Need Information on Markel American Ins Co

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Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Due to some changes in our overall insurace we need to have all holding under one roof. This requires us to change from BoatUS to Markel American Insurance Co Has anyone had any pros or cons with this company? Jim S/V Java
 
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bob

insurance

According to Best's Key Rating Guide, the rating system for insurance companies, Markel American Insurance Company is rated "A" Excellent.
 
Oct 20, 2006
2
- - Falmouth, Massachusetts
Markel Insurance

Unfortunately, my regular insurance company (USAA) which is the best in the world in my opinion does not cover sail boats over a certain amount of money. They referred me to Markel which handles their referrals. I have confidence enough to know that USAA would not refer to Markel unless they were reputable and honest in dealing with their customers. My own experience with Markel is limited. I have had their coverage for 6 years and I only submitted one small claim which they paid promptly. I have to believe they are a good company.
 
Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Thanks Tony - USAA is who is driving this

We are getting an umbrella policy to cover all our needs with some protection thrown in. They originally wanted to insure is with Progressive and I said NO. Progressive knows cars but I've gotten nothing but bad news about their boat coverage. So USAA proposed Markel. Jim S/V Java
 
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mike m

markel insurance

I recently had a lightning strike to my boat. Markel insurance was great. They handled things very quickly and with no hassles. I am glad they were my insurance carrier.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Me Too!!

I've had them for ten years now. Six months after signing with them my boat broke her mooring in a storm and wound up beached with $27,000 in damages. We got a new keel and all new gel coat after the repairs. Markel did the right thing and paid without a fuss. That sold me enough to stay with them.
 
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Roger

Markel American

I've had Markel American for almost 3 yrs. I've had no claims so can't report good or bad with exception that they added a Hurricane clause this year saying I must move my vessel to a designated "Hurricane Hole or Safe Location" in event one is forecast to hit that location. Have most insurance carriers added this since last years' hurricane season? I was thinking about switching from Markel, but maybe I should stay with them since these posts are reporting positively about Markel American. Thanks for any input re other insurance companies' policies.
 
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Jack Hart

No Jim, they know how to screw you!

Hi Jim, what Progressive knows is how to screw you on a claim with them. Was hit in the rear by one of their insureds, I was not made whole as they are supposed to do. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
 

Yoda

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Oct 20, 2006
12
Catalina 30 C30 - Lewisville, TX
USAA - rest easy!!

Jim, I spent a few years working with the folks in USAA's General Agency (the people who place coverage USAA will not write on their own). I can assure you that they work hard to get the companies with whom they place business to treat USAA members as USAA does, so I don't think you have to worry. If the company gives you a problem on a claim, just call USAAGA and they'll intervene on your behalf and they do have leverage......
 
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Jim Kolstoe

for Jack Hart

You are forgetting one simple principle regarding liabilty insurance - the insured person that hit you is the person liable for your damages. The insurance company has merely contracted with the insured to indemnify the insured for any damages they are liable for. Therefore, you have the recourse of going after (suing) the insured for the damages not already compensated, and letting them argue with the insurance company about just whose pocket you will be reaching into. Of course, if you signed a release of liabilty, you're stuck with what you already have. Good luck. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
 
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Jack Hart

You must be in the insurance business!

You must be in the insurance business to answer like that. With all due respect Jim, they offer you a lot less than what it's worth, hoping you will bend over and take it. I have recourse though, my Attorney General in NC doesn't like his folks to get screwed and fights for them. The other Jim said that Progressive was good at auto insurance...I was simply pointing out that in my opinion they handle claims pretty poorly. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
 
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Jim Kolstoe

for Jack Hart 2

Never been in the insurance business. Just learned a few things along the way - I read a lot. Jim Kolstoe
 
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Al

Great response

I Also had a lightning strike 6 months after insuring with Markel. They paid promptly and without fuss. And they did not raise my premium beyond what the normal raise would have been. They were also willing to insure my boat for an agreed hull value that was much more than BoatUS. I am a fan.
 
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