Insurance Classification Rate Reduction - Question and Answers
Washington Survey and Rating Bureau Letter
What is it?
Most insurance companies use the FPC (Fire Protection Classification) rate to establish fire insurance rates for your home or business. The Washington Survey and Rating Bureau sets the FPC rate based on risk factors and the abilities of the fire department. With the major changes the Fire District has made over the past several years, the Survey and Rating Bureau recently substantially lowered our current rate from an 8 to a 5 for areas with hydrants, and a 6 for the remaining areas.
How does it affect me?
This lower rating will reduce fire insurance premiums (will vary by insurance company) for most businesses and homeowners living within Fire District #6.
What do I have to do?
Contact your insurance carrier and request your policy be reviewed using the new lower FPC. The new FPC took effect June 1, 2009.
How do I know if I live in a Hydrant area that will receive a rating of 5?
If you live in an area served by water from the cities of Olympia, Lacey, or Tumwater (you pay a water bill to them), then you have hydrant in your neighborhood and will receive a 5. The remainder of the District served by our water Tenders (water carrying trucks) will receive a 6.
How did you get the lower rating?
The Fire District continues to evolve and provide enhanced response services. Careful planning and prior voter-approved bonds have allowed us to modernize our fleet of emergency response apparatus and our facilities. Our very dedicated volunteers and career responders have increased their hours to provide 24-hour staffing at two (of our five) stations. We also added a part-time program which provides additional career firefighter/EMT coverage. This has reduced the time it takes us to respond to your emergency and reduces the effects of 65 trains that bisect the district each day. The elevated level of training and certifications our responders obtain and maintain was also a critical factor.
How big of an accomplishment was this?
According to the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau, this is a huge accomplishment. An average rerate is usually lowered by one--rarely two points. For the Fire District to achieve a reduction of three points is an affirmation of the improvements we have made and the hard work by our staff and responders.