Markel American Insurance Company Launches 'Markel Dream Ride' Contest

WAUKESHA, WI--March 22, 2011: Markel American Insurance Company announced today the launch of their 2011 Markel Dream Ride contest. The contest, which runs through October 31, 2011, will award one winner the ride of their dreams for themselves and a friend for three days and two nights in the continental U.S.

To enter the contest, motorcycle riders should visit www.markeldreamride.com. On that site, they will be asked to upload a photo of themselves with their bike and write a brief essay describing their dream ride. The winner will be selected on or about November 3, 2011 from all entries throughout the country.

"Being riders ourselves, we know the desire to take that 'one dream ride,'" said Ted Wentzel, Markel American's Director of Marketing. "We're very excited to help a rider fulfill that desire."

The contest is open to legal U.S. residents of the United States and the District of Columbia except AK, AL, CA, CO, HI, ID, KS, MD, ME, NC, NJ, OK, RI, UT, WV who are at least 21 years of age or older as of the start date of the Contest (March 1, 2011) and possess a valid U.S. driver's license. No purchase or quote is necessary and a purchase or quote will not increase your chances of winning. Void where prohibited.

Markel American Insurance Company (part of Markel Corporation) specializes in powersports insurance such as motorcycle insurance, boat insurance and ATV insurance.

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.