Home Insurance in Wichita, Kansas: A Comprehensive Guide
Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, is known for its growing economy, aerospace industry, and vibrant cultural scene. However, homeowners in Wichita must consider various local factors such as severe weather and property crime rates when shopping for home insurance.
National vs. Wichita Home Insurance Costs
The national average cost for home insurance is $1,400 per year, while Wichita homeowners pay an average of $1,300 per year. Despite being lower than the national average, Wichita’s rates are influenced by the potential for extreme weather, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
Local Factors Impacting Insurance Costs
Tornado Risk: Kansas is part of Tornado Alley, which means that homes in Wichita are at risk for tornado damage, leading to higher insurance premiums.
Crime Rate: Certain neighborhoods in Wichita experience higher crime rates, especially property crime, which can increase home insurance costs.
Home Insurance Rates by Home Age in Wichita
Here’s how the age of your home can affect insurance premiums in Wichita:
Home Age
Average Annual Premium
0-10 years
$1,200
10-20 years
$1,250
20-30 years
$1,300
30+ years
$1,400
Impact of Home Age on Insurance Rates
Newer homes: Typically have lower premiums due to modern construction standards, better building materials, and improved safety features.
Older homes: Tend to have higher premiums because they may have outdated systems, such as plumbing or electrical, and may require more maintenance.
Home Insurance Rates by Credit Tier in Wichita
Credit scores have a significant impact on home insurance premiums in Wichita. Here’s how rates vary by credit score:
Excellent Credit (750+): $1,200/year
Good Credit (700-749): $1,300/year
Fair Credit (650-699): $1,450/year
Poor Credit (Below 650): $1,600/year
Cheapest Home Insurance Providers in Wichita
Here are the top affordable home insurance providers in Wichita, along with their average annual premiums:
State Farm: $1,250/year
Allstate: $1,270/year
Liberty Mutual: $1,290/year
Progressive: $1,310/year
Farmers: $1,230/year
Home Insurance Rates by Deductible in Wichita
The deductible amount you choose can directly affect your home insurance premium. Here’s how rates change based on deductible amounts:
$500 Deductible: $1,400/year
$1,000 Deductible: $1,300/year
$2,000 Deductible: $1,200/year
$5,000 Deductible: $1,150/year
Types of Homeowners Insurance in Wichita
Wichita homeowners have several types of homeowners insurance to choose from, depending on their needs:
HO-3 (Special Form): The most common policy, offering protection for both the home and personal property from most risks except those specifically excluded.
HO-5 (Comprehensive Form): Provides broader protection for personal belongings and high-value homes, with fewer exclusions than the HO-3.
HO-6 (Condo Insurance): Ideal for condo owners, covering personal belongings and parts of the condo’s interior structure.
HO-8 (Older Home Insurance): Best for historic homes or older properties, providing coverage that is more suitable for structures that may not meet modern building standards.
Additional Coverage Options in Wichita
Flood Insurance: Although Wichita is not prone to frequent flooding, homes near rivers or in low-lying areas may still benefit from flood insurance since standard home insurance policies do not cover flood damage.
Windstorm Insurance: With Wichita’s high risk for tornadoes, adding windstorm insurance is a smart option for homeowners.
Sewer Backup Insurance: Older neighborhoods in Wichita may have outdated plumbing systems, making sewer backup coverage a useful add-on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Wichita Homeowners
Q: Is flood insurance required in Wichita?
A: While flood insurance is not required for all homeowners, those in flood-prone areas or near rivers should consider it, as standard policies don’t cover flood damage.
Q: How can I lower my home insurance premium in Wichita?
A: Installing safety features such as home security systems, smoke detectors, and storm-resistant windows can help lower your premium. Bundling home and auto insurance may also lead to discounts.
Autumn Cafiero Giusti is a licensed life and health insurance broker and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience. She writes extensively about flood, Medicare, home, and life insurance for publications like U.S. News and CBS News.