Insurance Services Office Inc. Ratings

Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO) has completed the first countywide survey of Loudoun County's fire suppression services and has assigned new classifications, effective September 1, 2020, which could reduce residential and commercial property insurance rates, provided that properties are within five miles of a fire station.

ISO's Public Protection Classification Program plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. While use of the program is voluntary, most insurers in the United States use the information as part of their decision-making process when evaluating risk, coverage levels and pricing for personal or commercial property insurance.

  1. What is the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and what do they do?
  2. How does the Public Property Classification (PPC) rating work?
  3. What has recently changed with respect to ISO classifications within Loudoun County?
  4. Do the new ratings mean that I will see a reduction in my property insurance premium?
  5. How do I determine the Public Protection Classification for my property?
  6. How does ISO plan to keep up with future improvements to the county’s fire suppression infrastructure?
  7. I see signs for “Dry Hydrants” in rural areas of Loudoun County. What are dry hydrants and does their use improve the Public Property Classification (PPC) ratings?
  8. How can I learn more about installing a dry hydrant and the grant program?