Insurance Journal Forums

Hi Everyone,

I'm kind new to Commercial Insurance and need your advice.
When I run a quote for property or BOP I'm always asked for building type and protection class.

Insureds usually not sure about the building type when they don't own the building. Especially they can't know the protection class.
Can you recommend me a source where I can I find this info? How do you usually get this kind of info? Is there any website or catalog?

I appreciate any advice,

Thanks
Shemeshka

If your office has a subscription to Silverplume, you will find all the industry infomation you need there including protection class codes, GL codes, recommended coverages for specific risks, etc. It's an invaluable tool!

Regarding building type info, try the county assessor's office for the county the risk is located in. Many county assessor's have an online service that you can search. Some are free of charge some are not. For the ones that are not, you can call them directly, give them the address and they will give you the info they have on file.

Hope this helps!

shemeshka, you came to the right place to ask for help. Ok Buildings in the USA, prior to 1990 80% are framed buildings. Built with lumber 2x4 or 2x6 construction and maybe ext. stucco walls. And yes some are cinder block. The realtor selling the building will have and apprisal report that will tell all.
You can find protection classes or fire rating on several insurance webb sites.
http://www.jebrown.net Pacific Specialty Ins http://www.mcgrawgroup.com If you guys have FSC or email a Zip code to me California, I can will help
The bottom line, you need to know if there is a city fire dept within 5 miles. You should be safe with 2 to 5 protection class. When rating buildings this will effect the rate. dam i'm cool

Protection classes are provided and maintained by ISO - Insurance Services Office, Inc. their website is http://www.iso.com.

The product you need from them is the Community Mitigation Classification Manual. It provides the protection class and rate territory.

ISO does building reports as well but they cost about $37 per look up so I do not recommend that as a good use of your money.

I get the hard copy of the CMC manual for Michigan and it is about $100 per year.

Good Luck!

MI INS Guy

Thank you guys for your help!

Shemeshka

If you want to know what the place looks like, use the Fastsnap photo service (http://www.fastsnap.com). They have a network of photographers in 8 states and you can send someone to the property to get a set of digital photos. Then you can see for yourself. They're cheap and fast!

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