What Is Fire Protection Class In Homeowners Insurance
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What Is Fire Protection Class In Homeowners Insurance
Fire Protection Class is a 1 - 10 rating provided by ISO that evaluates a county's fire suppression capabilities - how fast can they put out a fire, after it's reported. This rating is used by home insurance carriers to determine the response time of dealing with a fire at your home. A low protection class rating means a fast and efficient response, while a higher protection class means a fire can do severe damage before any assistance arrives. The fire class rating system follows a simple points system:
PC | Points |
1 | 90.00 + |
2 | 80.00 - 89.99 |
3 | 70.00 - 79.99 |
4 | 60.00 - 69.99 |
5 | 50.00 - 59.99 |
6 | 40.00 - 49.99 |
7 | 30.00 - 39.99 |
8 | 20.00 - 29.99 |
9 | 10.00 - 19.99 |
10 | 0.00 - 9.99 |
The points give credit for factors relating to Emergency Communications, Fire Department, and Water Supply. Any location can earn the following points if they meet the condition:
Points | Condition |
3 | Emergency Reporting |
4 | Telecommunicators |
3 | Dispatch Circuits |
6 | Engine Companies |
0.5 | Reserve Pumpers |
3 | Pump Capacity |
4 | Ladder/Service Companies |
0.5 | Reserve Ladder/Service Trucks |
10 | Deployment Analysis |
15 | Company Personnel |
9 | Training |
2 | Operational Considerations |
5.5 | Community Risk Reduction |
30 | Credit for Supply System |
3 | Hydrant Size, Type & Installation |
7 | Inspection & Flow Testing of Hydrants |
The distribution of fire protection class across the US looks like this:
Source: 2018 ISO Public Protection Classification Report
What Does Protection Class Mean For The Homeowner?
If you are in protection class 1-8, you usually have less to worry about when it comes to shopping for insurance. Where carriers get a little nervous is protection class 9 and 10:
Protection Class 9: When you have a credible dispatch system, but no reliable water supply is nearby.
Protection Class 10: Does not meet the minimum FSRS criteria for recognition. Usually no water supply within 1,000 feet and no fire station within 7 miles.