New Orleans Fire Department Gets Protection Classification Upgrade

The New Orleans Fire Department has achieved Public Protection Classification 1 status for the first time in its history, the Louisiana Department of Insurance announced.

Homeowners in New Orleans can expect rate reductions in their fire insurance premiums this fall due to this reclassification.

The New Orleans Fire Department was previously assigned a fire protection grading of Class 2. Class 1 is the best protection grading possible.

The department said homeowners in New Orleans and east of Chef Menteur Pass could see a 2.2 percent decrease in annual premiums under the new grading, saving homeowners about $56 for fire insurance for a home valued at $150,000. Homeowners in New Orleans and west of Chef Menteur Pass could see a 2.2 percent decrease in annual premiums under the new grading, saving homeowners about $35 for fire insurance for a home valued at $150,000.

The amount of the premium rate reduction will vary, depending on the value of the property, where the property is located and the rate schedule of the company insuring the property.

Fire protection grading is promulgated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) and approved by the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner. All fire districts are graded on a scale of 1 to 10 by PIAL, with 10 representing no fire protection and 1 being the best. New Orleans joins Bossier City, Shreveport, Monroe, West Monroe, East Bank consolidated, Mandeville, Kenner and Baton Rouge as having achieved Classification 1 status.

A variety of factors are considered in determining a district’s grading. The number of dispatchers on duty, the number of firefighters and fire trucks, training and equipment, and the availability of water all affect a district’s grading.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon congratulated the fire department for achieving the upgrade.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance