Markel Reinsurance

Markel Reinsurance is a reinsurer that writes casualty and specialty risks through expert underwriting teams. It earned $1 billion in 2024 reinsurance revenue, backed by strong support from Markel Group’s capital. 

History of Markel Reinsurance 

Markel Global Reinsurance, the formal name of the reinsurance division, began in 1997 as Quadrant Indemnity Company, based in Connecticut. It later became part of the global financial holding company, Markel Group, founded in 1930.  

Markel entered international markets in 2000 with a Bermuda acquisition that grew its reinsurance reach. The parent company renamed itself Markel Group in 2023 to reflect its broader business focus. 

Other historical facts about Markel Reinsurance include: 

• 2007: changed name to Harbor Point Reinsurance US Inc. to update its brand 
• 2010: became Alterra Reinsurance USA Inc. after being bought by Alterra Capital 
• 2013: joined Markel Corporation and gained global reinsurance resources 
• 2018: added Nephila Capital to expand in insurance-linked securities 
• 2023: placed 33rd on S&P’s list of top global reinsurers 

In 2024, the company had over $1 billion in revenue despite global market headwinds. Such results reinforce its standing as a major player in global reinsurance. 

Reinsurance products and services 

Markel Reinsurance offers flexible solutions backed by deep knowledge of global casualty and specialty risks: 

General liability reinsurance 

• auto and motor: covers liability from business and commercial vehicle use
• casualty facultative: supports single, hard-to-place casualty risks
• environmental liability: protects against pollution claims and cleanup costs 
• excess and umbrella: adds coverage above standard policy limits 
• general and public liability – primary: covers third-party claims at the base level 
• workers compensation: helps cover workplace injuries or illnesses 

Professional liability reinsurance 

• cyber: protects against data breach and system failure claims 
• directors and officers: covers leadership for decisions made on the job 
• errors and omissions: insures against service mistakes or missed duties 
• healthcare and medical malpractice: protects against claims of medical harm 
• transaction liability: covers risks tied to deals or business sales 

Specialty reinsurance 

• accident and health: reinsures medical and disability-related plans 
• agriculture: covers losses from crop or livestock issues 
• aviation: backs aircraft operation and maintenance risks 
• credit (structured and whole turnover): protects against borrower default 
• energy: covers oil, gas, and power operations 
• marine: reinsures shipping and cargo transport risks 
• mortgage: supports risks tied to home loan defaults 
• political risk: covers losses from political actions or unrest 
• renewable/sustainable energy: backs solar, wind, and clean energy risks 
• space: covers satellite launch and flight failure 
• surety: reinsures contract and compliance bond guarantees 
• terrorism: protects against terror or sabotage-related losses 

Markel Reinsurance also offers property reinsurance through Nephila, a leader in weather-linked risk strategies. Nephila supports clients using insurance-linked securities and other investment-based reinsurance tools. 

Culture and core values 

Markel Reinsurance builds its culture around putting people first, a belief rooted in the Markel Style. Every team member is trusted to make a real impact on the work that matters. Their values are: 

• winning together: teamwork and respect guide every result 
• all about people: relationships and care lead every decision  
• enjoying the everyday: humor and humility keep work balanced 
• striving for better: growth comes through learning and change  
• thinking further: service supports clients, partners, and communities 

The company uses bold thinking and skill to support hard-to-place risks. That same mindset helps others reach goals others avoid. 

Workplace environment and benefits 

The workplace at Markel Reinsurance encourages growth without ego and fosters support from every team member. The staff is also provided with: 

• medical benefits: includes dental, vision, prescription, and TeleHealth 
• wellness tools: Markel-sponsored fitness and mindfulness programs 
• retirement and savings: employee stock plans and retirement options 
• insurance protection: life, accident, and travel coverage 
• leave and time off: paid time, holidays, and hybrid model 
• family support: maternity, paternity, and flexible schedules 
• learning programs: support for continuing education 

Markel offers roles for early-career talent and encourages students from all backgrounds to explore opportunities. 

Company responsibility 

Markel Reinsurance supports long-term growth through responsible citizenship and people-first values. Its work is guided by the Markel Style, a company compass for daily decisions. The company focuses on impact through its people, communities, and environmental actions. 

The future at Markel Reinsurance 

May McKevitt, VP of Markel Global Reinsurance, was named among 2025’s Elite Women in Reinsurance. The award honors her impact, work ethic, and commitment to excellence in the reinsurance field. The firm pushes forward with purpose and bold ideas in a demanding reinsurance market. 

Markel Reinsurance now uses ClaimDeck to manage complex litigation across North America. The system brings together case files, deadlines, budgets, and structured data in one place. Centralized tools support planning, better decisions, and future improvements in claims automation.