COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
Residents served by the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department have something to celebrate.
The department has earned an improved Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification of 4/4X, a significant milestone recognizing years of investment in training, equipment, staffing, emergency communications and ISO evaluates fire protection capabilities in communities nationwide, looking at factors including firefighter training, apparatus and equipment, emergency communications, water supply and operational readiness. The resulting classification is one factor many insurance companies consider when setting premiums for homes and businesses.
Local insurance agent Michael Glick called Bergheim’s improvement — from an ISO 8 to a 4 — a significant accomplishment.
“The department has clearly been doing the right things; investing in equipment, training and maintaining the water supply and firefighting capability needed to protect the community,” Glick said.
He cautioned, however, that ISO is only one piece of today’s insurance picture. Wildfire or “brushline” scores play a large role in the Hill Country, while rising construction costs are also affecting premiums.
As a result, homeowners may see a benefit from the improved ISO rating even if their overall insurance premium does not necessarily decrease The Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office approved the updated classification in August 2025, and it became effective Jan. 1.
( Editor’s note: This affects current and future home insurance renewals.)
For Bergheim residents, the improved 4/4X classification may have a financial benefit. While every insurer uses its own underwriting criteria, some property owners may qualify for lower premiums and are encouraged to contact their insurance agent.
Glick cautioned, however, that ISO is only one piece of today’s insurance picture. Wildfire or “brushline” scores play a large role in the Hill Country, while rising construction costs are also affecting premiums.
As a result, homeowners may see a benefit from the improved ISO rating even if their overall insurance premium does not necessarily decrease Bergheim VFD Chief Adam Hawkins said the new rating wasn’t the result of one new truck, grant or project, but years of improvements throughout the department. Those include strengthened firefighter training, maintenance and testing of apparatus and equipment, better water supply information and record-keeping, and close coordination with Kendall County Emergency Communications.
The department has also expanded its parttime firefighter program, improved daytime response while continuing to recruit and retain its volunteer workforce.
The Kendall County Commissioners Court continues to support the Bergheim VFD because investments in training, equipment and staffing translate directly into stronger public safety. This improved rating is tangible evidence that those investments are making a difference.
And Bergheim isn’t finished. Department leaders continue working toward reliable 24/ 7 staffing, recruiting and training firefighters and EMS providers, replacing aging apparatus and investing in technology, communications and firefighter safety.
Importantly, several improvements — including the expanded part-time firefighter program — came after the ISO evaluation and were not reflected in the new 4/4X classification.
Those enhancements may be considered in future evaluations.
I f your home or business is served by Bergheim VFD, contact your insurance carrier and ask whether the new ISO 4/4X classification affects your property insurance premium.
For more information, visit the Texas Department of Insurance’s Public Protection Classification FAQs.
Wisian is the Kendall County Precinct 2 commissioner.
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