Insurance rate may decline in Santa Rosa

A key factor in setting insurance residential and commercial insurance rates in Santa Rosa could be changing in favor of buyers.

The City of Santa Rosa announced its department's Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating has been upgraded from a Class 3 to Class 1 community.

Nationally, the ISO rates more than 40,000 departments, according to the city. Of those, 178 earned the Class 1 rating.

“The Class 1 rating is the highest possible rating that can be given to any fire department nationwide. Classifications range from 1, representing superior property fire protection, to Class 10 which indicates that the community does not meet the ISO's lowest criteria,” the city stated.

Ratings by the ISO take into account items such as fire department staffing, city water supply, and its 911 communications system. “Generally speaking, a community with a Class 1 rating with have a much lower property insurance premiums than a Class 5 community,” the city stated.

“This rating reflects the hard work and dedication of the Santa Rosa Fire Department and the city's commitment to protecting lives, property and the environment within our community,” said Mayor Chris Coursey.

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