Speed, KS Insurance Guide — Local Risks & Coverage
Licensed insurance agent, BNW Services LLC · 40 years in trucking & the trades
Here's the local picture for insurance in Speed, Kansas — the real employers, geography, housing, and weather that shape your coverage, from a licensed local agent who shops 80+ carriers.
Insurance in Speed: a local agent's take
Living here in Speed, we know our homes are more than just houses; they're often older, cherished structures, many built before 1939. This means when we talk insurance, we're not just looking at a new build. These older frame homes come with their own considerations: original materials, sometimes unique construction, and systems that might not be up to modern code. That's why solid dwelling coverage, ideally at replacement cost value, is crucial. But let's be real, the biggest threat to these homes, and especially their roofs, is the Kansas weather. Hail and damaging winds are a regular concern, particularly from mid-April through mid-June. You've seen the recent damage around, so making sure your policy has a clear, manageable wind and hail deductible, and that your roof is covered adequately, isn't just a recommendation—it's a necessity for protecting your investment. Our tight-knit community here in Speed and across Phillips County is largely tied to agriculture. Folks working at places like Trinity Ag, LLC, or serving the community through Northern Valley USD 212 and Phillips County Hospital, or even with local businesses like Argos Plumbing, rely on their vehicles and homes every day. For those in agriculture, personal property coverage might extend beyond just the house to small farm equipment or outbuildings. For everyone, reliable auto insurance is non-negotiable, especially with the weather we face and the need to travel for work. We need policies that stand up to the conditions, protecting our cars from hail and our homes from the unexpected. Beyond the wind and hail, we're also near the North Fork Solomon River and Kirwin Reservoir, and Kansas is no stranger to flash flooding. It's not typically included in standard homeowner's policies, but it can be a lifesaver when the skies really open up. All in all, for us locals, having comprehensive property coverage that accounts for the age of our homes, the severity of our weather, and the unique risks of living in rural Kansas is what truly provides peace of mind.
The Speed economy & who needs coverage
Speed, Kansas, with a population of 37, has a local job base primarily tied to the agricultural industry of Phillips County. The broader Phillips County economy, centered around Phillipsburg, focuses on agriculture and related services. There are no indications of significant independent industries or major employers directly within Speed itself. (Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phillips_County,_Kansas, https://www.phillipscountyks.org/)
Major employers & who's hiring in Speed
- Northern Valley USD 212 — Education (hiring)
- Phillips County Hospital — Healthcare (hiring)
- Trinity Ag, LLC — Agriculture/Grain Processing (hiring)
Local businesses in Speed
A few local businesses that make Speed what it is — independent of our agency.
- Argos Plumbing — Plumbing
Local landmarks & geography
- Kirwin Reservoir — A large reservoir in Phillips County, approximately 14.8 miles from Speed, KS. It is operated for flood control and irrigation, which can affect regional water levels and flood risk in areas downstream or nearby, influencing flood insurance rates.
- North Fork Solomon River — This river flows through Phillips County and has a history of significant river rises and flooding in portions of north-central Kansas, which includes Phillips County. Properties in or near its floodplain could face higher flood risk and insurance premiums.
Housing stock in Speed
The housing stock in Speed, Kansas, is generally older, with a significant portion of homes built before 1939. These are typically single-family frame structures, characteristic of small, rural Kansas towns. There are no identified historic districts or new subdivisions. The age of the homes suggests that replacement costs would involve addressing general wear and tear, and potential updates to infrastructure. Roofs would likely be older and subject to the region's weather conditions, including hail, necessitating regular maintenance or replacement. (Source: Inference based on web search results for 'Speed, Kansas housing stock age type' summaries, specifically from city-data.com which cited older housing stock, and general characteristics of rural Kansas towns; direct access to city-data.com was blocked.)
Weather & flood risk in Speed
Speed, KS, being part of Kansas, is subject to severe weather events including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, with historical data indicating a peak tornado season from mid-April through mid-June. Recent hail and wind damage have been noted in the Speed, KS area.
However, Kansas generally experiences flash flooding, indicating a potential for this hazard in the region.
Local facts that affect Speed insurance
- Speed, Kansas, had a population of 37 as of the 2020 United States Census. — High
- Speed is a city located in Phillips County, Kansas, and is situated on the north bluffs of the Solomon River. — High
- Recent hail and wind damage have been spotted near Speed, KS, with a notable hail event recorded on August 2, 2025. — High
- The highest tornado frequency in Kansas, where Speed is located, historically occurs from mid-April through mid-June. — Medium
- As of the 2020 census, the population of Speed, Kansas, was 37. — Insurance rates can be influenced by population density and community size, reflecting local service availability and risk profiles.
Get covered in Speed
We're an independent agency — we compare 80+ carriers to fit Speed's risks to your budget. See Speed, KS insurance & get a quote → or call 573-594-5148.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org · interactivehailmaps.com · weather.gov · nvhuskies.org · pchospital.us · trinityagllc.com · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org