Fire insurance rates are based on a department's rating. Departments are rated into one of ten classes. Class 10 is used for areas without documented fire protection. Class 1 through 6 provide the lowest possible residential rates while commercial rates continue to drop.
The following chart compares annual insurance premiums for a new, wood-frame home valued at $100,000 with smoke detectors in North Carolina.
Rating Agent 1 Agent 2 Agent 3 10 $470 $514 $585 9 $376 $411 $469 8 $353 $384 $438 7 $318 $347 $394 6 $259 $283 $320 5 $259 $283 $320 4 $259 $283 $320 3 $259 $283 $320 2 $259 $283 $320 1 $259 $283 $320