Markel American Insurance Company Will Provide Additional Assistance to Helmsman Yacht Policyholders Affected by Hurricane Irene

WAUKESHA, Wis., Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel American Insurance Company announced today that it will provide additional assistance to its Markel Helmsman Yacht policyholders who may be affected by Hurricane Irene.

Markel Helmsman Yacht policyholders who carry the Windstorm Extra Expense coverage will be eligible for the additional assistance. Windstorm Extra Expense coverage is provided for certain expenses incurred once a Hurricane watch or warning is issued for the mooring location or if a watch or warning is subsequently issued within 24 hours. Given Hurricane Irene's forecasted path and severity, the 24 hour window will be relaxed prior to Irene's arrival on the East Coast for yachts moored coastally from Virginia north.

"When storms the size and magnitude of Hurricane Irene are forecasted, our Claims Examiners and Underwriters understand the anxiety our policyholders may be experiencing," said Tom Conroy, Managing Director – Marine at Markel American. "Giving our policyholders a little bit more time to help ensure their boat is safe, gives them peace of mind which is what we are here to do."

Policyholders with questions are encouraged to contact their agent directly.  

Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets.  In each of these markets, the Company seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader.  The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.  For more information on the Markel Group of companies, please visit www.markelcorp.com

SOURCE Markel Corporation