Decoding the Kansas no-fault insurance system
Under Kansas's no-fault insurance system, regardless of who is at fault in an accident, each driver's own insurance policy is responsible for covering their medical expenses up to the limit of their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, if injuries are severe, you may step outside of the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Imagine driving along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway in Kansas, enjoying the expansive sky and tallgrass prairie. Suddenly, a deer leaps out from the tallgrass, causing the driver in the oncoming lane to swerve into your path. Your cars collide. You’re injured, your car is totaled, and to make matters worse, you discover that the other driver is uninsured.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at auto insurance laws in Kansas, including minimum liability requirements, how the no-fault insurance system works in Kansas, and what legal options exist if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Kansas has a no-fault insurance system
There are two basic insurance systems in the United States:
- Fault-based insurance system: In states that follow a fault-based insurance system, the driver who causes a car accident is responsible for paying all of the damages caused by the accident. Drivers purchase liability insurance to protect themselves from having to pay the damages out of pocket.
- No-fault insurance system: In states that follow a no-fault insurance system, all drivers in an accident—regardless of who’s responsible for the crash—turn to their own insurance policies for compensation. Drivers are unable to go after the other driver involved in the accident except in certain situations.
Kansas operates under a no-fault insurance system when it comes to injuries caused by car accidents, meaning each party’s insurance pays for their injuries, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
When it comes to property damage, Kansas follows the more traditional fault-based insurance system, meaning you can hold the at-fault driver liable for the damages to your vehicle.
The no-fault insurance system is designed to expedite injury claims processing and reduce the number of lawsuits filed, but it also means your options for suing the other driver for injuries are limited under Kansas law.
When can you sue the at-fault driver for physical injuries in Kansas?
To seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver and move beyond the boundaries of the no-fault auto insurance framework, your claim must meet two specific legal standards:
- You have exceeded your Personal Injury Protection coverage, and
- Your injuries are considered “serious” under state law.
The state of Kansas defines"serious injuries" to include at least one of the following:
- Permanent loss of a body function
- Permanent injury
- Dismemberment
- Extensive and conspicuous disfigurement
- Compound fracture of any bone
Learn more about car accidents in Kansas, including the steps to take after a car accident and how Kansas’ modified comparative fault rule may impact your claim.
Minimum insurance requirements
Kansas law requires drivers to carry certain minimum car insurance amounts under Kansas Statute Section 40-3107. These minimums are as follows:
| Auto insurance requirements in Kansas | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type of coverage | Coverage details | Minimum requirements |
| Liability insurance | Pays for the other person’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, funeral costs, and other covered costs if you or your family are at fault in an auto accident. It also pays for the settlement of lawsuits and your legal expenses. |
|
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Pays for medical expenses, rehabilitation, funeral expenses, lost wages, and in-home assistance for you and your passengers injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. |
|
| Uninsured/Underinsured coverage | Pays you or your passengers for medical, rehabilitation, and funeral costs. It also pays settlements of lawsuits resulting from an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run motorist. You and your family are even covered as pedestrians or when riding your bike. |
|
Penalties for non-compliance
Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor under Kansas Statutes Section 40-3104, and can result in fines, jail time, and the suspension of driving privileges.
More specifically, uninsured drivers in Kansas face the following penalties:
| Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Kansas |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Offense | Fine | Jail | License suspension |
| First offense | $300-$1,000 | Up to 6 months | Suspension until proof of insurance is filed |
| Second offense | $800-$2,500 | Up to 6 months | Suspension until proof of insurance is filed |
Optional insurance coverage
The minimum liability insurance required may not be enough to cover a serious car crash, leaving you personally liable for damages that exceed your policy limits. For this reason, many people choose to purchase additional liability and PIP insurance.
Along with additional liability and PIP insurance, drivers in Kansas can purchase the following optional coverage:
- Comprehensive coverage provides coverage for losses other than those caused by a collision (vandalism, falling trees, fire, etc.).
- Collision coverage provides coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by an accident with another vehicle or an object (such as a telephone pole).
- Med-Pay provides coverage for medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault. Med-Pay limits apply per person and range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Navigating the intricacies of insurance law can be challenging, particularly in Kansas, where at-fault and no-fault insurance rules may apply. If you've been injured in a car accident, consider seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
See our guide Choosing a personal injury attorney.