The Edgecomb Fire Department (EFD) received notification that our Insurance Services Office (ISO) Rating has improved significantly from an ISO Rating 9/10 (depending on location) to an ISO Rating 5/5Y, effective Sept. 1, 2025. An ISO 5 is for properties within 5 road miles of a fire station with an adequate water supply, and an ISO 5Y is for properties within 5 road miles but lack a creditable water supply system.

This rating change is welcome news and reflects the improvements the department has made to upgrade our town’s fire protection capabilities over the past several years. This improvement should help every property owner reduce their property insurance premiums.

What does ISO measure?

The Insurance Services Office evaluates the fire protection capabilities of local fire departments and municipalities, using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The rating ranges from 1 to 10, where Class 1 = Best protection (lowest risk) and Class 10 = Worst protection (or no recognized fire protection).

How is the score determined?

The ISO rating is based on four main areas:

1. Emergency Communication (10%)

a. The quality of the 911 system.

2. Fire Department (50%)

a. Equipment

b. Staffing levels

c. Training

d. Fire station locations

e. Response times

3. Water Supply (40%)

a. Availability and condition of water sources

4. Community Risk Reduction (extra credit)

a. Fire prevention efforts

b. Public fire safety education

c. Building code enforcement

The ISO inspector spent a full day evaluating the EFD this spring. The inspector provided positive feedback on the station, highlighting its relatively new building, updated equipment, immediate water sourcing capacity, and the presence of a full-time fire chief.

Following the on-site inspection, the EFD completed a long questionnaire with supplemental information. After several months of ISO analysis, EFD received a numerical score of 58.06 points out of a perfect score of 105.5 points.

What does this mean for Edgecomb property owners?

An ISO 9/10 versus an ISO 5/5Y is a big jump in classification. A Class 5 indicates an “adequate” level of protection, usually a municipal or well-organized volunteer department with reliable water sources, according to the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

The ISO does not set insurance rates. Each carrier weighs the ISO rating differently. However, using Maine-wide average premiums provided by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) as a baseline, going from ISO/Class 9 to ISO/Class 5 implies a 32% average reduction in premium in this illustrative model. For a homeowner with a $350,000 dwelling, the average annual premium would decline from $1,421 per year to $963 per year, an estimated savings of $457, according to the MTAS.

Please note that this example is illustrative. The exact savings depend on the insurer, the property type, and state regulations. Insurers vary widely in how they apply ISO ratings in setting their insurance premiums. A homeowner’s premium change may be either smaller or larger than the example provided above. It is recommended that homeowners consult with their insurance provider to assess how the improved ISO rating may affect their individual circumstances.