ISO Rating

ISO Rating refers to a community's level of fire protection.

The rating is assigned by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), after evaluating almost every aspect of a city and its fire department. Points are given for a community’s investment in fire mitigation, including how dispatch calls are handled, staff training hours, water supply capabilities, distance between fire hydrants, and available apparatus.

The ISO then assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) number from 1 to 10, with “1” being exemplary. The PPC number is one of several elements many insurance companies consider when calculating property insurance premiums; in general, the price of fire insurance in a community with a good PPC is substantially lower than in a community with a poor PPC.

In July 2018, the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshall's office presented Benbrook with an official letter announcing that Benbrook’s efforts had paid off: The city's fire suppression rating improved from a “3” to a “2/2y." In addition, Benbrook’s rating for preparedness in suppressing fires in the surrounding county remained at “8B."

As a result of the improved rating, many Benbrook homeowners should have become eligible for lowered insurance premiums, with the total potential insurance savings estimated at nearly $400,000.

To evaluate the fire suppression and control resources of the community, Benbrook Fire Chief Tommy Davis and Benbrook Water Authority Superintendent David Wasson completed an exhaustive inspection/survey provided by the ISO.

“The ISO survey confirmed for us that we are on the right track," said Davis. "Our efforts to prevent and reduce fire damage to property are long-standing goals of our department. We continue to train and prepare to meet the needs of Benbrook and the surrounding community.”

Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine if the improved rating qualifies them for reduced insurance premiums.