By By Lisa Tindell
Recent changes in fire-related ratings for the City of Atmore will cause homeowners to see a slight change in homeowner’s insurance premiums according to local insurance providers.
The city’s current rating with the Insurance Services Organization is Class 5, dropping from a Class 4 in recent weeks.
Allen Walston, an agent representing Alfa Insurance, said the change in premiums for homeowners may not amount to much of an increase, but some change could be seen as a result of the ISO rating change.
Walston said he recently discovered an increase of about $40 per year on a policy written with the new ISO rating in effect.
Walston said residents in Atmore could help themselves by supporting the fire department as much as possible.
Walston said although the ISO rating has made a difference in homeowner insurance premiums, other factors also change premium amounts as well.
Walston said other factors to consider if premium costs increase for homeowners includes credit rating, the type of home, the year of construction, the quality of the home and other factors.
Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said the deficiencies responsible for the change in ratings are already being corrected.
Shell said although several areas in the city need attention, work is being done to bring those deficiencies into compliance.
Ratings can be changed as soon as deficiencies are corrected, Shell said.