There are many factors that go into the rate you pay for fire insurance but there are only a few of those factors that you can change. One of them is your community’s I.S.O. classification rating.

I.S.O. stands for Insurance Services Office. Basically, ISO is an advisory organization. Insurance companies don’t have to use the statistical data that they provide but it is almost always the case. In essence, the ISO evaluates every aspect of a communities fire protection ranging from water supply and delivery systems to fire personnel and equipment. After the evaluation, a rating class will be issued to the community. Class 1 is the best and Class 10 is the worst. Translation…. Class 1 = less expensive insurance and a safer community, Class 10 = more expensive insurance and not as safe a community as possible.

Here is where you, as a community member, come in. By participating in local government meetings about water systems and fire protection, you can help to improve your community and potentially lower your insurance rates by pushing to improve such things as evaluated by the ISO. For example, you may be able to form a committee that works on improving fire flow (water delivery) in your community or you may be able to work on a campaign to build a fire station to replace an old un-usable one. There are many options for you to lend your help in.

To read more on the Insurance Services Office or I.S.O. go to:
http://www.isomitigation.com/docs/about0001.html

To find our more on Fire Suppression Rating Criteria go to:
http://www.isomitigation.com/ppc/2000/ppc2001.html