Kansas High Risk Homeowners Insurance

Understanding the Homeowners Insurance Heightened Risks in Kansas: What Homeowners Should Know

Kansas, known as the Sunflower State, lies in the heart of the Midwest, bordered by Nebraska to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south, and Colorado to the west. Its central geographic location makes it a key part of Tornado Alley, a stretch of the United States particularly vulnerable to severe weather patterns. Kansas’s landscape is primarily composed of flat plains and rolling prairies, and its agricultural heritage has been a cornerstone of the state’s identity. However, its position also makes it a hotbed for weather extremes, which significantly impacts homeowners insurance risks.

Homeowners in Kansas face a unique set of higher risks due to the state’s weather patterns, geographic location, and climate trends. This article delves into the most common causes of insurance claims in Kansas, highlights significant historical events, and provides insights to help homeowners better understand and mitigate their risks.

Major Risks for Homeowners Insurance in Kansas

1. Tornadoes
   Kansas’s location in Tornado Alley means tornadoes are one of the most prominent threats to homes. Tornadoes are highly destructive, causing catastrophic wind damage, debris impact, and even structural collapses. The risk is especially high during spring and early summer, when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico clashes with cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains.
2. Hailstorms
   Hail is another frequent and costly hazard in Kansas. Hailstones can range from small pellets to baseball-sized projectiles, causing damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. The state often ranks among the top in the U.S. for hail-related claims.
3. Severe Thunderstorms
   Severe thunderstorms bring high winds, heavy rain, and lightning. Straight-line winds from these storms can rival the intensity of tornadoes, while flash flooding poses risks to low-lying areas. Lightning strikes can spark fires and damage electrical systems.
4. Winter Weather
   Kansas winters can bring heavy snow, ice storms, and freezing temperatures. Ice buildup on roofs, fallen tree limbs, and burst pipes are common winter-related hazards.
5. Flooding
   Although Kansas is not coastal, flooding remains a concern, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt. Urban areas with poor drainage and homes near rivers or creeks are particularly vulnerable.

Historical Weather Events and Their Impact on Home Insurance Claims in Kansas

Over the past 30 years, several significant weather events have highlighted the extent of these risks in Kansas. Here are some of the most notable:

1. The Andover Tornado (April 26, 1991)

One of the deadliest tornadoes in Kansas history, the Andover Tornado, was an F5 on the Fujita Scale. With winds exceeding 260 mph, it tore through Sedgwick and Butler counties, leaving a trail of destruction. Over 1,700 homes were damaged or destroyed, and insurance claims surged in the aftermath.

2. Greensburg Tornado (May 4, 2007)

The town of Greensburg was almost entirely destroyed by an EF5 tornado. The storm left a 1.7-mile-wide path of devastation, leveling 95% of the town’s structures. Home insurance claims included total losses for homes, businesses, and public buildings, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

3. Wichita Hailstorm (April 14, 2012)

A massive hailstorm in Wichita resulted in widespread damage to roofs, vehicles, and siding. Hailstones larger than golf balls caused significant losses, with claims exceeding $320 million.

4. The 2007 Kansas Ice Storm

This massive winter storm brought freezing rain that coated trees, power lines, and buildings. Power outages lasted for weeks in some areas, and the weight of ice caused roofs to collapse. Claims included property damage, loss of use, and utility restoration costs.

5. May 2019 Tornado Outbreak

A series of tornadoes struck Kansas during an active May tornado season, including an EF4 tornado that hit Douglas County. The event caused widespread damage, including to densely populated residential areas, leading to extensive home insurance claims.

How These Risks Impact Home Insurance

1. Higher Premiums in High-Risk Areas
   Kansas homeowners often face higher premiums due to the frequency of severe weather events. Insurance companies consider factors like the likelihood of tornadoes, hailstorms, and other natural disasters when calculating rates.
2. Deductibles for Wind and Hail
   Many Kansas homeowners have policies with separate deductibles for wind and hail damage. These deductibles are often calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount, which can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs after a claim.
3. Flood Exclusions
   Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance policies through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers.
4. Roof Age and Condition
   Roof damage is a common claim in Kansas, and insurers often scrutinize the age and condition of roofs when issuing policies. Older roofs or those with pre-existing damage may result in higher premiums, actual cash value or exclusions for certain types of damage.

Tips for Homeowners to Reduce Risks and Protect Their Investment

1. Conduct Regular Maintenance

• Inspect your roof for damage and address repairs promptly.
• Trim trees and remove weak or overhanging branches.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent water damage.

2. Invest in Impact-Resistant Materials
   Consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials and reinforced windows to withstand hail and wind damage. Some insurers offer discounts for homes with these features.
3. Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan
   Have a plan in place for severe weather, including a designated safe room or storm shelter. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, and important documents.
4. Review Your Insurance Policy Regularly
   Make sure your policy adequately covers the replacement cost of your home and belongings. Understand your deductibles and any exclusions that may apply.
5. Consider Additional Coverage

• Add flood insurance if your property is in a flood-prone area.
• Explore endorsements for sewer backup or other specific risks.

Summing it up

Kansas’s natural beauty and rich history make it a wonderful place to call home, but its location also exposes homeowners to significant weather-related risks. Tornadoes, hailstorms, severe thunderstorms, winter weather, and flooding are among the leading causes of home insurance claims in the state.

By understanding these risks and taking proactive measures to mitigate them, Kansas homeowners can better protect their properties and ensure they are adequately insured. Reviewing your policy, investing in preventative measures, and being prepared for emergencies are essential steps to safeguard your home against the unpredictable forces of nature.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay protected. When the next storm rolls through, you’ll be glad you did.