Property owners in South Lyon may see a drop in their insurance rates due to an improved fire service rating for the local fire department.

The rating from the Insurance Services Office, or ISO, will improve from a 5 to 3 effective December 1st. The lower the rating, the better the score, which will place South Lyon in the top 1% of communities across the state. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy told the South Lyon Herald that he is estimated there will be a 15 to 20% insurance premium reduction as a result.

ISO ratings are determined by factors rated across three components; the fire department, water system and 911 communications. Since the last ISO audit, the South Lyon Fire Department has made improvements to staffing, training, equipment and apparatus. Chief Kennedy also said the 2014 Drinking Water Revolving Fund grant project that replaced water mains and improved hydrant distribution downtown had a significant impact on the reduction. He recommended property owners check with their individual insurance providers about a reduction in premiums based on the improved ISO rating. (JK)