Building-Code Information

The building code in effect in a community — and the commitment with which the community enforces its code — can have a major effect on losses if a hurricane, earthquake, or other natural disaster strikes.

After Hurricane Katrina, photos taken in Louisiana showed completely destroyed homes in the same area as homes with only moderate damage. Homes with superior construction experienced far less damage.

LOCATION® offers a fast, accurate way to get information on building-code enforcement, including BCEGS codes for both commercial and personal lines, jurisdiction names, and effective years for risk addresses in all states except Idaho, Kansas, and Washington, D.C.

Here's how it works
Through the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS®), ISO collects information on a community's building-code adoption and enforcement practices. We then analyze the data and assign a Building Code Effectiveness Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents the most favorable classification. Insurers can use the information for underwriting and to grant premium credits for buildings constructed in jurisdictions that rigorously enforce the latest revisions of the code.

LOCATION building-code information comes to you as a flat-file database in convenient tab-delimited format. The service is available online or on monthly CDs.

Want to know more?
To find out how you can get LOCATION — or to request more information — contact ISO. You can also call us at 1-800-888-4476.