Markel Auto Insurance Review for 2024 (See if They’re a Good Fit)

Markel auto insurance covers classic and high-value vehicles, starting at $54 monthly. This Markel auto insurance review details their unique classic car insurance program, which safeguards restored or collector vehicles with specialized protection unavailable from standard insurers.

UPDATED: Nov 21, 2024Fact Checked

Laura Kuhl

Insurance Content Team Lead

Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ow...

Insurance Content Team Lead

Jeff Root

Licensed Insurance Agent

Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Nov 21, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

UPDATED: Nov 21, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Nov 21, 2024Fact Checked
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Markel Auto Insurance

Average Monthly Rate For Good Drivers

$54

A.M. Best Rating:

A+

Complaint Level:

Low

Pros

  • Specialized coverage for classic and high-value vehicles
  • Customizable policies tailored to niche insurance needs
  • Convenient online portal for managing policies and payments
  • Financially stable with expertise in unique insurance risks

Cons

  • Standard auto insurance options are not widely available
  • Some customer complaints about billing and service issues
  • Certain policies require inspections before issuing coverage
[su_box title="Things to Remember..." style="default”]
  • Markel Corp. is considered a first-class provider of specialty insurance products
  • Markel provides auto insurance for classic and extremely high-value vehicles
  • Customers can find a quote tool on the individual subsidiary sites do offer online quote tools
[/su_box] Research for this Markel auto insurance review led to a Virginia-based company. Markel Corp. is an international property and casualty company offering a variety of niche insurance products through half a dozen subsidiaries. The company was originally founded in the 1920s by Mr. Sam Markel, who wanted to provide insurance coverage to America's burgeoning transportation industry. Since that industry was still in its infancy, Mr. Markel found himself on the cutting edge of developing insurance products no one had ever dealt with before. Over the course of the next 30 years, Mr. Markel developed the company to provide coverage across the United States and parts of Canada. When he died, his children took over the business and kept it alive. Today Markel Corp. is considered a first-class provider of specialty insurance products. They have continued to diversify and expand their product line through acquisitions and strategic personnel decisions.

This Markel auto insurance review shines a light on the company’s unique services, such as particular coverage for classic and high-value cars.

Markel Auto Insurance Review

Markel is recognized for offering protection to collector cars and rare valuables, providing full safeguards that typical insurance companies may not consider.

They maintain a strong A+ rating from BBB by addressing distinctive requirements through tailored programs and specialized underwriting.

Markel Auto Insurance Rating

Rating CriteriaScore
Business Reviews5
Claim Processing4.6
Company Reputation4
Coverage Availability5
Coverage Value4.8
Customer Satisfaction1.8
Digital Experience3.5
Discounts Available4.3
Insurance Cost4.5
Plan Personalization4
Policy Options5
Savings Potential4.5
Insurance Rating4.4

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Their traditional car insurance plan is very noticeable, offering protection specially designed for reclaimed and collector’s cars. Markel’s dependability and emphasis on unique insurance make it a dependable alternative for particular markets. You can start comparing auto insurance rates side-by-side by entering your ZIP code above.

Things to remember

  • Markel auto insurance earns a solid 4.4 rating for coverage
  • Specialized programs for classic and high-value vehicles
  • Reliable protection with tailored options for unique needs

What You Should Know About Markel American Insurance Company

As a general rule, Markel Service, Inc. receives fairly good reviews from customers who are willing to post to independent review sites. Those who like the company tend to remark that Markel was the only place to find specialty insurance for their niche needs.

Provider Screenshot: Markel Auto Insurance Review

Most notable were those searching for coverage for their scooters in areas where standard auto insurance was inadequate. Common complaints include things like poor billing practices and less-than-desirable customer service. Explore the specifics of what standard auto insurance covers in your policy.

Markel Corp. is a member of the Virginia Better Business Bureau and currently has a rating of A+.

According to the BBB, they have received a total of six complaints within the last three years; two of them occurred within the last 12 months. All complaints were closed after Markel Assurance demonstrated that they were addressed to the customer’s satisfaction. Of the six complaints, two were in relation to advertising and sales while the other four were concerned a product or service the company provides.

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Markel American Insurance Company Insurance Rates Breakdown

Customers will not find a quote tool, or any references to quotes for that matter, on the Markel Corporation website. However, the individual subsidiary sites do offer online quote tools. Markel American, for example, allows you to begin the quote process by clicking a button located strategically in the right column of their main page.

