Updated October 30, 2026.
Comparing home insurance in Marion County is about more than the premium. Two quotes with the same price can pay very differently after a sinkhole claim, a roof claim or a hurricane. This guide walks through what to line up side by side.
1. Start with the same coverage amounts
Make sure each quote uses the same dwelling limit, other structures, personal property and liability limits. The dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, not the purchase price.
2. Compare the deductibles, not only the premium
- Hurricane deductible: usually a percentage of the dwelling limit, such as 2% or 5%.
- All other perils deductible: usually a flat dollar amount for other claims.
- Sinkhole deductible: if sinkhole loss coverage is included, Florida law allows 1%, 2%, 5% or 10% of the dwelling limit.
3. Check sinkhole coverage
Homeowners policies from admitted insurers must cover catastrophic ground cover collapse, but broader sinkhole loss coverage is optional and costs an additional premium. Excess and surplus lines policies don’t have to follow these rules. Much of Marion County has limestone close to the surface, so confirm which one each quote includes. Our Marion County sinkhole coverage guide explains the difference.
4. Look at how the roof is paid
Some policies pay roof claims on a payment schedule based on the roof’s age and type instead of full replacement cost, and schedules vary by insurance company. Our post on roof payment schedules and roof deductibles explains how this works.
5. Confirm replacement cost and law and ordinance coverage
Florida insurers must offer replacement cost coverage and law and ordinance coverage, which helps with the added cost of meeting current building codes after a loss. Law and ordinance coverage can be limited to 25% or 50% of the dwelling limit, and 25% is included unless you reject it in writing. Compare the percentage each quote includes.
6. Ask about wind mitigation credits
If you have a recent wind mitigation inspection, make sure every quote applies it. Florida law requires insurers’ rate filings to include credits for qualifying wind features (section 627.0629). The amount varies by insurance company and by home. Wind mitigation reports matter mainly for homes built in 2001 or earlier. If your newer home has impact rated windows and doors, ask us whether a report would help. The inspection may be at your own cost. McGriff-Williams Insurance doesn’t do wind mitigation inspections.
7. Review the insurance company’s financial strength and claims process
Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation publishes information about insurers licensed in the state. Ask how claims are reported and handled, and whether the company has a local claims presence.
8. Remember flood is separate
Homeowners policies generally exclude flood. In Marion County, nearly half of NFIP flood claims from 1979 through mid 2026 (49%) were on buildings rated in moderate to low risk zones, not high risk zones, according to FEMA’s OpenFEMA claims data as of September 8, 2026. If you need flood coverage, compare it as a separate policy. See our Marion County flood zones guide.
How an independent agency helps
We’re an independent insurance agency in Gainesville, in business since 1983. Florida agency license L055907, held by Lee C. McGriff and Mack Williams Insurance Agency, Inc. A licensed member of our team may be able to compare options from the insurance companies we represent, put quotes side by side and explain the differences. See home insurance in Ocala and Marion County or call (352) 371-7977.
General information, not legal or coverage advice. Coverage depends on the policy issued, its terms and underwriting. Sources checked October 29, 2026. McGriff-Williams Insurance is an independent insurance agency licensed in Florida. We are not affiliated with FEMA or the NFIP. This product uses the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s OpenFEMA API, but is not endorsed by FEMA. The Federal Government or FEMA cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from the Agency’s website(s).
Sources
- Florida Statutes section 627.706: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/627.706
- Florida Statutes section 627.7011: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/627.7011
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: https://floir.gov/
- Florida Statutes section 626.913, surplus lines: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/626.913
- Florida Statutes section 627.0629, wind mitigation discounts: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/627.0629
- FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP claims (data as of Sept. 8, 2026): https://www.fema.gov/api/open/v3/NfipClaims
