Scope of the Public Protection Classification (PPC) Evaluation

The purpose of an ISO public protection survey is to gather information to determine a numerical rating that insurers use for underwriting and to calculate premiums for fire insurance.

A community's PPC depends on:
  • Fire alarm and communication systems, including telephone systems, telephone lines, staffing, and dispatching systems.
  • The fire department, including equipment, staffing, training, and geographic distribution of fire stations and companies.
  • The water-supply system, including the condition and maintenance of hydrants, and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires
 Illinois Public Protection Class Rating Distribution
  • Princeton�s Public Protection Class: 4
  • 10% of all Illinois ISO rated departments share a PPC of 4.
  • There are very few communities of Princeton's size who meet the protection class 4 requirements.
  • Most IL communities earning this level of protection or better are Chicago Suburbs or have a larger population such as Peoria or Normal.
  • Only about 15% of the nation's communities have earned PPC 4 or better.
Community Benefit of the Public Protection Classification Rating
  • A community's investment in fire control is a proven and proactive mitigation element of future fire losses.
  • Insurance companies use PPC information to help establish fair premiums for fire insurance which generally offer lower premiums in communities with better protection.
  • By offering economic benefits for communities that invest in their firefighting services, the program provides a real incentive for improving and maintaining public fire protection.
  • Statistical data on insurance losses exemplifies the relationship between excellent fire protection and low fire losses.
Public Protection Classes� Effect on Individual Insurance Policies
  • Most all insurance companies, including the larger carriers, use PPC information in one or more of the following ways:
  • Identify opportunities for writing new business
  • Achieve a reasonable awareness of property risks
  • Review loss experience in various rating territories
  • Price policies, offer coverages, and establish deductibles for individual homes and businesses
Public Protection Classes� and Calculation of Insurance Premiums
  • The methodology a company uses to calculate premiums for property insurance may depend on the company's fire-loss experience, underwriting guidelines, and marketing strategy.
  • It is not known how each company incorporates PPC information into its pricing structure, so it's difficult to generalize how an improvement in PPC will affect individual policies.
  • Residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier and review the potential for any reduction in premiums.
Strategic Vision
  • Utilize the suggested improvements provided by the Public Protection Classification report to guide the community fire protection planning process within the City of Princeton.
  • Continue to use the ISO standards in the coming years to guide superior fire suppression planning and delivery within our community.

Click here to view a presentation regarding Princeton's PPC