Markel American Insurance Company/American Underwriting Managers began in the early 70’s as an independently owned underwriting manager in Waukesha, WI.  Coverage was underwritten for various insurers for motorcycle, mobile home, snowmobile, watercraft, travel trailer and golf carts among others. 

In 1989, the company was sold to Shand Morahan Services in Evanston, IL to complement their professional liability book of business.  In 1991, Markel Corporation acquired Shand Morahan Services and all of its holdings (including AUM).  After the acquisition by Markel, Markel American Insurance Company was introduced.  MAIC is an admitted carrier licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 

In addition to Markel American, Markel Corporation has six other divisions in the Markel North American Family: Essex Insurance Company, Investors Underwriting Managers, Markel Insurance Company, Markel Re, Markel Southwest Underwriters and Shand Morahan & Company.  Markel 3000 (Lloyd’s syndicate) and Markel International Insurance Company, Ltd are part of Markel International (an April, 2000 acquisition).  These businesses underwrite excess and surplus lines commercial business, camps, agricultural & equine business, health & fitness business, professional liability, errors and omissions liability, excess liability and large commercial property & casualty risks, facultative reinsurance and alternative risk transfer placements.