New ISO rating could lower insurance costs in Cahaba Valley Fire District

The Cahaba Valley Fire District was recently evaluated on its fire protection, and its new rating could help lower insurance costs.

The Public Protection Classification (PPC), provided by the Insurance Safety Office (ISO) is based off of a fire department’s quality of equipment, training, staffing and distribution; the department’s water supply system and the department’s fire alarm and communications systems.

The Cahaba Valley Fire and Emergency Medical Rescue District previously had an ISO rating of at 4/9. The district has moved up to a 2/2x rating, showing an improvement in the department. Ratings are given on a scale of 1 through 10, with 1 being the best and 10 being no protection at all.

“The awarding of this high ISO PPC was brought about by the strong support of the District’s Board and the hard work of the officers and firefighters,” according to a press release from the district.

Because the rating is lower and shows better fire protection, residents in the district could see a lower insurance cost.

“The higher the level of protection, the less likely an insurance company will have to reimburse a claim for fire damage,” the press release said. “The fewer number of claims, the lower the cost for the insurance provider.”

The new ISO rating was effective as of Nov. 1, and residents can contact their insurance company to see if they will see a change in insurance costs. Anyone with questions regarding the ISO rating can contact Chief Jim Witherington at 408-7734 or jim.witherington@cahabavalleyfire.org.