Steven Wevodau - Insurance Mergers & Acquisitions

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Markel Insurance Company, a division of Markel Corporation, announced today that it acquired the property and casualty insurance renewal rights of Child Welfare Insurance Services effective December 31, 2008.

Rhonda Sciortino, founder and chief executive officer of Child Welfare Insurance Services, joins Markel as business development specialist to expand the insurance, risk management, and loss control services provided to non-profit businesses that serve the needs of disadvantaged children. Rhonda is a recognized insurance and risk management expert in foster care and child welfare business operations. Child Welfare Insurance Services has been a producing broker for Markel since 2000.

“I am delighted to join Markel because of their long-term support and future commitment to protecting people and organizations that help children and families. Markel’s reputation for managing risk, providing meaningful loss control education resources, and expert claims handling was key to my decision,” said Rhonda.

“Markel will continue our significant commitment to child welfare organizations. Rhonda’s expertise and experience in this important social services niche adds value to our policyholders and retail producers. We will provide additional resources to grow this business,” said Britton L. Glisson, president and coo of Markel Insurance Company.

Markel will retain and expand producer relationships supporting the child welfare business. “Underwriting will continue from the Richmond, Virginia and Alameda, California offices of Markel Insurance Company, and we are excited about Rhonda developing producer and industry relationships nationwide,” said Thomas K. Smith, vice president of Marketing.

ABOUT MARKEL INSURANCE COMPANY

A subsidiary of Markel Corporation, Markel Insurance Company underwrites commercial lines coverages for a variety of niche markets including a wide range of non-profit social service agencies; camps; child care centers; youth recreation centers; private schools; museums and historic homes; and dance, gymnastics, and martial arts schools. The company also underwrites horse and farm programs as well as special-risk accident and health insurance. Markel Risk Solutions offers unique individual account solutions for commercial lines producers.

Visit Markel Insurance Company on the web at www.markelinsurance.com.