Insurance rates could be lowered in Bainbridge area

The Bainbridge Community Fire Department received a lower ISO ranking recently making it likely for many homeowners to see a reduction in their insurance rates. The department went from a seven to six ranking.

BAINBRIDGE -- Residents living in the Bainbridge Community Volunteer Fire Department area may see their insurance rates go down thanks to the fire department earning a lower Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating.

The department's rating was lowered from a seven to a six following a recent analysis of the structural fire suppression delivery system in the community.

"This is good news for the town. Homeowners need to contact their insurance companies and tell them the rate has gone down and it should get them a reduction on their insurance," utility director Jim Nelson said.

The survey was completed under the Public Protection Class with class ranking s from 1 to 10 and total percentage credits from 90 or more to 0. The fire department received a 43.55 percent rating putting it in a lower and better class.

The ISO reports the ratings to most major insurance companies but homeowners are encouraged to contact their agents to let them know about the lowered rate.

"It can save you some money but you need t make sure they know about it," added Nelson.

The ISO is the leading supplier of data and analytics for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential commercial and industrial properties.