Business Details
29 Years
experience
Specialist Business Insurance Solutions
Markel Direct has been providing specialist insurance solutions for contractors, small businesses, tradespeople, and community groups since 1997. Our expertise spans professional indemnity, public liability, employers' liability, and cyber insurance, tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse sectors including IT, engineering, marketing, and charity operations. With over 25 years of experience and 200,000 satisfied clients, we combine sector-specific knowledge with additional support services through our affiliated companies Janjer Group, Markel Direct Law, and Markel Direct Tax. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, we maintain a 4.8/5 customer rating across 351 reviews.Our global reach through Markel Direct International ensures comprehensive coverage, while our commitment to the 'Markel Direct Style' prioritises honesty, excellence, and customer-centric service. We offer 24-hour legal advice helplines, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and flexible online policy management. Our financial strength is evidenced by A-rated Standard & Poor's and AM Best classifications. Headquartered in London with Leeds operations, we serve UK clients from our City Square House office. Through continuous innovation and a focus on understanding client needs, we maintain market leadership while supporting community initiatives and professional development.
Services
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Public Liability Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Legal Expenses Insurance
Office Insurance
Trustee Indemnity Insurance
Tools Insurance
Contract Works Insurance
Tax Defence Insurance
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years insuring UK contractors and SMEs
- Tailored policies for 30+ industry sectors
- 24-hour legal advice helpline included
- Regulated by FCA and PRA authorities
- A-rated financial strength from AM Best
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Prudential Regulation Authority
- Lloyd's
- Standard & Poor's
- A.M. Best
What people say
Easy online quote process
Responsive claims handling
Competitive pricing
Sector-specific expertise
24/7 legal support
Services
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Protects businesses against claims for financial loss due to alleged negligence or breach of professional duty. Essential for consultants, IT professionals, and creative industries. Covers legal costs and compensation awards up to policy limits.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers claims when third parties suffer injury or property damage during business operations. Crucial for tradespeople and event organisers. Includes legal defence costs and compensation payments as specified in policy terms.
Cyber Insurance
Provides financial protection against data breaches, cyber attacks, and network security failures. Includes incident response support, business interruption compensation, and regulatory fines coverage for UK businesses handling sensitive digital information.
Charity Insurance
Tailored packages for non-profits and community groups covering public liability, trustee indemnity, and property protection. Designed for sports clubs, village halls, and support groups with flexible terms matching charitable organisation needs.
Legal Expenses Insurance
Funds legal representation for business disputes, employment issues, and contract disagreements. Includes 24-hour helpline access to solicitors and covers up to 100,000 in legal costs depending on policy level.
People
Simon Jackman
Managing Director
With 20+ years in insurance leadership, Simon oversees Markel Direct's strategic direction. He champions customer-centric innovation while maintaining financial stability, leveraging sector expertise to develop tailored SME insurance solutions across UK markets.
Helen Markham
Head of Underwriting
Helen leads risk assessment operations with specialist knowledge in professional liability. Her 15-year underwriting experience ensures precise policy structuring that balances client needs with actuarial soundness across diverse industry sectors.
Questions
What types of businesses does Markel Direct Direct insure?
We specialise in contractors, freelancers, SMEs, tradespeople, charities, and community groups across 30+ sectors including IT, engineering, marketing, education, and creative industries.
How quickly can I get insurance coverage?
Obtain instant online quotes in 90 seconds with immediate policy issuance available for most standard business insurance products through our automated system.
What support services are included with policies?
All policies include 24/7 legal advice helpline access, online policy management tools, and claims support from our Leeds-based customer service team during business hours.
Can I modify my insurance coverage after purchase?
Yes, contact our customer service team during office hours to adjust policy limits, add endorsements, or request mid-term changes to your existing insurance coverage.
How are claims handled?
Report claims through our dedicated portal or contact centre. Our experienced claims handlers process submissions promptly, with 90% of straightforward cases resolved within 10 working days.
Do you offer multi-policy discounts?
Yes, combining multiple covers like public liability and professional indemnity in one policy package provides cost savings compared to separate purchases.
