It is possible to get independant rural fire insurance?

Question

My house is just outside the local fire department zone, and I received a letter from the fire department informing me that I need to pay them nearly $80.00 a month to come the 5 whole miles to my house to put out a fire if one should occur. They kindly informed me that if I do NOT pay this extortion, they will charge me $1000.00 and hour per truck, and $200.00 per hour per fireman, if they respond to a call at my house.

Clearly this is miles above actual cost, and they are simply trying to subsidize new trucks and big screen TV's for their local firehouse.

So back to my question, does anyone know if it's possible to purchase separate insurance just to cover the fire department extortion?

This is in Queen Creek, Arizona if that matters.

Answer 1

It's called "fire department service charge", and is available by endorsement on SOME homeowners policies - but the coverage amount is usually limited to $1,000 per call.

Ask your homeowners agent.

Answer 2

I would check with an elective official in your town and ask if this is standard procedure.   If it is then you must pay, otherwise you may lose your homeowner's insurance.  If not I would contact the Attorney General's Office and file a complaint.