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KCAMP warns of higher reinsurance costs; Ellis County keeps $50,000 deductible
Summary
A KCAMP representative told the county reinsurance costs and deductibles are rising after recent convective-storm losses; the commission agreed to keep the county's per-occurrence deductible at $50,000 for 2025 rather than raising it to save modestly on next year’s contribution.
A representative from KCAMP, the insurance pool for Kansas counties, briefed the Ellis County Commission on Dec. 17 about market shifts that are raising reinsurance costs and changing coverage terms for 2025.
David Luke, KCAMP’s representative, said reinsurers have tightened terms after a run of large convective-storm losses and noted the pool has absorbed some increases to maintain per-occurrence deductible treatment for members. Luke presented scenarios showing how raising the county’s property deductible (from $50,000 to $100,000 or $150,000) would reduce the county contribution modestly (examples discussed in the briefing) but could expose the county to larger out-of-pocket costs if another major storm occurs.
Luke also described a roof-valuation change: KCAMP will move to depreciated (actual cash value) payouts for roofs that are at or beyond about 80% of expected life unless members have documented replacement plans. KCAMP will offer discounted roof inspections and reports to help members qualify for replacement-cost recovery.
After discussion about recent asset additions (two fire-truck chassis and grader values reported to staff) and the county’s exposure, commissioners decided to keep the $50,000 per-occurrence deductible to avoid increased risk for a comparatively small short-term savings. The commission asked staff to remain engaged with KCAMP and to review roof-age reporting as KCAMP provides county-specific lists of roofs approaching the 80% threshold.
