Mobile Expects Homeowners Premium Hike After ISO Fire Downgrade

Mobile’s fire-rescue chief says a downgrade in fire protection rating is likely to boost insurance premiums the most for homeowners just outside the city limits.

Fire-Rescue Chief Steve Dean said that while city residents also could see their premiums rise, the biggest change should be in Mobile’s extended fire jurisdiction. That area extends up to 3 miles outside the city.

Mobile this week announced the downgrade by the Insurance Service Office, a research company.

Many insurance companies use the rating when setting insurance premiums.

The ISO downgraded the fire rating inside the city from 3 to 4 on a 10-point scale.

In the extended jurisdiction, the rating dropped to a 5 in most areas, and to a 9 or 10 in more remote sections.