Kansas handles auto insurance a little differently than Missouri. The biggest difference is personal injury protection, or PIP, which Kansas requires on every auto policy. If you live in Kansas or are moving across State Line Road, here’s what you need to know.
The Kansas Minimums
The requirements come from the Kansas Automobile Injury Reparations Act, mainly K.S.A. 40-3107. Every Kansas auto liability policy must include:
- Liability: at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident and $25,000 property damage per accident (25/50/25)
- Personal injury protection (PIP) at the statutory minimum benefit levels
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (K.S.A. 40-284). By law it matches your bodily injury liability limits unless you reject the amount above the state minimum in writing, so it can never be lower than 25/50.
The Kansas Insurance Department’s auto insurance resources are a good place to read more about these requirements.
What Is PIP?
PIP is “no-fault” coverage. It helps pay certain costs for injuries from a car accident no matter who caused it. It can cover you, relatives in your household, people driving your car, passengers, and pedestrians struck by your vehicle, subject to the policy terms.
The minimum PIP benefits are set in K.S.A. 40-3103 and 40-3107:
- Medical expenses: up to $4,500 per person
- Rehabilitation expenses: up to $4,500 per person
- Disability / lost income: up to $900 per month for up to one year
- In-home services: up to $25 per day for up to 365 days
- Funeral expenses: up to $2,000
- Survivor benefits for dependents in a fatal accident
You can usually buy higher PIP limits if you want more protection.
How PIP Affects Lawsuits in Kansas
Because PIP pays some injury costs no matter who’s at fault, Kansas limits when an injured person can sue for pain and suffering. Under K.S.A. 40-3117, an injured person can generally sue for pain and suffering only if their medical treatment has a reasonable value of $2,000 or more, or if the injury includes things like permanent disfigurement, a fracture to a weight-bearing bone, a compound or displaced fracture, loss of a body member, permanent injury, permanent loss of a bodily function or death. That’s still why liability coverage matters: serious accidents can still lead to claims against you.
Where the Minimums Fall Short
Like in Missouri, 25/50/25 is a floor, not a recommendation. A serious accident or damage to a newer vehicle can exceed those limits, and you could be responsible for the rest. And $4,500 in PIP medical benefits may not go far after a hospital visit.
Coverage many Kansas drivers consider adding:
- Higher liability limits
- Higher PIP limits
- Collision and comprehensive, for damage to your own car (comprehensive helps with hail and deer)
- Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance
- An umbrella policy for extra liability protection
Moving Between Missouri and Kansas
Your auto policy is generally based on where you live and where your vehicle is garaged. If you move from Missouri to Kansas, or the other way, update your policy so it meets the new state’s requirements, including Kansas PIP. Missouri doesn’t require PIP but does require uninsured motorist coverage. You can compare with our guide to Missouri minimum auto insurance requirements.
Local Help for Kansas Drivers
Our offices are in Gladstone and North Kansas City, just north of the river, and we write auto policies anywhere in Kansas as well as Missouri. Whether you’re in Overland Park, Olathe, Lawrence, Wichita or a small town, we can quote and service your policy by phone or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum auto insurance in Kansas?
Kansas requires 25/50/25 liability, personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least 25/50 (K.S.A. 40-3107 and 40-284).
Is Kansas a no-fault state?
Yes. Kansas requires PIP, which pays certain injury costs regardless of fault, and limits pain-and-suffering lawsuits unless medical treatment reaches $2,000 or the injury is serious (K.S.A. 40-3117).
How much PIP do I need in Kansas?
The minimum includes $4,500 per person for medical expenses, $4,500 for rehabilitation, up to $900 per month in lost income for up to a year, $25 per day for in-home services and $2,000 for funeral costs. Many drivers choose higher limits.
Do I need new insurance if I move from Missouri to Kansas?
You’ll need a policy that meets Kansas requirements, including PIP. Contact your agent when you move so your policy reflects your new address.
Talk to a Local Agent
Want a second set of eyes on your coverage? Request a free quote online or call our Gladstone office at 816-420-0502. We’re at 6812 N Oak Trafficway, Unit 3, Gladstone, MO 64118. Our other office is Hilt Group Agency, run by Eric Hilt, at 315 E 18th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, phone 816-605-7683. We write policies throughout Missouri and Kansas.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Coverage, discounts and availability vary and are subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions and underwriting. Talk with a licensed agent about your situation.
