Last reviewed: October 2026.
About McGriff-Williams
What does “independent insurance agency” mean?
An independent agency isn’t owned by or tied to one insurance company. We’re appointed with multiple insurance companies, so we can compare coverage and price from several of them for you. McGriff-Williams Insurance has been an independent agency in Gainesville since 1983.
Do you work with more than one insurance company?
Yes. We compare options from multiple insurance companies for personal and business insurance. Which companies fit depends on your property, your business and what you need covered.
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call us at (352) 371-7977.
Where are you located, and what areas do you serve?
Our office is at 3501 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607. We work with individuals, families and businesses in Gainesville and across Alachua County, including Alachua, Newberry, High Springs and Archer, and throughout North Central and Northeast Florida, including Ocala and Marion County, Jacksonville and St. Augustine. We’re licensed in Florida.
How do I get a quote?
Call (352) 371-7977 or request a quote. A licensed member of our team will review your request and contact you by phone or email. Quotes aren’t instant, because we compare options from multiple insurance companies, and coverage isn’t in place until it’s bound.
Why use an independent insurance agent?
Because one conversation can cover several insurance companies’ options, and you have an agent who can review your coverage with you at renewal and help when you have a claim. We’re local, and we’d rather explain your coverage than just sell it.
Auto FAQs
What is full coverage auto insurance?
There is no such thing as full coverage auto insurance. Each state has different requirements for auto insurance coverage, even if you were to buy the state required coverage that would not mean that you have full coverage.
Most people use the term full coverage to refer to Physical Damage coverage. Physical Damage coverage consists of Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Generally, Collision covers damage to your automobile caused by collision with another object. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your automobile from vandalism, theft or glass breakage. Both Collision and Comprehensive coverage offer many deductible options to choose from.
Does the color of my car make a difference on my auto insurance?
No, the color of your vehicle does not affect your insurance cost at all.
What is the Florida no-fault law (PIP)?
Personal injury protection (PIP) is Florida’s no-fault coverage, and it’s required on vehicles registered in Florida. PIP pays for your own covered injuries no matter who caused the crash, up to $10,000 per person: 80% of reasonable, medically necessary medical bills and 60% of lost gross income. To use PIP medical benefits, you must get initial treatment within 14 days of the crash, and medical benefits are limited to $2,500 unless a qualifying medical provider determines you have an emergency medical condition. PIP also includes a $5,000 death benefit, in addition to the $10,000. Insurance companies must offer PIP deductibles of $250, $500 or $1,000 and an option to exclude lost wages; talk with us before choosing either, since they reduce what PIP pays.
Will my car insurance go down when I turn 25?
Not automatically. Insurance companies consider many things, including age, driving experience, driving record, vehicles and claims history. Premiums often ease gradually as young drivers gain experience and keep a clean record, but there’s no set change at 25, and any change varies by insurance company and by driver.
Why is my car insurance premium different than my friend, family, or neighbor?
Car insurance rates are individually determined, so factors such as age, driving record, credit history, type of vehicle and marital status are considered. Each person’s situation is unique, and car insurance rates will vary because of this.
Will my car insurance cover my stolen items?
Items stolen from your car may not be covered by your auto insurance coverage. However, your renters or homeowners insurance often covers such losses. Auto insurance usually only covers items stolen that are permanently installed by the auto manufacturer. Check all your insurance policies for coverage details so that you know whom to call if a theft occurs.
If I total my car, will the insurance company pay off my loan?
No, the insurance company will settle your accident based on actual cash value. Actual cash value means the cost to replace with new property of like kind and quality, less depreciation. There is also a coverage called Gap Insurance, which many insurance companies offer to add to your auto policy or a separate policy can be purchased. Gap Insurance will cover the difference between what is owed on an automobile and the amount that the insurance company will pay in the event the automobile is totaled.
Why should I consider uninsured motorist coverage?
This coverage can help protect you. It does not give insurance to uninsured vehicles. If you are injured, which is caused by an uninsured driver, your own policy covers medical costs, and other related expenses. Your insurance company will then take action against the responsible driver.
I don’t have many assets, why do I need higher liability limits?
Because a serious accident can lead to a claim or judgment larger than your limits, whatever your assets. Anything above your limits can become your responsibility, and depending on your situation, some wages or future assets could be at risk. Higher liability limits help, and a personal umbrella adds protection above your auto and home liability.
