Kansas Department of Insurance

Office address: 1300 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604
Website: insurance.kansas.gov
Year established: 1871
Employees: 135+ (2024)
Key people: Vicki Schmidt (insurance commissioner), Mandy Roe (chief of staff), Kyle Strathman (deputy chief of staff), Dan Klucas (securities commissioner), Steve Karrer (general counsel), John Eichkorn and Monicka Richmeier (directors)
Operating budget: $39 million (2024)

The Kansas Department of Insurance (KDI) regulates over 1,600 insurance companies and licenses more than 90,000 agents statewide. It recovered over $11 million for policyholders in 2024, which brought total recoveries since 2019 to over $47 million.

History of Kansas Department of Insurance

The KDI was created in 1871 to regulate insurance companies and protect consumers across the state. William C. Webb served as the first superintendent, and the role became commissioner in 1927.

Since then, 26 leaders have served, with Frank Sullivan holding the longest term from 1947 to 1971. The Kansas Department of Insurance expanded its role in 2017 by adding securities regulations. Here are some key historical actions:

• 2010: addressed coverage for high-risk individuals under Kansas Uninsurable Health Insurance Plan
• 2012: renewed Kansas Alternative Mediation Program to ease disputes between consumers and insurers
• 2014: expanded liability coverage rules for more healthcare providers
• 2021: earned national accreditation from NAIC for meeting insurance regulation standards
• 2023: recovered $16 million for policyholders, the most in a single year

In 2025, lawmakers renamed it Kansas Department of Insurance and streamlined securities oversight under one structure. Through changes in law and structure, KDI’s duty to Kansans has stayed the same.

Mandate of Kansas Department of Insurance

KDI works under Kansas law, mainly Chapter 40 of the Kansas Statutes, which gives it authority to regulate insurance and securities. Its mission is to educate, regulate, and advocate.

Key divisions within the Kansas Department of Insurance include:

• consumer assistance division: handles complaints and helps policyholders
• compliance, enforcement and anti-fraud division: investigates fraud and enforces laws
• producer licensing division: licenses agents, agencies, and adjusters
• rate and form compliance division: reviews insurance policies and rate filings
• securities regulation division: oversees investment firms and securities registration
• legal division: provides legal support and manages hearings
• financial surveillance division: monitors insurer solvency and financial strength
• government affairs division: manages legislative policy and agency advocacy
• IT division: supports systems and data security
• HR: handles staff and personnel services
• office of the comptroller: manages the department’s internal budget and finances

The agency is led by the insurance commissioner, who is elected every four years by Kansas voters. As of 2025, Vicki Schmidt has been serving in this role. Each division supports the agency’s mission to safeguard the public and enforce industry standards.

Key responsibilities

The Kansas Department of Insurance is responsible for keeping insurance and financial markets balanced, legal, and safe for everyone:

• licensing agents and companies: issues and renews licenses for professionals and insurers
• reviewing rates and forms: checks policies and pricing to meet Kansas rules
• regulating insurer finances: monitors company solvency and operations
• enforcing insurance laws: ensures all players follow state requirements
• investigating fraud: looks into fraud cases and takes legal action
• handling complaints: helps resolve issues between customers and insurers
• overseeing investments: regulates financial advisors and securities offerings
• supporting legislation: works with lawmakers on insurance-related policy
• collecting market data: tracks trends to inform decisions

These tasks help shield policyholders and keep companies in line. KDI makes sure insurance stays fair, clear, and under control.

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus

In 2025, the Kansas Department of Insurance ordered the liquidation of Key Insurance Company due to financial insolvency. The action affected about 30,000 policyholders, including over 22,000 in Nevada. This marked one of several recent moves to help consumers and strengthen oversight.

KDI also led major reforms to modernize insurance laws and reduce regulatory burdens. New measures removed producer renewal fees and lowered premium tax rates. These changes aim to improve business conditions while keeping protections strong.

Consumer protection and outreach

The Kansas Department of Insurance resolves coverage and billing complaints through its consumer assistance division and online filing system. Tools like complaint histories and rate guides help the public compare insurers. It also runs these programs across Kansas:

• mobile help centers
• disaster outreach
• senior fraud education events

Education efforts include guides on disaster prep, fraud risks, and policy basics. KDI also leads awareness campaigns, like World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. These services give Kansans clear support and stronger safeguards.