Holland Volunteer Fire Department Earns Improved ISO Rating, Lowering Insurance Costs

The Holland Volunteer Fire Department has been notified of an improved Insurance Services Office rating following a recent audit, a development that could translate into lower homeowners insurance premiums for residents in and around the small Dubois County community.

The Insurance Services Office, an independent, for-profit organization, evaluates fire protection capabilities on a 100-point scale. Fire departments account for the largest share at 50 points, with factors including equipment, training and personnel. Water systems, assessed on hydrants and testing, contribute 40 points. The Dubois County 9-1-1 Communications Center accounts for the remaining 10 points, making coordinated emergency communications a direct factor in how insurers ultimately price coverage.

Dubois County Commissioners' President Chad Blessinger pointed to the communications center's performance as a standout in the most recent round of evaluations. "Due to strong leadership, a well-trained staff, and quality facilities, their score improved to 9.25 out of a 10 score," Blessinger said. That figure reflects a rise in an essential score tracked for local fire departments and the Dubois County 9-1-1 Communications Center.

Blessinger explained the real-world stakes plainly. "The primary benefit of an improved ISO rating is residents within the county may see a decrease in their home insurance premiums due to the reduced fire risk perceived by insurance companies; essentially, a higher ISO rating signifies better fire protection capacity."

His recognition extended broadly across the county's emergency infrastructure. "I am continually impressed by remarkable individuals who work every day to keep Dubois County a great place to live," he wrote. "The effort they put forth enhances the lives of us all and provides benefits in safety and savings to our pocketbooks. Today I recognize some of these individuals, particularly those who work for our fire departments, with our water systems, and with public safety communications."

The evaluation of Dubois County's twelve fire departments is being conducted in two waves. Six departments were surveyed in 2024, with the remaining six scheduled for assessment in Fall 2025. Each department is scored individually, meaning HVFD's improved rating reflects performance metrics specific to Holland rather than a countywide average. The exact numeric classification Holland received, as well as its previous rating, had not been confirmed as of publication, and comment from HVFD leadership was not available.

Blessinger framed the broader significance as a collective achievement. "Collaborative efforts lead to improvements like this, show we are getting better, and from that, we all benefit. We can be proud of the quality of each community fire department, water supply, and emergency response capabilities."

For Holland homeowners, whether and when insurance carriers will adjust their premiums in response to the updated ISO rating will depend on individual insurers and their review cycles, a question best directed to a local insurance agent.