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1. What is the public protection class (PPC) new rating for New Hanover County Fire Rescue district?

In the Northern and the Southern district the PPC will be a 2.

2. When will the new rating take effect?

The new rating will take effect August 1, 2021.

3. What should property owners do about the new ratings?

We would strongly encourage you to contact your insurance agent to inquire of any potential savings.

The NC Department of Insurance Office of the State Fire Marshal has already advised the NC Rate Bureau, which is in charge of insurance rates on dwellings, of this rate change; but if you need any documentation to provide to your insurance provider, the fire district rating letters are below:

• Northern Fire District Letter (PDF)
• Southern Fire District Letter (PDF)

4. My insurance company won’t recognize the new rating. What can I do?

You may contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 800-546-5664 or 919-807-6750.

5. What prompted this change?

The improved ratings come after a routine inspection was conducted in February 2021 of New Hanover County Fire Rescue by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), as part of a requirement of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS). Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities, and availability of a water source.

The last time the county received a new rating was after its 2012 inspection, when NHCFR received a Class 4 rating.

6. I didn’t locate the answer I was looking for. Where can I find additional information?

You may call New Hanover County Fire Rescue at 910-798-7420.