Morgan County residents face homeowners insurance cancellations due to fire station distance

Concerns over homeowners insurance coverage for residents in Croydon, Porterville, and Petersen took center stage at the Morgan County Commission meeting on May 6, 2025. County officials highlighted a troubling trend: four major insurance carriers have begun canceling policies for residents in Croydon due to perceived inadequate fire protection.

The discussion revealed that the county currently has only one fire station, located in Morgan City, which is used as a benchmark by insurance companies to assess risk. Residents in areas farther from this station, such as Croydon, are facing increased challenges in securing coverage. The fire station in Hennifer, which could potentially serve Croydon, is not operational and is primarily used for storage.

Commissioners noted that while neighboring fire districts, such as those in Mountain Green, have not faced similar issues due to their proximity to active fire stations, the lack of recognition of interlocal agreements by insurance companies complicates matters. These agreements allow for mutual aid during emergencies but do not influence insurance assessments.

The urgency of the situation is heightened by the upcoming ISO (Insurance Services Office) renewal, which evaluates fire response capabilities. A favorable ISO rating could lead to lower insurance premiums for all residents within the Morgan County Fire District. The commissioners discussed the potential benefits of establishing satellite fire stations to improve response times and enhance fire protection, which could ultimately stabilize or reduce insurance rates for county residents.

As the county grapples with these insurance challenges, officials are exploring solutions to ensure adequate fire protection and maintain affordable coverage for all residents.