Commercial auto premiums in Kansas are running 6–14% higher year-over-year as of early 2026 — and the spread between the cheapest and the most expensive carrier on the same risk is wider than it has been in years.
If you operate a fleet of any size in Wichita or surrounding Kansas, here's what we're seeing across the carriers we shop and what it means for your renewal.
What's driving the increase
Three things are pushing rates up: more severe accident outcomes (jury verdicts in commercial auto cases keep climbing), the cost of replacement vehicles and parts (still elevated post-pandemic), and a thinner pool of carriers writing certain industry classes — especially trucking and contractor fleets.
Where the savings are right now
Two patterns we're seeing:
- Re-classing your operation correctly. A surprising number of contractor and service-fleet policies are written under the wrong NAICS code, which can over- or under-rate the entire policy. We recheck classifications at quote time, every time.
- Loss-run leverage. If your fleet had a clean year, that has to be re-shopped to capture the credit. Carriers don't volunteer it at renewal — you have to bring competing quotes.
What this means for your renewal
If your renewal lands in the next 6 months, get a second quote 60–90 days out. Don't wait for the renewal letter. Carriers willing to write your class today might not be in 90 days, and the spread between markets matters.
For most contractor and service fleets we're shopping right now, we're finding 8–22% savings on the same coverage simply by repricing through a different carrier with the right appetite.
Quick answers
Why are commercial auto rates going up?
Bigger jury verdicts, higher vehicle and parts costs, and fewer carriers writing certain classes like trucking and contractor fleets are all pushing commercial auto premiums up.
How can I lower my commercial auto premium?
Make sure your operation is classified correctly, keep driver records clean, set physical-damage deductibles you can actually absorb, and re-shop the fleet 60 to 90 days before every renewal.
Does my personal auto policy cover business use?
Often not for regular business use, and almost never for vehicles titled to a business. If a vehicle is owned by or mainly used for your business, it likely needs commercial auto.
Want a real review?
Let us walk through your current coverage with you.
Send us your declarations page and we'll come back with apples-to-apples comparisons — usually in one business day.