Insurance premiums may go down for Marina homeowners and businesses

One Central Coast city fire department has made big improvements over the past 18 years and it’s benefiting you. We’re finding out that marina’s new fire service rating, means lower insurance rates and maybe new development opportunities.

The Marina Fire Department has recently dealt with a couple of fires at blighted and vacant buildings on the Former Fort Ord. The city said that’s making it harder to attract and keep developers. But the mayor said a new safety rating could possibly change things.

With one being the best and 10 being the worst, Marina Fire said it’s rating with the insurance services office went from a five to a three. That’s about a 37 percent improvement since the city’s last rating in 1996.

“It’s just another indication that marina is not only stable, but it’s improving, whether it be public safety including fire and police, we have a lot of smart growth going on,” said Mayor Bruce Delgado.

Delgado said that means businesses and homeowners could pay less for insurance, because the risk for fire damage is lower.

“It’s probably not a large amount. But the more important thing is that we’ve improved over time,” Delgado said.

Fire Chief Harald Kelley said that could mean blight on the Former Fort Ord could become more attractive to developers, looking a wise investment. Although he recently said water had to be trucked in during two fires because nearby fire hydrants were damaged.

The rating looks at the department’s water supply, handling of calls, staffing, training and equipment like the “jaws of life”. It’s used to cut people out of cars after a crash and has allowed the department to get a higher rating.

Kelley said the department still has room for improvement, as he looks to fill several vacant positions. Homeowners said they’re pleased to hear marina is taking steps in the right direction.

“Better for everybody, better for the city, better for the economy, better for businesses, you know with the university students coming in,” said homeowner Quang Ngo.

The new fire service rating goes into effect starting Oct. 1, 2014. The city said that’s when premiums may drop.