Kansas Tornado Victims Advised on Filing Insurance Claims

State insurance commissioner offers tips for navigating the claims process after an EF2 tornado struck Ottawa, Kansas.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a tornado-ravaged Kansas town shrouded in ominous haze, with the remaining structures and debris dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the natural disaster.The aftermath of a powerful tornado in Kansas exposes the humbling scale of nature's wrath and the resilience required to rebuild in the face of such devastation.Ottawa Today

After an EF2 tornado caused significant damage to homes and businesses in Ottawa, Kansas, state insurance commissioner Vicki Schmidt is advising tornado victims on the proper steps to file insurance claims. Schmidt cautions against common mistakes like not being aware of policy coverage, and recommends taking photos, mitigating further damage, and contacting insurance agents promptly. An independent insurance broker also emphasizes the importance of patience as insurance companies work through a high volume of claims in affected areas.

Why it matters

With the cost of storm damage and rebuilding on the rise, it's crucial for Kansas residents impacted by the tornado to understand the insurance claims process and avoid potential pitfalls. The state insurance commissioner's office has been able to recover millions for policyholders, underscoring the value of working closely with insurers to ensure fair and timely payouts.

The details

The EF2 tornado struck Franklin and Miami counties in Kansas, causing significant damage to the Knights Inn Ottawa and other local businesses and homes. Many residents immediately reached out to their insurance companies, but the state insurance commissioner warns that common mistakes include not being aware of policy coverage details. In 2025, insurance claims for storm damage in Kansas doubled, surpassing $800 million. The Kansas Department of Insurance has been able to recover $206 million for policyholders since 2019, acting as an intermediary between insurers and customers. Commissioner Vicki Schmidt advises tornado victims to take photos of the damage, try to mitigate further issues, and contact their insurance agents promptly. An independent broker also cautions that patience will be needed as insurance companies work through a high volume of claims in the affected area.

  • The EF2 tornado struck Franklin and Miami counties in Kansas on April 14, 2026.
  • In 2025, insurance claims for storm damage in Kansas doubled, surpassing $800 million.

The players

Vicki Schmidt

The state insurance commissioner of Kansas, providing guidance to tornado victims on the insurance claims process.

Larry Smith

An independent insurance broker for Goosehead Insurance, advising storm victims to exercise patience as insurance companies handle a high volume of claims.

Kathy Gretencord

A business owner in Ottawa, Kansas, who is working with her partner to file insurance claims and address storm damage.

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What they’re saying

“Not being aware of the coverage you actually have.”

— Vicki Schmidt, State Insurance Commissioner

“People think full coverage and think, 'I'm covered for everything,' and that's not necessarily … you have to look at your coverage limits.”

— Larry Smith, Independent Insurance Broker

“Patience is something everyone is gonna need.”

— Vicki Schmidt, State Insurance Commissioner

What’s next

The Kansas Department of Insurance will continue to work as an intermediary between insurance companies and policyholders to ensure fair and timely payouts for tornado victims in the affected areas.

The takeaway

This tornado disaster highlights the importance for Kansas residents to thoroughly understand their insurance policy coverage and work closely with their insurers and the state insurance commissioner's office to navigate the claims process, especially as the costs of storm damage and rebuilding continue to rise.