What is a protection class rating? It is a part of what determines your homeowners insurance rates. Usually, it ranks a community’s municipal fire protection system, where 1 represents an excellent fire protection system, and 10 indicates virtually no protection.

Not many know which protection class their homeowners insurance is under. We will look at how you can determine the protection class of your insurance and how you can lower your rates if they are too high for your liking.

Determining the Protection Class of Your Home

Many factors go into determining your rating. Below, we will look at each way in detail. (Note: You cannot control what your protection class rating will be.)

Where Your House Is Located

Where your house is located is essential because how far or near your home is from the fire department significantly affects your protection class rating. 

For example, if your home is within five miles of the fire department, your protection class rating will be better. If it’s 20 miles away, then the rating will be worse.

Insurance providers look at the location of your house and the area the home is in too. Providers determine your protection class rating based on your city or county if you live in an urban, suburban, or rural area. 

How Equipped Your Fire Department Is

They also determine your rating by how equipped your fire department is for dealing with fires and emergencies. Some cities and counties have fire departments that are volunteer-based as opposed to full-time firefighters. 

The state of your local fire department affects your rating because fire departments with volunteers might be short-staffed and will more than likely have older equipment. They might not be as efficient at putting out fires. 

Because of climate change, there have been more fires for firefighters to deal with, especially in high-risk locations like the Midwest and West Coast. Having a well-equipped fire department is crucial.

How Well Fire Alarms and Communication Systems Work

Although fire alarms don’t automatically alert the fire department, fire alarms are extremely important to have in the home. They alert you when they detect fire and smoke in the home. Please make sure that you change the batteries out of your fire alarms and keep them on at all times. 

Communication systems include telephone lines and systems. Your protection class is determined by how well these operate and how well staffed they are. Your rating is also decided by how well the dispatching system works too. 

Where Water Supplies Are Located

The locations of the water supplies in your community also play a factor in your protection class rating. If your home has a fire hydrant within 1,000 feet, it will be much easier for firefighters to do their jobs. 

Insurance providers also look at the condition of the hydrants to determine your rating. If the hydrant is in good condition, your rating might be better. A hydrant in poor condition will make it difficult for the firefighters to put out the fire. 

What Each Rating Means for Your Insurance Premium

The protection class ratings go from one to 10, depending on the factors listed above. If your home is in a good location with a fully staffed fire department and has fire hydrants close to your house that are in good working order, then your rating will more likely be a one. Homes with a protection class rating of one usually have lower premiums. 

A home with a protection class rating of 10 means that the house is at a higher risk of fire damage, and therefore, the premiums for that house will be much more expensive.

How to Lower Homeowners Insurance Premiums

It’s not much fun to have a high premium, especially when you have no control over the location of your house, the quality of your local fire department, and the quality of your nearby fire hydrants. Below, we will look at ways to lower your homeowner’s insurance premium, regardless of your protection class rating.

Maintain a Decent Credit Score

Keeping a good credit score shows your insurance provider that you are responsible and can pay your monthly payments on time. They will reward you with lower premiums if you have an excellent credit score, regardless of where you live. 

You can raise your credit score by paying bills promptly, paying off any outstanding debts, and keeping old credit card accounts open. 

Double Your Deductible

Most insurance providers keep your deductible around $500. If you can double your deductible to $1,000, your monthly premiums will be relatively lower. 

The only catch is that if you have to file a claim, you will need to pay that deductible before your provider covers any damages. Make sure you can afford to double your deductible. If you can, then do it for sure. 

Bundle Home and Auto Insurance

Providers love when you use their services for more than one policy. Bundle as often as you can, and you’ll be rewarded with more affordable premiums. Home and auto insurance are the most common bundling options available, but if you can find other ways to bundle, then go for it.

Make Your Home Resistant to Damage and Theft

With the increase of global disasters like wildfires, floods, and severe storms, it’s vital to make your home resistant to such damage. 

Some ways to keep your home disaster-ready are to keep track of the weather in your area. Have backup generators in case of a power outage or have an emergency kit with items such as flashlights and batteries.

Insurance providers look for homeowners that are prepared for calamity. Ask your provider or agent how you can prepare for disaster. You can get lower premiums just from strengthening your roof or getting storm shutters. 

To also make your home resistant to damage and theft, make sure you have home security systems as well as smoke detectors. Both are extremely essential. 

Apply for Every Discount You Can

There are discounts available for factors such as how long you stay with a provider, how old or young your home is, and the number of upgrades done to the house. Check with your provider or insurance agent and see which discounts you can apply for as soon as possible.

Protection Class Ratings

As previously stated, a homeowner can’t control protection class ratings, but now you should be well informed about the rating system and how it works. You should also have some ideas on how to lower your monthly premiums. 

For any future homes you might have, be mindful of their location. Investigate and learn more about the local fire department. Make sure you know how far or close a fire hydrant is from your new home. As we’ve discussed, all these factors determine your protection class rating and, ultimately, your premium.

Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the insurance site, TheTruthAboutInsurance.com. She enjoys educating others about homeowners insurance and helping them find the coverage that’s right for them.

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