Markel American Review & Ratings (2024)

Gain valuable insurance insights and unbiased information through our comprehensive Markel American Review. Explore the pros and cons, claims process, and customer experiences. Stay informed to make confident decisions about your insurance needs. With our trusted resource, you can navigate the complex world of insurance with ease and find the right solutions for your unique circumstances.

UPDATED: Nov 22, 2023Fact Checked

Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tim Bain

Founder & Life Insurance Agent

Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance.  His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada. 

Founder & Life Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Nov 22, 2023

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 insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above 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 insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

UPDATED: Nov 22, 2023

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 insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.

Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.

UPDATED: Nov 22, 2023Fact Checked
1.8
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Markel American Insurance

Average monthly rate for good drivers:

N/A

A.M. Best rating:

A

Complaint level:

Low

Pros

  • Specialized coverage for collectors and enthusiasts, particularly for classic and antique cars.
  • Diverse insurance products, including coverage for motorcycles, boats, homeowners, and umbrella insurance.
  • Long-standing history since 1930, demonstrating stability and experience in niche markets.
  • Customer-friendly mobile app with features for claims filing and policy management.
  • Positive customer feedback on personalized service and claims resolutions.
  • Competitive discounts, including multi-vehicle, anti-theft device, safe driver, pay in full, and collector club discounts.

Cons

  • Higher-than-average pricing due to the specialized nature of coverage.
  • Limited availability of discounts for certain policy types or in specific states.
  • Occasional customer complaints about claims handling or billing issues.
  • Negative feedback on the cost of insurance policies.
  • Limited product offerings compared to standard insurance providers.
  • Some negative reviews regarding claims processing and billing.
  • Complaints reported to BBB and NAIC, indicating occasional customer dissatisfaction.

Final Verdict: Review of Markel American Insurance

Markel American Insurance, founded in 1930, specializes in providing niche insurance coverage for collectors and enthusiasts, with a primary focus on classic and antique cars, motorcycles, boats, homeowners, and umbrella insurance. The company emphasizes personalized service and offers customizable policies to meet the unique needs and risks of high-value assets.

Markel American provides a range of coverage options, including liability, collision, comprehensive coverage, and additional features like disappearing deductible, accident forgiveness, auto glass repair program, and driving analysis through DriveAdvisor and TeenSMART programs.

While the cost of insurance may be higher due to its specialization, Markel American offers discounts such as multi-vehicle, anti-theft device, safe driver, pay in full, and collector club discounts. The company operates in numerous states and has received positive customer feedback for its efficient claims processing, tech-forward approach with a user-friendly mobile app, and digital tools and resources.

Despite some customer complaints, Markel American is recognized for its commitment to delivering reliable and responsive service to collectors and enthusiasts.

What You Should Know About Markel American Insurance Company

Welcome to our comprehensive Markel American Review, where we delve into the essential aspects of Markel American insurance, providing you with valuable insights and information. We cover a range of topics to help you make informed decisions about your insurance needs. We examine the pros and cons of Markel American insurance  and highlight real customer experiences.

Our unbiased analysis aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to protect what matters most to you. Now, take the next step towards securing the right insurance coverage by entering your zip code below. Compare rates from the top insurance providers in your area and find the best match for your specific requirements.

Markel American Insurance Company Insurance Coverage Options

Markel American Insurance specializes in providing coverage tailored to the unique needs of collectors and enthusiasts, with a primary focus on high-value assets such as classic and antique cars, motorcycles, boats, homeowners, and umbrella insurance.

The company offers a range of coverage options to ensure comprehensive protection for these specialty assets. Here are the coverage options provided by Markel American:

  • Classic and Antique Car Insurance: Tailored coverage for classic and antique cars, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
  • Motorcycle Insurance: Coverage for various motorcycle types, including cruisers, touring bikes, and sports bikes, with options like liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
  • Boat Insurance: Protection for watercraft, such as sailboats, powerboats, and personal watercraft, offering liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
  • Homeowners Insurance: Tailored homeowners insurance for collectors and enthusiasts, including coverage for personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.
  • Umbrella Insurance: Additional liability coverage beyond primary insurance policies, crucial for protecting high-value assets.

Markel American’s coverage options cater to the specific risks and requirements associated with these unique assets, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind for their policyholders.

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Markel American Insurance Company Discounts Available

Markel American Insurance offers various discounts to provide cost-saving opportunities for policyholders. These discounts are designed to make insurance coverage more affordable for collectors and enthusiasts. Here is a list of discounts available from Markel American:

  • Multi-vehicle discount: Qualify for savings when insuring more than one vehicle with Markel American.
  • Anti-theft device discount: Install anti-theft devices, such as alarms or immobilizers, to receive a discount on insurance premiums.
  • Safe driver discount: Maintain a good driving record with no accidents or violations to be eligible for a safe driver discount.
  • Pay in full discount: Receive a discount on overall insurance costs by paying the annual premium in full.
  • Collector club discount: Members of certain collector car clubs or associations may qualify for a discount on insurance premiums.

Markel American Insurance’s commitment to offering discounts acknowledges the distinct needs of collectors and enthusiasts. These cost-saving opportunities not only make insurance coverage more affordable but also reflect the company’s dedication to supporting and valuing its customers.

How Markel American Insurance Company Ranks Among Providers

Markel American Insurance operates in a niche market, providing specialized coverage for collectors and enthusiasts. While the company caters to unique needs, it faces competition from other insurers offering similar coverage. Here are some of Markel American’s main competitors:

  • Hagerty Insurance: Specializes in classic car insurance and is known for tailored coverage options for vintage and collector vehicles.
  • Grundy Worldwide: Offers specialized coverage for classic cars, motorcycles, and other collector vehicles with a focus on agreed value policies.
  • Chubb Collector Car Insurance: Provides insurance solutions for high-value collector cars, offering comprehensive coverage and personalized service.
  • American Modern Insurance: Offers coverage for classic cars, motorcycles, and other collector vehicles, with customizable policies to meet unique needs.
  • Condon Skelly: Specializes in classic car insurance, providing coverage options for various types of collector and vintage vehicles.

In the niche market of collector and enthusiast insurance, Markel American faces competition from insurers like Hagerty, Grundy Worldwide, Chubb Collector Car Insurance, American Modern Insurance, and Condon Skelly. Each competitor brings its own strengths and tailored coverage options, making it essential for consumers to explore and compare policies to find the best fit for their unique needs and valuable assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Markel American Insurance Company?

Markel American Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, a diversified financial holding company that offers various insurance products, including life insurance.

What types of life insurance policies does Markel American offer?

Markel American offers both term and permanent life insurance policies./.

What is term life insurance?

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, typically 10 to 30 years, and pays a death benefit if the policyholder dies during the term. If the policyholder outlives the term, the policy expires and no benefits are paid.

What is permanent life insurance?

Permanent life insurance provides coverage for the entire life of the policyholder and includes a savings component that can accumulate cash value over time. There are different types of permanent life insurance policies, including whole life, universal life, and variable life.

What is the underwriting process for life insurance with Markel American?

Markel American uses a thorough underwriting process that involves reviewing the applicant’s medical history, lifestyle, and other factors to determine their insurability and premium rates.

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Brandon Frady

Licensed Insurance Agent

Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Tim Bain

Founder & Life Insurance Agent

Tim Bain is a licensed life insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with term life insurance.  His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada. 

Founder & Life Insurance Agent

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