Some Stewart County residents, and even some Town of Dover residents, could see a reduction in their homeowner’s insurance premiums since the ISO classifications have been upgraded.
ISO, or the Insurance Services Office, helps communities establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties through its Public Protection Classification program.
Previously, the classification was 6 in the county and 5 within the city limits. County Fire Chief Clint Mathis said the classification is now 5 countywide for residents within five miles of one of the county’s nine fire stations, which is a typical criteria.
The classification remains 5 within the city, however, the qualifying distance of within 1,000 feet from a fire hydrant has also changed to five miles.
The new ratings will go into effect on June 1.
Jim Myers, co-owner of Sills Insurance, said affected residents will likely see lower insurance premiums, but it is difficult to quantify how much because so many variables go into determining an insurance rate. The ISO rating is only one of several factors, he added.