Southern Pines property owners could see lower insurance premiums as a result of the fire department's improved insurance rating.
Southern Pines Fire Department recently underwent a rigorous inspection by the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal. This inspection typically occurs every five years and has a direct impact on the insurance premiums that property owners pay.
Results of that inspection are turned over to the Insurance Services Office to determine a “Public Protection Classification,” which is published by the office and used by insurance companies to determine insurance rates.
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Southern Pines will be a Class 2 rating within the town limits and a Class 3 in its rural service area within five miles of a fire station, Fire Chief Mike Cameron said.