ISO field inspectors review many variables in making up an area’s rating. These variables include the area’s water supply for firefighting, the type and quantity of apparatus available to respond to fires and staffing levels. These are just a few of the criteria. ISO rates communities with a PPC or Public Protection Class. This PPC ranges from a “1” through a “10” 1 being the best PPC possible and a “10” is no fire protection. In general, the lower the classification the lower the insurer’s premium.
During the most recent evaluation in August 2018, our Public Protection Class was reduced from a 5/8 to a 4/4Y based on the following criteria for all unincorporated portions of San Mateo County (outside of a fire district):
- Class 4 applies to properties within 5 road miles of a recognized fire station and within 1000 feet of a fire hydrant and with a needed fire flow of 3500 GPM or less.
- Class 4Y applies to dwelling properties within 5 road miles of a recognized fire station and over 1000 feet from a fire hydrant.
- Class 10 applies to all properties over 5 road miles from a recognized fire station.
In CSA#1 (Highlands) the Public Protection Class is Class 1.