The property insurance association of louisiana (PIAL) is a private, NON-profit association made up of ALL insurance companies licensed to write property coverages within the state. Founded by its member companies in 1888, the PIAL has been in continuous operation for 137 years. The PIAL is funded solely by assessments of its member companies and functions in three primary ways: the company grades municipal areas in terms of fire protection (public protection) capabilities for the purpose of fair insurance rating of the graded areas; the PIAL inspects (UPON request of its member companies) ANY commercial building located in the state of louisiana for the purpose of fair pricing of individual risks; and the PIAL files advisory rates and forms for property coverages in the state, subject to review and approval of the louisiana department of insurance.