Understanding WSRB Protection Class Ratings and Their Impact on Property Insurance in Lewis County, WA
In Washington State, the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (WSRB) is responsible for evaluation fire protection capabilities in communities and assigning Protection Class (PC) ratings. These ratings are a key factor insurance companies use to determine fire insurance for residents and commercial properties.
What is a Protection Class Rating?
A Protection Class rating is a number from 1 to 10, with 1 representing superior fire protection and 10 indicating minimal or no recognized fire protection. The rating is based on several factors, including:
Fire department staffing and training
Availability and distribution of water supply for firefighting
Emergency communications and dispatch capabilities
Fire department response times and apparatus readiness
Fire prevention and public safety programs
How Protection Class Ratings Affect Insurance
Insurance providers use the PC rating for a specific property location to help determine the risk of fire loss—and therefore, the insurance premium. In general, properties located in areas with lower PC ratings (closer to 1) tend to receive lower premiums, as they are perceived to have better access to timely fire protection.
Conversely, higher PC ratings (closer to 10) often result in higher insurance premiums due to limited fire protection infrastructure or longer response times.
Lewis County Fire Protection Class Ratings
In Lewis County, PC ratings vary depending on the location of a property and its proximity to fire stations and water sources. For example:
Urban areas or communities have a staffed fire station with accessible hydrants may fall within Protection Class 4 to 6.
Rural areas or properties outside of five road miles from a recognized fire station or without a sufficient water source for firefighting may be rated as Protection Class 9 or 10.
The five road-mile rule is a significant threshold: properties located more than five miles from a fire station are automatically rated a PC 10, regardless of other mitigating factors.
Why It Matters
For residents and property owners, understanding the WSRB ratings is important not only for evaluating insurance costs but also for community planning and property development. Fire Districts like Lewis County Fire District No. 2 continue to invest in personnel, training, apparatus, and infrastructure to improve service delivery and potentially reduce the PC rating over time—ultimately helping residents save on insurance and feel more secure.
How to Check Your Property’s Protection Class
To find the WSRB Protection Class rating for your property, contact your local fire district or visit the WSRB website. It’s also a good idea to consult with your insurance provider to understand how the rating impacts your premiums and what measurers—like adding sprinklers or improving access—might lower your costs.
Helpful Resources:
Lewis County Fire District No. 2 WSRB - Protection Class Report