Crashes, insurance and registration in Kansas

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the legal steps after a crash in Kansas.
• You can say when a crash must be reported to the police.
• You can explain what to do after hitting an unattended vehicle or a large animal.
• You can name the minimum Kansas liability insurance limits.

What you need to know and understand

• If a crash causes injury, death or damage to an attended vehicle or property, you must stop and stay at the scene.
• You must give your name, address and vehicle registration number, and show your license and insurance details on request.
• You must give reasonable help to anyone injured, including arranging medical care if it is needed or requested.
• If no officer is present, report the crash immediately to police when anyone is injured or killed, or apparent damage is $1,000 or more.
• Minimum liability cover is $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for two or more people and $25,000 for property damage.
• Kansas policies must also include personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.
• A buyer must apply to transfer title and registration within 60 days of buying a vehicle.

At the scene, in order

1. Stop as close to the scene as you safely can. Leaving a crash involving injury or damage is a crime.
2. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Give reasonable help.
3. On an interstate, US highway or multilane road, if nobody is hurt and the cars can still be driven, make every reasonable effort to move them out of the traffic lanes.
4. Exchange names, addresses, registration numbers and insurance company and policy numbers.
5. Report to police immediately if there is injury, death or apparent damage of $1,000 or more and no officer is present.
6. Write notes and take photos while details are fresh, then contact your insurer.

Unattended vehicles and animals

If you hit a parked car or other unattended property, stop and either find the owner or leave a secure note with your name, address and registration number, then notify the police without unnecessary delay. Deer are common on Kansas roads, especially at dawn and dusk. The handbook advises reporting a crash with a large animal such as a deer or farm animal to the police. Braking firmly and staying in your lane is usually safer than swerving.

Insurance and registration basics

Every Kansas vehicle needs liability insurance of at least 25/50/25 and personal injury protection, which helps pay medical costs whoever caused the crash. Carry proof of insurance in the car. Vehicles are titled and registered at your county treasurer's office; bring the title, proof of insurance and identification, and ask the treasurer about any inspection needed for a vehicle from another state. Learners driving a family car should check that the policy covers them.

Common mistakes

• Driving away from a minor bump in a parking lot without leaving your details.
• Leaving cars in a busy interstate lane after a minor crash when they could be moved safely.
• Swerving hard to avoid a deer and losing control.
• Assuming the minimum limits will cover a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher limits.

Test yourself: Crashes, insurance and registration in Kansas

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Kansas 50 Hour Supervised Driving Affidavit
• Kansas Driving Test and the Driver’s Ed Waiver
• Kansas Farm Permit for Teen Drivers