MARION COUNTY-

Some residents of Marion County may get a lower home insurance rate, thanks to the Marion County Fire Department.

The insurance services office recently judged all aspects of the fire department and developed a rating of 4/8.

Chief Paul Nevels says it took a 10 year plan to get to this point.

He said they have upgraded their staffing, added new fire hydrants and made sure their employee documentations were in order.

Nevels said the fact that they were rated as one single department instead of individual fire stations, definitely helped their rating.

"If we can also do our best to document everything and get a good rating on our ISO, our insurance services office survey, well if that gives a return to the citizens that's just icing on the cake," said Nevels. 

residents who qualify for a lower insurance rate must live five road miles from a Marion County fire station.

Chief Nevels said homeowners could save anywhere from $80 to $400, depending on the insurance company.

Contact your insurance agency to find out if you qualify for a lower rate.