Markel Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level, Age, & Gender

Age & GenderMinimum CoverageFull Coverage
Age: 16 Female$280$620
Age: 16 Male$315$680
Age: 18 Female$220$520
Age: 18 Male$250$580
Age: 25 Female$140$310
Age: 25 Male$160$350
Age: 30 Female$95$220
Age: 30 Male$105$240
Age: 45 Female$55$125
Age: 45 Male$54$121
Age: 60 Female$60$140
Age: 60 Male$65$145
Age: 65 Female$70$160
Age: 65 Male$75$170

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Like with any quote tool, it is assumed users will need to provide their address and zip code along with pertinent information about the vehicles they want to cover. Quotes for their other insurance covers work similarly on subsidiary sites with embedded quote tools. Of course, interested consumers can always contact the individual subsidiary directly and speak to a representative.

Auto Insurance Rates by ZIP Code Definition Card: Markel Auto Insurance Review

The company also utilizes independent auto insurance agents you can contact for quotes. In some instances, such as classic car insurance, an agent will most likely have to visit your location and do a personal inspection before a quote can be rendered.

The car insurance costs from Markel significantly change depending on the driving record, and they offer reduced premiums for drivers with good records. For those with a clean history, the prices can go as low as $54 for limited coverage, while events such as DUIs could increase full cover rates to $200. The table below shows how much monthly costs vary at different coverage levels based on your driving background.

Read more: What are the recommended auto insurance coverage levels?

Markel Auto Insurance Agents and Locations

Markel Corp. maintains its Virginia headquarters, four regional offices, the Markel American office, and an international office. All these offices’ contact information is freely available on the corporate website. Through their acquisitions over the years, they may also have some local offices scattered around the country, even though their website doesn’t list any.

While Markel works directly with customers regarding selling and servicing policies, it also has a network of independent brokers nationwide.

There are brokers in every state, so you should be able to find one in your area.

Markel’s website makes finding a local broker easy with an interactive map showing all 50 states. Customers click on their state and wait a few seconds for the website to return a complete list of names and contact information. In more rural areas, you may not find a local broker in your immediate vicinity, but you should be able to find one within a reasonable distance.

Markel Insurance is a reputable insurance provider known for its strong financial stability and customer service. Here is some basic information about them:

  • Markel Insurance Company Address: 4521 Highwoods Parkway Glen Allen, VA 23060
  • Markel Insurance Company Phone Number: 1-800-431-1927
  • Markel Insurance Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-431-1927; choose the option for customer service
  • Markel Motorcycle Insurance Phone Number: 1-800-236-2353
  • Markel Insurance Company A.M. Best Rating: A+
  • Markel Insurance Locations: Markel Insurance operates in multiple locations across the United States

Markel’s offices are located in America and internationally. Markel Insurance even operates in Hawaii. Markel’s Corporate Headquarters, located in Richmond, Virginia, oversees its diverse insurance offerings. Markel has offices across the United States and globally, supporting their wide-ranging clientele.

Markel American Insurance Company Insurance Coverage Options

Markel Corp. doesn’t provide standard auto insurance in the same vein as some national auto insurance companies you see on television. Being a specialty and niche provider, their auto insurance is for classic and highly high-value vehicles. Learn how classic car insurance protects restored collector cars.

For example, if you had restored a classic Ford Hudson to the point where it became extremely valuable on the collector’s market, your standard auto policy wouldn’t do you much good. But Markel will write a policy that covers not only accidents and deaths but also any other possible circumstance that can result in the loss of the vehicle.

Drivers with clean records can secure Markel auto insurance for as low as $54 monthly, making it highly competitive.

Jeff Root Licensed Insurance Agent

Markel auto insurance provides many kinds of coverage to fit drivers’ and car owners’ needs. Each choice is made for particular risks, so you get protection from usual problems and surprising events.

Markel Auto Insurance Coverage Options

CoverageDescription
CollisionRepairs your car post-collision
ComprehensiveCovers non-collision incidents
Custom EquipmentProtects vehicle modifications
GAPPays off vehicle loans
LiabilityCovers damages to others
Medical PaymentsPays for medical expenses
Rental ReimbursementCovers rental car costs
Roadside AssistanceHelps during breakdowns
Uninsured MotoristProtects against uninsured drivers

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The table shows what Markel offers, such as collision coverage that helps fix vehicles after crashes and comprehensive protection for things like theft or weather damage. For people with special modifications to their vehicles, the custom equipment coverage protects these changes from loss or damage.

Liability Insurance Definition Card: Markel Auto Insurance Review

GAP coverage is very helpful for drivers who still owe money on their car loans, as it pays the remaining amount if the car gets totaled. Other choices like rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and uninsured motorist protection make things easier and give peace of mind by dealing with various problems that might happen while driving.

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Markel Auto Insurance: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks

Markel Auto Insurance is different because it has many kinds of insurance plans and special coverages that fit various needs. The company offers strong personal and business insurance choices, which makes it a good option for people who want flexible protection.

