Find the Best Homeowners Insurance in Kansas City

How to choose homeowners insurance in Kansas City

Homeowners insurance covers property and personal damage in case anything catastrophic happens to your home or personal belongings. Fortunately, filing a claim is a rarity—only 5.3 percent of insured homes did so in 2016. Homeowners insurance is not required by law in either Kansas or Missouri, but most mortgage lenders require it before providing a loan.

Keep in mind that the age of your home and its neighborhood impact your monthly premium. Homes in high-crime areas such as Westport and Beacon Hill, and homes in older neighborhoods including Pendleton Heights and Quality Hill, are charged more for insurance.

Average home insurance rates in Kansas City

Note: Based on dwelling amounts above with a constant $1,000 deductible and $100,000 liability.

According to our research, rates in Kansas City, Kansas, are often cheaper than those in Missouri. We believe this is because inventory is less expensive and crime rates are lower. KCK is closer to the nationwide average premium of $1,173.

Kansas City homes can face extreme weather, which greatly increases premiums. In fact, according to an Insurance Research Council study, homeowners insurance companies pay up to 63 percent more for claims here due to catastrophes, such as tornadoes, or expensive commonalities like damage from frozen pipes.

The rapid rise in claims and increasing insurance costs in KC has multiple causes, including:

• Size and complexity of new homes
• Severity of storms
• Increase in cost of oil-based building material

Option coverage - When purchasing home insurance in Kansas City, there are a few liabilities and hazards home buyers should consider adding to their policies as well as purchasing more insurance to cover their needs.

Flood insurance - In recent years, Kansas City has been hit hard by flooding. Because residents in both KCMO and KCK often live in high-risk flood areas, many are eligible to get discounts on flood insurance, ranging from 10 to 20 percent. Homes along Indian Creek, Brush Creek, including South Plaza and Manheim Park, are at the highest risk of flooding and will often be required to purchase flood insurance. Although not enforced, those in low-risk flood zones should also consider flood coverage.

Earthquakes - Although not considered a high-risk earthquake zone, Missouri is the third largest market for earthquake insurance in the U.S. behind California and Washington.

Windstorms - Designed specifically to cover damages by high winds, windstorm insurance is a good idea for Kansas City residents. Kansas sees an average of 92.4 tornadoes per year while Missouri has 46.7. Windstorm insurance will make sure you are covered anywhere in Tornado Alley.