Home Insurance FAQs
Does my home insurance cover flood?
Usually not. Standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. Flood coverage is usually bought as a separate policy, from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurance company, and some homeowners policies can add it by endorsement. Most new flood policies have a waiting period, so it’s worth looking at before you need it. Flood insurance in Florida.
Can I buy flood insurance online?
For National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies, yes. Since October 20, 2026, for properties in participating NFIP communities, FEMA lets you get a quote at FloodSmart.gov and then buy the policy online or through an insurance agent. Private flood insurance is a separate option, and we can compare it with you. New NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, with some exceptions, such as coverage bought when you close on a mortgage. Private flood waiting periods vary by company.
Is my jewelry covered in the event of a home burglary?
There are limits on the amount of coverage you can receive for valuables such as jewelry. Many homeowners policies have a special limit for theft of jewelry, watches and furs, often around $1,500 to $2,500, and it varies by policy and form. If your jewelry is worth more than that limit, ask us about scheduling it on your policy for its appraised value. Scheduled items aren’t subject to that theft limit, and, depending on the endorsement, scheduling may also cover losses the base policy doesn’t, such as a lost ring.
Is my home in a flood zone?
Every property is in a FEMA flood zone; the zones differ by risk. If your home is in a high-risk zone (a Special Flood Hazard Area, zones starting with A or V) and your mortgage comes from a federally regulated lender, such as most banks and credit unions, or is backed by a federal program, your lender must require flood insurance. The minimum is the lesser of your loan balance, the most the National Flood Insurance Program offers for your type of building ($250,000 for a home) or the building’s insurable value. Lenders can require more, and they can require flood insurance outside high-risk zones too. Flooding also happens outside high-risk zones, so it’s worth considering wherever you live. Look up your zone at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, or see our flood guides.
When determining my home insurance dwelling coverage, should I use the purchase price of the home?
A common mistake when homeowners are getting home insurance quotes for their home insurance is that they use the purchase price of their home to determine their dwelling value. The purchase price of your home includes the land under the home as well as market conditions. For that reason, your dwelling coverage should always reflect the replacement cost of your home or how much it would cost to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss.
Do I have to carry home insurance on my home?
If you have a mortgage, your lender will require homeowners insurance for as long as it holds the loan. If you own your home outright, Florida law doesn’t require homeowners insurance, but you’d be paying for any damage or liability claim yourself.
Is mold damage covered on my home insurance?
Mold is usually covered only when it results from a covered loss, such as a sudden pipe burst, and then only up to a set limit. In Florida that limit is commonly $10,000, and some policies let you buy more. Mold from long-term leaks, humidity or lack of maintenance is generally not covered, and some policies exclude mold entirely.
If a tree falls on my property, does my home insurance automatically cover it?
It depends on why the tree fell and what it hit. If a covered peril, such as wind, knocks a tree onto your home or another covered structure, your policy generally covers the damage to the structure, minus your deductible (your hurricane deductible applies if a hurricane caused it). It also covers removing the tree, usually up to a set limit, often around $500 per tree and $1,000 per loss. If a tree falls in your yard without hitting a covered structure, removal generally isn’t covered, though some policies pay a limited amount if it blocks your driveway or a ramp for a person with a disability. Coverage for the trees themselves is limited and usually doesn’t include wind. Limits vary by policy.
Does my home insurance cover liability caused by my dog?
Many Florida homeowners policies don’t cover injuries caused by your pets unless you add an animal liability endorsement. When that coverage is added, it usually has its own lower limit, often something like $25,000 or $50,000, rather than your full liability limit. Florida law (s. 767.04) generally holds dog owners responsible for bites, so if you have a dog, ask us to review your policy and your options for animal liability coverage.
I’m only renting. Do I really need insurance?
Your landlord’s policy covers the building, not your belongings or your liability. Renters insurance helps protect your belongings from covered losses and provides liability coverage if you’re found responsible for someone’s injury or property damage.
Are all home insurance policies the same?
No, each insurance policy is different. The policy can vary based on what type of policy and what company the insurance is with. Be sure to consult with an insurance agent to see if your insurance is based on your specific needs.
*While these myths & FAQs tend to be true, each situation is unique and should be examined on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please consult your insurance policy or discuss with your insurance agent.
