Mobile fire insurance premiums may rise

By: Associated Press | Alabama's13.com
Published: March 17, 2010

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MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - Mobile's fire-rescue chief says a downgrade in fire protection rating is likely to boost insurance premiums the most for homeowners just outside the city limits.

Fire-Rescue Chief Steve Dean said Tuesday that while city residents also could see their premiums rise, the biggest change should be in Mobile's extended fire jurisdiction. That area extends up to 3 miles outside the city.

Mobile this week announced the downgrade by the Insurance Service Office, a research company.

Many insurance companies use the rating when setting insurance premiums.

The ISO downgraded the fire rating inside the city from 3 to 4 on a 10-point scale.

In the extended jurisdiction, the rating dropped to a 5 in most areas, and to a 9 or 10 in more remote sections.