Pros

  • Wide Coverage Options: Provides liability, full coverage, collision, and comprehensive plans.
  • Added Protections: Includes uninsured motorist and personal injury coverage.
  • Enhanced Services: Roadside assistance is available as an optional add-on.
  • Business Insurance: Offers several of personal and business policy types.

Markel’s variety in coverage options and extra advantages make it attractive for both personal as well as business policyholders.

Cons

  • Accreditation Issues: The company is not accredited by J.D. Power.
  • Limited Information: Few details are available online about auto insurance policies.
  • Feedback Gaps: Lacks substantial customer reviews or public feedback on services.

Markel has a lot of different coverage options, which is good. But sometimes it can be hard to find information or read public reviews about them. This might make some people not want to choose Markel. Explore steps on how to check if an auto insurance company is legitimate online.

Assessing Markel’s Unique Insurance Programs

Markel Auto Insurance is a good choice for special markets, especially for people who own classic or high-value cars and need specific coverage. Even though it has many different coverage choices, like liability and uninsured motorist property damage coverage, which make it interesting to lots of people, the less clear details and not much customer feedback might worry some.

Markel Insurance Business Ratings & Consumer Reviews

AgencyMarkel: Markel Auto Insurance Review for 2024 (See if They’re a Good Fit)
Score: A+
Excellent Business Practices
Consumer Reports TablePress LogoScore: 80/100
Positive Customer Feedback
Score: 0.41
Fewer Complaints Than Avg.
A.M. BestScore: A+
Excellent Financial Strength

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But for drivers who need special insurance types, Markel’s custom-made plans and strong financial status give it a solid position in the unique insurance market. If you’re just looking for coverage to drive legally, enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap auto insurance quotes near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Markel a good insurance company?

Markel is a highly reputable insurance company with strong financial ratings and a focus on niche insurance markets, earning positive customer reviews. Find out how this Markel auto insurance review rates its comprehensive coverage.

What is the Markel Specialty Insurance Company?

The Markel Specialty Insurance Company offers tailored insurance for niche needs, such as specialty vehicles, equine coverage, and small businesses.

What is the rating of the Markel Insurance Company?

The Markel Insurance Company has an A+ rating from the Virginia Better Business Bureau and excellent financial stability ratings from A.M. Best. Find your cheapest auto insurance quotes by entering your ZIP code below into our free comparison tool.

What does Markel ATV insurance cover?

Markel ATV insurance includes liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and optional roadside assistance for all-terrain vehicles.

What does a Markel motorcycle insurance review reveal?

A Markel motorcycle insurance review highlights competitive premiums, extensive coverage options, and add-ons like roadside assistance. Discover the best motorcycle insurance discounts available today.

What do reviews say about Markel umbrella insurance?

Reviews for Markel umbrella insurance emphasize added liability protection, competitive pricing, and suitability for high-net-worth individuals.

What coverage does Markel business insurance offer?

Markel business insurance provides general liability, professional liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance for businesses of all sizes.

How do I access the Markel boat insurance login?

The Markel boat insurance login is available on their website, enabling policyholders to manage accounts, make payments, and view policy details.

What are Markel’s personal lines policies?

Markel personal lines policies include specialty insurance for homes, vehicles, boats, and unique assets like collector cars. Understand the essential types of auto insurance and their benefits.

What does Markel renters insurance include?

Markel renters insurance covers personal belongings from theft, fire, and damage, as well as liability coverage for accidents in your rental home.

What is the phone number of Markel horse insurance?

The phone number for Markel horse insurance customer service is listed on their website and is typically accessible through the equine insurance section.

How do I pay my bill for Markel equine insurance?

You can pay your Markel equine insurance bill online through the Markel website or contact their customer service for assistance with payment.

Where is Markel Corporation in Richmond, VA located?

Markel Corporation’s headquarters are located in Richmond, VA, serving as the center for their operations and insurance services. Find top-rated providers offering the best auto insurance in Richmond, Virginia.

What is the Markel Insurance Company A.M. Best rating?

Markel Insurance Company has an excellent financial strength rating of A+ (Excellent) from A.M. Best, reflecting its stability and reliability.

What do Markel wedding insurance reviews say?

Markel wedding insurance reviews praise its affordable rates and coverage for event cancellations, damages, and liability during weddings.

What does Markel commercial insurance cover?

Markel commercial insurance includes coverage for general liability, property insurance, professional liability, and workers’ compensation.

How do I contact Markel Insurance customer service?

Markel Insurance customer service can be reached via phone or email, with details available on the Markel website for specific departments. Explore options on where to buy auto insurance online securely.

What does Markel’s special event insurance include?

Markel special event insurance covers liability for accidents, property damage, and cancellations during private or public events.

