Car accidents can happen at any time, and if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, the financial burden often falls on the victim. To protect drivers, Kansas law requires certain types of auto insurance, including coverage for uninsured motorists. But what exactly does this mean for drivers in 2025, and is uninsured motorist insurance required for all vehicles?
Understanding Kansas’ auto insurance requirements is essential for making sure you have the right coverage to protect yourself after an accident. Below, we explore whether uninsured motorist insurance is required in Kansas in 2025, how it works, and why it is crucial for drivers.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Kansas?
Yes, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required in Kansas. State law mandates that all drivers carry a minimum amount of UM insurance to protect themselves in case they are hit by an uninsured driver. As of 2025, the required minimum limits for uninsured motorist coverage in Kansas are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
This coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other damages if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance. However, UM insurance does not cover vehicle repairs or property damage. For that, drivers may need collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage, which is not required by Kansas law.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects Kansas Drivers
Uninsured motorist coverage is essential because not all drivers comply with the law. According to recent studies, an estimated 10-15% of drivers in Kansas are uninsured. If you are in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, your UM policy helps cover your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Even if the other driver is at fault, recovering compensation from them can be difficult if they lack insurance. In many cases, uninsured drivers do not have the financial resources to pay for accident-related damages. This makes UM coverage one of the best ways to ensure you are financially protected.
Does Kansas Require Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Yes, Kansas also requires underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which is similar to UM coverage but applies when the at-fault driver has insurance that is not enough to cover all damages. The minimum limits for UIM coverage in Kansas in 2025 are the same as UM coverage:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
UIM coverage becomes essential in serious accidents where medical costs exceed the at-fault driver’s liability insurance limits. If their insurance does not fully compensate you, your UIM coverage helps bridge the gap.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Since UM coverage is required by Kansas law, drivers who do not carry it are violating state insurance regulations. If you are caught driving without proper coverage, you may face penalties, including:
- Fines and reinstatement fees
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Higher insurance premiums
Additionally, without UM coverage, you would have to pay out of pocket for medical expenses if you were hit by an uninsured driver. This could lead to significant financial hardship, especially in cases involving serious injuries.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Kansas
If you are involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you must file a UM claim with your own insurance company. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth claims process:
- Report the Accident: Notify the police immediately and obtain an accident report.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor to document any potential issues.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start your UM claim.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, obtain witness statements, and keep records of medical expenses and lost wages.
- Consult an Attorney: If your insurance company delays or denies your claim, a legal professional can help negotiate fair compensation.
Do You Need Additional Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
While Kansas requires minimum UM/UIM coverage, these limits may not be enough to cover all expenses in a severe accident. Many drivers choose to increase their UM/UIM limits or add additional policies, such as:
- Collision coverage to pay for vehicle repairs
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage for extra medical expenses
- Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage
It’s important to review your policy and consider whether higher limits or additional coverage would better protect you in 2025.
Call Lawyer on the Line for an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Kansas
Dealing with an uninsured motorist accident can be stressful, especially if your insurance company is reluctant to pay your claim. If you are struggling to recover compensation, legal assistance can help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under your policy. At Lawyer on the Line, we specialize in helping Kansas drivers handle uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. If you have been injured by an uninsured driver, contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve in 2025.
