Markel Essex began in 1980, almost a half-century after its parent, Markel Corporation, was founded. The Markel underwriters had developed significant underwriting expertise, in some cases more than many of the underwriting companies that they represented. Markel realized that if it could generate solid underwriting profits for other insurance companies through its brokerage operation, it could enter the industry as a risk bearer and enjoy those same underwriting profits.
In October of 1980, Markel Essex was licensed in Delaware and began writing business primarily as a property facility, located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. In 1985, the decision was made to move the operation to Richmond, and create a new Casualty unit. Inland Marine and Transportation units were added shortly thereafter, and in 1993 Essex created the Markel Special Property Division. In 1996 an Ocean Marine underwriter was brought on board to start up a new wet marine product line and not long after that, an acquisition yielded an opportunity to develop an Inland Marine brokerage facility. In 2000, Essex brought on board appropriate personnel to develop a Railroad Property facility.
Markel Essex is a surplus lines company focused on light-to-medium loss exposures which standard companies avoid writing. We market our products through approximately 140 general agents and brokers nationwide. Markel Essex's underwriters have a high degree of technical expertise and many years of experience in these product lines. They have a reputation for good judgement, creativity and flexibility.
Our Products
Casualty
- Primary General Liability
- Product Liability Coverages
- Excess and Umbrella
Property
Specialty Property
- Excess & Larger Property Risks (Incl. Earthquake and Flood)
- Primary Difference in Conditon (Incl. Earthquake and Flood)
- Short Line Railroad
- Tough to Place & Unusual Property Exposures
Transportation
- Taxi Cab Liability
- Truck Physical Damage
Inland Marine
- Motor Truck Cargo
- Inland Marine
Ocean Marine
Our Expertise
Throughout its history, Markel Essex has limited its distribution to selected wholesale general agents and brokers with whom it maintains relationships marked by loyalty and partnership. These relationships have proven beneficial to our agents and Essex, in addition to the many insureds whose unique insurance needs require individual attention and a willing ear. The key to our success lies in the talents of an outstanding group of producers and employees who have enabled us to succeed where many in the standard marketplace have failed.
Our Experience
While the financial results and growth that Essex has experienced are impressive, the most important strength of our organization is the people. We have managed to assemble a very seasoned and talented group of insurance professionals. We have the ability to profitably write specialty binding contract business as well as brokerage opportunities within the same company.
We have selectively partnered with the best agents and brokers in the industry. Together we have developed a profitable book of business and present a very strong and viable insurance outlet in the Excess & Surplus Lines market.