How to Identify Fire Protection Class for Builders Risk

Each month, US Assure Director of Producer Training and Development Mary Stiglic joins us in the studio to address a common question or pain point to help you confidently sell to and service your construction insurance clients.

Read the Video Transcript:

Hi there! 

You caught me in the middle of a baking session. I’m trying to make muffins for a potluck tonight … and it’s not going well. 

Apparently, you have to follow a recipe to the letter if you want to reach Martha Stewart perfection.

Y’know…that actually sounds a lot like today’s topic. When it comes to determining the protection class of your client’s construction project for a Zurich builders risk application, it’s always worth the effort to cross your T’s and dot your I’s.

Protection class is a number assigned to a property, based on its fire risk, a fire department’s suppression capabilities and access to a nearby water supply. This protection class, or PPC, is noted as a score between one, which means you have the best chance at a competitive rate, and 10, which represents the highest risk.

Fire protection class impacts eligibility, as well as coverage capacity and rate for the project. Lower protection classes have more favorable pricing while higher protection classes typically are assigned a higher rate since they’re more likely to incur a total fire loss.

So, how do you locate the correct protection class for the risk?

Well, if you’re submitting an application for the Builders Risk Plan insured by Zurich, we make it easy! 
Based on the property address entered into our online application, our policy issuance portal at usassure.com populates the protection class automatically. 

But what should you do if the system can’t locate the project you’re quoting? This happens from time to time with new business and subdivisions.

One way is to call the local area fire department. They work with ISO, the Insurance Services Office, to determine protection class for the area.

Another way to find that protection class is to access Verisk's ProMetrix System. It may cost a nominal fee.

It’s just that easy … unlike this muffin recipe. How was I supposed to know they meant a teaspoon of baking powder instead of a tablespoon?!?

Oh well… 

‘Til next time.

This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers. Any description of policy provisions is meant to give a broad overview of coverages and does not revise or amend a policy. Refer to the policy coverage form for a complete representation of the scope of coverage, terms, conditions, exclusions and more. The policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Some products may not be available in all states and may only be offered on a non-admitted basis. Product availability is subject to change.