Severe weather trends across Kansas and the U. S. will impact your customers, whether it be directly or indirectly. We encourage you to review Kansas Storm Events Summary as it can offer a framework for deeper customer conversations. The agents who proactively address these issues today will be the ones delivering the greatest value when the next storm hits. The increasing severity of storms, combined with evolving policy forms and underwriting practices, means that coverage design matters more than ever. •
WILDFIRE AND HEAT-RELATED STORM EVENTS percentage wind / hail deductibles, and the exposure of only carrying liability coverage on autos. Agents can also talk with insureds about the benefits of structural enhancements, such as Fortified roofing solutions as prescribed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety( IBHS).
WILDFIRE & HEAT EVENTS ABOVE AVERAGE ACROSS U. S.
In 2025 the number of wildfires and heat-related events was historically low in Kansas. However, they are becoming more relevant across the U. S. with 2025 having 7,917 events compared to the 25-year annual average of 5,213. The combination of high winds and dry conditions can turn smaller wildfire events into catastrophic losses.
The insurance industry is grappling with how to handle the catastrophic loss potential of wildfires on populated residential areas adjacent to grassland and forests. Insurers are responding to wildfire risk implementing advanced wildfire catastrophe models, more precise, data-driven underwriting and portfolio management with increased emphasis on mitigation and building standards to reduce losses and maintain insurability.
The Big“ I” has created a task force to monitor and work with industry stakeholders on the issue of wildfires and KAIA board member, Scott Strickland, from CommunityAmerica Insurance Agency is a member of the taskforce.
TURN DATA INTO BETTER OUTCOMES
Severe weather trends across Kansas and the U. S. will impact your customers, whether it be directly or indirectly. We encourage you to review Kansas Storm Events Summary as it can offer a framework for deeper customer conversations. The agents who proactively address these issues today will be the ones delivering the greatest value when the next storm hits. The increasing severity of storms, combined with evolving policy forms and underwriting practices, means that coverage design matters more than ever. •
6 KANSAS INSURANCE AGENT & BROKER