The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is a business that provides statistical and actuarial information to other businesses, primarily insurance companies. The ISO evaluates municipal fire protection and assigns a Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from 1 to 10, where 1 represents the highest level of protection and 10 indicates failure to meet minimum standards.

Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department Achieved an ISO Rating 1 in 2021.

  • Rarity and regional standing — Fewer than 1% of departments nationwide hold ISO 1.
  • ISO Rating 1 reflects a sustained excellence in training, operations, water resources coordination, communications, and community risk reduction. This designation demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting lives, property, and local economic stability.

Why the ISO Rating Matters

  • Benchmark for performance — Provides an objective, nationwide standard to compare fire protection quality.
  • Improvement roadmap — Identifies strengths and gaps for targeted investments in equipment, staffing, training, and water systems.
  • Financial impact for residents — Insurers use PPC scores when setting homeowners’ premiums; a better rating generally helps lower insurance costs.

How the ISO Rating Is Calculated

  • Emergency Communications (10%) — 911 call-taking and dispatch performance.
  • Fire Department (50%) — Staffing, training, company distribution, operations, and response capabilities.
  • Water Supply (40%) — Availability, condition, and maintenance of hydrants and water systems.
  • Community Risk Reduction (Extra Points) — Fire prevention codes, inspections, and public education.

If you are a homeowner in the response area of Bexar-Bulverde Fire Department, use the letter below when you contact your insurance company to discuss the possibility of a new insurance rate.