What do Markel bike insurance reviews reveal?

Markel bike insurance reviews highlight comprehensive coverage, competitive pricing, and optional add-ons like roadside assistance.

What is included in Markel’s general liability insurance?

Markel general liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and associated legal expenses for businesses. Explore your auto insurance options by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool below today.

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Laura Kuhl

Insurance Content Team Lead

Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. In 2018, she started writing for the cannabis industry. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business ow...

Insurance Content Team Lead

Jeff Root

Licensed Insurance Agent

Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

Reviews
for Markel American Insurance Company

1.83 (17 reviews)
1
November 25, 2020

cruz5759

Terrible Experience; Deceptive Trade Practices; Stay Away

I own a 2005 Sea Ray. I have an insurance policy through the issuing company Markel American Insurance Company. About two months ago, saltwater got into the engine in the boat and caused it to seize up and stop functioning. The main reason that I got insurance through this company is because they advertise that their policy does not have mechanical breakdown exclusion. Even on the website, there is an example: "Mechanical Breakdown Inboard ...
I own a 2005 Sea Ray. I have an insurance policy through the issuing company Markel American Insurance Company. About two months ago, saltwater got into the engine in the boat and caused it to seize up and stop functioning. The main reason that I got insurance through this company is because they advertise that their policy does not have mechanical breakdown exclusion. Even on the website, there is an example: "Mechanical Breakdown Inboard cylinder engine. Evidence of water intrusion in 2 cylinders. This engine is raw-water cooled. Saltwater circulating through the engine caused corrosion creating holes in the valve guide bores. A close up below of the corrosion: If your policy excludes machinery breakdown chances are you could be paying for a new engine out of your own pocket. Unlike most, our policy does not have mechanical breakdown exclusion. " At this point, the insurance company has sent us a formal letter denying our claim and refusing to pay anything. They first tried to say that the damage was caused by faulty manifolds and risers and that they need to be replaced every 5-6 years and that they would be denying our claim. They never even bothered to ask if we had replaced them recently. We in fact had replaced them about 3 years ago and we sent them a document showing this. Then they said they would reexamine the case, but after a while, they still decided to deny our claim and basically cited "corrosion" as the reason, even though in their advertising in the example above, it clearly shows that this is something they will cover. The way they advertise their coverage on the website clearly suggests that our case is something they would cover. However they are refusing to do so and to me this is a plain case of deceptive trade practices and false advertising. Also, the senior claims examiner failed to return multiple calls and messages from both myself as well as my mechanic. Terrible experience with this company. I would advise to stay away from them and to not trust their advertising.
1
June 10, 2020

HonestReviewer1977

SCAMMERS MONEY HUNGRY PIGS

STAY AWAY. They only want your money and premiums increases every year for no reason. Difficult to receive money from this scamming company after an accident.
1
March 30, 2020

Stuartrich

Horrible experience with claim

Wast of money. Price of insurance was not bad but once u make a claim they will try to make u feel like a liar and do anything they can to not pay. Horrible experience
2
September 25, 2019

STststs

Not for me.

Had motorcycle insurance with Markel for the past year. When renewal came up, I was shocked, premium went up 27%, no accidents, claims or tickets, riding about 3k miles a year. Are they kidding, how can they stay in business, I could easily stay with them if the rates would be the same but...went with another insurance, way, way cheaper and same limits. I guess Markel does NOT want my $$$ and that's OK, there are hundreds of companies to insure w...
Had motorcycle insurance with Markel for the past year. When renewal came up, I was shocked, premium went up 27%, no accidents, claims or tickets, riding about 3k miles a year. Are they kidding, how can they stay in business, I could easily stay with them if the rates would be the same but...went with another insurance, way, way cheaper and same limits. I guess Markel does NOT want my $$$ and that's OK, there are hundreds of companies to insure with. So, maybe you're OK with Markel, just watch your premium go through the roof when renewal comes up.
5
January 9, 2019

James2220

Great

Great insurance gets to you as soon as you need help. Also has great insurance deals for the policies and great pricing.
1
September 26, 2018

Nikkidd

I would not expect them to cover you without a fight

Great price compared to Progressive, Geico, and many others, pretty easy application on line, bad at paying claims and making you feel like a liar. I am going on 40 days still waiting to see if my claim is going to be accepted or denied and this is after they have interviewed me and witnesses and companies not even involved.
4.5
May 29, 2017

okaywilldo

Yep Yepp Yepppppppppppppp

It was great! I had a lot of time reviewing the details about this company. It was very very fun. Thanks a lot everyone!
4
January 12, 2017

ekaratzas

Pain free motorcycle coverage

Markel has been easy to work with and they include some good benefits including 24-hr roadside assistance and some decent discounts at certain dealerships.
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