Kansas Home Insurance Companies
We've already listed the coverages you may need if you live or rent out a property in Kansas. However, you should also consider the following aspects to make sure you choose the best home insurance company.
- Define your needs: What type of coverage do you need in Kansas? Consider your needs and the state-specific aspects to make an informed decision when choosing your insurance.
- Research Kansas homeowners insurance companies: Explore different options before purchasing a policy from an insurer. Check their websites and read online reviews to find out what other policyholders are saying about them.
- Compare different coverage options: Review each option and carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages that each insurance provider offers. Pick the best option according to your preferences or common risks in your area.
- Request quotes: While you shouldn't buy the cheapest policy, it's important to choose an option that fits your budget. You should balance costs with coverage options and the company's reputation to determine if its products are worth it.
- Evaluate the company's financial stability: The financial strength and availability of a company show if it's able to meet claims obligations. Ideally, you should choose one with a high rating from AM Best or similar agencies.
- Consider the company's reputation: What are other policyholders saying about this insurer? If it has a solid reputation in the industry, it may be a good choice.
- Ask your friends or family for recommendations: Your loved ones and colleagues can help you find the best Kansas homeowners insurance company. Ask for recommendations and consider their experiences to make a good decision.
- Evaluate the policy in detail: Finally, before choosing a company and purchasing a policy, review it carefully. Your insurance coverage should be comprehensive enough for your unique situation.
Best Home Insurance Companies in Kansas
The tips listed above can help you find a reliable insurer and choose a comprehensive policy. Keep them in mind when checking out our ranking of the best Kansas homeowners insurance companies!
1) Amica
Amica has over 100 years of experience in this industry. It has rightfully earned its place as the best homeowners insurance company for a reason – this insurer offers many coverage options.
In addition, this homeowners insurance company is committed to helping policyholders save on their premiums by offering discounts and dividends (for some policies).
Coverage and Features
As mentioned, Amica is known for offering numerous home insurance coverage options. These fall into two categories:
Standard Choice
- Dwelling coverage for your home, including attached structures
- Liability coverage for accidents involving a guest
- Protection of other structures that aren't directly attached to the property
- Additional living expense (ALE) or Loss of Use for temporary housing
- Personal property coverage for damaged or lost clothes, electronics, and furniture
Platinum Choice
- Dwelling replacement costs (up to 30% on repairs or replacement expenses)
- Personal property replacement cost for furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items
- Liability and medical payment with increased limits
- Valuable items extended coverage for fine arts, jewelry, and others
- Business property coverage for those who have their business and primary residence on the same property
- Water backup/sump overflow coverage for damage due to failure or overflow
- Credit card coverage in case of theft or fraudulent charges
- Special computer coverage for damaged electronics
- Loss assessment plan coverage for those who experience losses in common areas if they live in condos or gated communities
Discounts
In addition, you could qualify for different discounts and save on your premiums. Here are a few examples:
- Multi line
- Claim-free
- Loyalty
- Autopay
- e-discount
- Alarm system
- New/remodeled home credit
- Automatic detection devices
2) USAA
After its founding in 1922, USAA has remained one of the top Kansas homeowners insurance companies. This insurer offers many coverages in just one policy, so properties are well-protected. However, home policies are only available to current and former US military members and their families.
Coverage and Features
USAA offers comprehensive standard policies with multiple coverages, including the following:
- Dwelling coverage
- Other coverage structures
- Additional living expense (ALE)
- Personal liability coverage
- Personal property coverage
- Identity theft
- Replacement cost
- Military uniforms
If you qualify for USAA's policies, you might also consider the following add-ons:
- Earthquake coverage
- Home-sharing coverage
Discounts
Although it doesn't offer many discounts, USAA can help policyholders save through the following:
- Bundle and save discount
- Protect device credit discount
- Claims-free discount
3) State Farm
This homeowners insurance company has earned the highest financial strength rating by AM Best (A++). In addition, State Farm offers both standard insurance products and additional options to customize policies, which is essential for comprehensive coverage.
Coverage and Features
If you choose State Farm's standard options, you'll have the following coverages:
- Dwelling coverage
- Other structures coverage
- Personal liability coverage
- Additional living expenses (ALE)
- Personal property repair or replacement coverage
- Medical payments
In addition, State Farm allows homeowners to customize their policies with the following add-ons:
- Inflation guard
- Ordinance or law
- Cyber Event, Identity Restoration, and Fraud Loss Coverage (CEIDR)
- Identity Restoration Coverage (IDR)
- Valuable items coverage
- Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program
Discounts
This homeowners insurance company also offers multiple discounts, including the following:
- Home security
- Multi-policy
- Automatic sprinkler
- Roofing
- Claims-free
- Utility rating plan
4) Allstate
Although its rates are considerably higher compared to competitors, Allstate has built a solid reputation for its unique policies and coverages. It offers additional options for homeowners who want to make their properties more eco-friendly if an item is damaged or lost, for example.
Coverage and Features
Allstate offers standard policies, covering the following:
- Protection of dwelling and attached structures
- Personal property coverage
- Liability coverage
- Guest medical expenses coverage
This company also offers policies for those who need landlords, renters, or condo insurance. Also, you can consider the following add-ons to customize your policy:
- Flood insurance
- Personal umbrella policy
- Identity theft restoration
- HostAdvantage
- Business property
- Water backup
- Scheduled personal property
- Yard and garden
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Electronic data recovery
- Green improvement reimbursement
Discounts
In addition, you can save on your premiums if you qualify for some of the following discounts:
- Welcome and loyalty discount
- Easy Pay Plan
- Multi-policy discount
- Claim-free discount
- Homebuyer discount
- Early signing discount
- Responsible payment discount
5) American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, founded in 1927, offers insurance for different properties, including homes, apartments, condos, and more. In addition, this insurer gives discounts to help customers save and has great options to customize policies.
Coverage and Features
An American Family standard insurance policy includes the following:
- Dwelling protection
- Coverage for other structures
- Personal liability coverage
- Temporary living expenses
- Personal belongings coverage
If you want to customize your policy, you can consider these additional coverages:
- Hidden water damage
- Credit theft protection
- Equipment breakdown
- Sump pump and water backup
- Diminishing deductible
- Matching siding protection
Discounts
This company also provides discounts to help policyholders reduce their monthly insurance costs. These are:
- Customer loyalty
- Policy bundling
- Generational discount
- Newer and renovated homes
- Smart payments
- Safe, secure, smart home discount
Other Notable Kansas Home Insurance Companies
Besides the options we listed above, there are other insurance companies worth considering, such as:
- Nationwide
- Chubb
- Liberty Mutual
- Progressive
- Farmers Insurance
Conclusion
Kansas can be a beautiful place to live and an ideal real estate market to invest in. However, residents should find the best way to protect their properties.
Whether you want to move to this state with your family or plan to start a rental business there, a homeowners insurance policy can work as a financial safety net and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Do you want to choose the right option? Define your needs, assess multiple policies, and consider the state's common events before picking one.
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