Louisiana fire rating upgrades could lower insurance premiums

"Improved fire protection ratings demonstrate the hard work and dedication of fire departments and community leaders," Temple said in a statement. "These improvements make homes and communities safer and can reduce fire insurance premiums. Some premium reductions are more than others, but any improvement to the safety and resilience of our communities is a win for everyone."

The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana grades fire protection on a scale of 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of protection and Class 10 indicating little or no recognized fire protection. The ratings are approved by the insurance commissioner and are used by insurers when determining fire insurance premiums.

The association evaluates departments based on factors including emergency dispatch capabilities, staffing levels, firefighting equipment and water availability.

Using the department's standard example – a brick home insured for $250,000 with an HO-3 homeowners policy and a $500 deductible – the announced rating improvements represent approximately $894 in combined average annual premium savings across the department's sample calculations.

The largest estimated annual savings were:

• $166 for portions of Mossville and North Westlake in Calcasieu Parish.

• $85 for the Lacombe area in St. Tammany Parish.

• $84 for North Sabine Fire District.

• $73 for Rapides Parish Fire District 3.

• $69 for Jonesboro Fire District 1 in Jackson Parish.

Several communities also reached the state's highest fire protection classifications. Lake Charles improved from a Class 2 to a Class 1 rating in June, while St. Tammany Parish Fire District 2, serving the Madisonville area, improved from Class 2 to Class 1 in February.

Other districts receiving improved ratings were located in Beauregard, East Feliciana, Jefferson Davis, Jackson, Lafourche, Rapides, Sabine, Vermilion, West Carroll, Union and Winn parishes.

Department of Public Safety Principal Assistant Chief Bryan Adams credited Louisiana firefighters and local leaders for the improvements.

"They continue to step up, work hard and deliver exceptional service to protect our community," Adams said in a statement. "As we partner with them through training and the enrollment support they need to succeed, you can expect continued results like this."

The Department of Insurance encouraged homeowners in the affected areas to contact their insurance agent or insurance company to determine whether the improved fire protection ratings will lower their premiums.