When you place business with Markel, you're working with one of the most reliable, financially sound companies in the insurance industry.

"Excellent historical operating performance derived from proven underwriting expertise and strong, conservative reserving practices have built these businesses into a well regarded franchise."

(Source: A.M. Best News Release)

Syndicate Ratings
As a Lloyd's Syndicate, Markel Syndicate 3000 attracts the ratings of the Lloyd's market as a whole and its policyholders benefit from the additional security of the Lloyd's central fund. As of August 2007, the ratings applicable to the Lloyd's market were as follows:

A.M. Best: A (Excellent)
Moody’s: A- (Good Rating) with outlook stable

When A.M. Best affirmed it's rating in June 2008 of A (Excellent) to Markel Syndicate 3000. They stated:

"The ratings reflect the financial strength of the Lloyd's market, which underpins the security of all Lloyd's syndicates.  In addition, A.M. Best believes the syndicate's financial flexibility is enhanced by the continued support of Markel Corporation."

Moody's also publishes performance ratings of individual Lloyd's syndicates. It has assigned a rating of B+ (Above Average) to Syndicate 3000; this is in line with Moody's ratings of the predecessor syndicates and with their belief that Syndicate 3000 will perform in line with the Lloyd's market as a whole over the cycle.

Insurance Company Ratings
As of August 2007, the ratings of Markel International Insurance Company Limited (MIICL) were as follows:

A.M. Best: A (Excellent)
Fitch Ratings: A (High)

When A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength rating in June 2008 of the company, in their news release, they said that:

"MIICL is expected to maintain excellent risk adjusted capitalisation in 2008."

Markel North America
The leading agencies have awarded the following ratings to Markel Corporation's US operating subsidiaries:

A.M. Best: A (Excellent)
Fitch Ratings: A (High)
Moody’s: A (2)