• How much would I save if I increase my deductible?
• What is not covered?
• Is my coverage replacement cost or actual cash value?
• Does coverage include water damage or sewer back-up?
• Does the policy cover my jewelry, antiques, or special collections?
• What other special coverages are available?
• What proof do I need in case of a loss?

If you cannot find a company that will insure your property, the Kansas FAIR Plan may accept your property.

The FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) was created by the state of Kansas to insure property that insurance companies refuse to cover.

• Coverage for your property must be declined by three insurance companies before application can be made to the FAIR Plan.
• You can apply to the FAIR Plan through any insurance agent who sells property insurance.
• The FAIR Plan will inspect your property to determine whether you are eligible.

Approval in the Plan is not guaranteed. You do not have a guaranteed right to buy FAIR Plan coverage.

If You Have a Claim

1. Report loss or damage to your insurance agent or insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Take precautions if the damages require you to leave your home.
   • Secure your property
   • Lock all windows and doors
3. Survey the damages and take photographs or videos of damaged areas, if possible, and make them available to your insurance company.
4. Make temporary repairs to protect your home and personal property from further damage. If you make permanent repairs before the insurance company inspects the damage, your claim may be denied. Keep all receipts and take photographs of the damage, before and after emergency repairs, to submit with your claim. You may be reimbursed for the expenses associated with temporary repairs.
5. Study and know your policy limits and coverages. If you do not understand your coverage, ask your insurance agent or company representative to explain. If your policy was destroyed in your loss, contact your insurance agent or company to get a replacement copy. Usually, there is a nominal charge for another copy of the insurance policy contract.
6. In some cases, the insurance company will require you to complete a claim form. You will be asked to estimate the actual cash value of the household items you lost and the cost to repair the damage to your home. If you have replacement cost coverage on your house and/or contents, you may need to include an estimate of the costs to make repairs with new materials and/or replacement items. If you have maintained a household inventory, this process will be much easier and go much more quickly. Be sure to find out from the insurance company if you should include sales tax in the cost estimates, and whether you should use exact costs, or if you can round off numbers to the nearest dollar.
7. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess damage to your property and estimate the cost of repair. If you don’t hear from your adjuster in a reasonable length of time, contact your insurance agent or company again. Be present when the adjuster inspects your property.
8. The settlement, which is the amount of money the insurance company offers for your loss, is based on the adjuster’s estimate. If you disagree with the estimate, contact the insurance company to explain your reasoning. They may be willing to make adjustments, or you may wish to ask a contractor or other professional to obtain your own estimate.
9. Beware of fly-by-night contractors. Get more than one bid and hire a local reputable contractor to do the repair work.
10. Make sure a written agreement between you and your insurance company has been agreed to before starting repairs.