Amelia-area residents get break on insurance

AMELIA – Taxpayers in St. Mary Parish’s Fire District No. 3 paid for a secondhand ladder truck two years ago. Now the truck might give back something more tangible than peace of mind.
The district has learned from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana that its Public Fire Protection Classification has been upgraded to Class 4 for residential and business insurance policyholders.
That could mean cheaper premiums. Until now, the district’s homes and businesses have paid Class 5 rates.
The district is bounded by Bayou Ramos and Bayou Boeuf. The new rating applies to homes and businesses within seven road miles of a recognized fire station and within 1,000 feet of a hydrant.
The exception will be any property that is rated individually based on special risk or a special need for fire protection.
Fire Chief Carl McAllister attributes the upgrade in rate class to the decision two years ago to buy the ladder truck for nearly $100,000.
“When you’re careful with your money and don’t throw it away on every little new thing that comes along, you can save money,” McAllister said.
Asked why the district needs the ladder truck, McAllister pointed across Lake Palourde Road from the bays where the district’s fire vehicles are parked.
He was pointing to the Amelia Belle Casino, the riverboat that towers over the waterfront there with its three emain decks.
The district also contains at least four two-story apartment complexes, the chief said.
How much of a break residents and merchants will get from the new classification is hard to tell.
Local Allstate Insurance agent Gary Chatagnier said homes and businesses may get what he called a slight reduction in premiums. McAllister said he’s heard that the move from Class 5 to Class 4 is one of the most significant steps on the rating scale.
One thing Chatagnier and the chief agree on: People with fire insurance should check with their agents.
“All of the people who have homeowners insurance should contact their agents and let them know this has happened,” McAllister said.