Fire insurance ratings in most of the South Beach Regional Fire Authority coverage area have improved, and so should your fire insurance rates. But in order to see any savings, homeowners will have to take the initiative and tell their insurance provider.

“South Beach Regional Fire Authority encourages homeowners to contact their insurance companies, to ensure that you are in fact receiving insurance premiums based on the new improved rating,” said Fire Chief Dennis Benn.

The Washington Surveying and Rating Board evaluates fire protection and suppression capabilities in all Washington communities. “By utilizing a grading schedule approved by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the (board) determines the fire protection class capabilities of the Fire District communities,” Benn said. “Protection class ratings are used by insurance companies to help determine fire insurance premiums for properties within the district.”

As explained by Jennifer Durney of Durney Insurance in Hoquiam, ratings range from 1-10, based on factors like personnel, equipment, communications and others.

“A 10 basically means nobody responds,” she said. “A 10 is basically uninsurable,” meaning some companies won’t provide coverage for a property with that low a rating. “Nine is on the edge of that, they can have really high rates.”

Since the ratings were released, Durney has been working with some customers, including businesses in Grayland, which have seen their ratings rise from a 9 to a 6.

“The lower the number the better the rates,” she said. “The rates went down substantially for the fire portions of their insurance. That’s a very good thing and means that the fire departments are doing great and getting better ratings.”

The savings can be substantial, said Durney. Some property owners could be looking at up to a 25% discount in the fire portion of a property policy. The savings can vary from property to property, based on the area and the structure itself, “everything is unique for each house and building.”

“All South Beach communities received improved protection class ratings, except for an area in the eastern portion of Ocosta, due to a reduced number of volunteer firefighters in that area,” said Benn.

In August 2017, the citizens of Ocosta, Westport, rural Westport, Grayland, North Cove and Tokeland voted to combine the region’s separate fire districts into one regional fire authority. The redundancy in equipment and streamlined work between the collective departments have helped lead to the improved ratings for most of the district.

“South Beach Regional Fire Authority is a combination fire department, meaning we rely heavily on volunteer firefighters to deliver the services we provide,” said Benn. “Volunteer members help with all aspects of fire department operations, which bring a tremendous value to the citizens of the South Beach.”

The cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam, for reference, have a rating of about a 5, said Durney.

To take advantage of potential savings, it’s up to each policy holder to tell providers of a change in the rating.

“The companies don’t tell us, they don’t know,” said Durney. It’s important to tell your broker or insurance company directly of the rating improvement.

South Beach RFA has linked the letters and reports on each coverage area on its website, accessible off the home page, www.sbrfa.org, or on the department’s Facebook page.

The lesser protection class rating in eastern Ocosta punctuates the importance for a well-staffed volunteer firefighter force.

“If you live in the areas of Ocosta or within the boundaries of the Regional Fire Authority and want to help your community, we are looking for members to fill all positions,” said Benn. “Volunteer firefighters are essential for improving your fire classification ratings and reducing fire insurance costs.”

More information on volunteering can be found online at www.sbrfa.org, the department’s Facebook page, or by calling the office at 360-268-9832.