Cloverdale fire insurance rates down

Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District residents should all be able to take advantage of lower fire insurance rates, according to Fire Chief, Chuck Cable.

Cable reports that the entire Cloverdale district now qualifies for a "Level 6" rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

"We've done all the work to meet the conditions," said Cable. "The problem is that insurance companies are slow to change rates."

He also pointed out that the ISO is an independent office, but insurance companies use the ISO evaluation.

An ISO rating of "6" can result in savings of up to 20 percent on insurance rates, according to Cable.

"But they (the insurance companies) make each client demonstrate that they qualify. I think there are still people out there paying higher premiums than necessary," said Cable.

Cable explained that the primary guideline for a level 6 rating is "continuous fire flow" for a fire emergency. The criteria include equipment, manpower, training and the distance to and from water supplies.

"We've worked hard to achieve this," Cable said, "so we want everyone to be aware of it, so they can get the best rates."

By comparison, most areas in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District have an ISO rating of "8," except in the Sisters city limits, where the level is "6." Black Butte Ranch carries an ISO rating of "4."

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Chief, Don Rowe, pointed out that, since the fire insurance business is competitive, residents should not be shy about shopping for rates.

For example, he stated that some companies may give a lower rate for homes that are very close to the city limits, even though they are technically out of town.