Business Details
28 Years
experience
Specialist Business Insurance Solutions in Leeds
Markel (UK) Ltd Direct is a specialist online insurer with over 25 years of experience providing tailored insurance solutions for contractors, small businesses, tradespeople, and community organisations across the UK. As a division of Markel (UK) Ltd Direct International, a globally recognised insurer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, we combine sector-specific expertise with additional support services through our affiliated companies, including Janjer Group, Markel (UK) Ltd Direct Law, and Markel (UK) Ltd Direct Tax.Our portfolio includes professional indemnity, public liability, employers' liability, cyber insurance, and specialist covers for charities and community groups, serving over 200,000 customers. We prioritise transparency, offering 24-hour legal advice, no hidden fees, and flexible payment options. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 4.8/5 customer rating and our ability to underwrite policies through multiple international entities, ensuring comprehensive coverage for diverse risks.
Services
Public Liability Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Employers' Liability Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Legal Expenses Insurance
Charity Insurance
Trades Insurance
Office Insurance
Tax Defence Insurance
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience insuring UK SMEs and charities.
- Our 24-hour legal advice helpline provides instant support for policyholders.
- We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees or cancellation charges.
- We are part of the global Markel (UK) Ltd Direct Group, rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best.
- Our policies are tailored to sector-specific risks for precise coverage.
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Prudential Regulation Authority
- Lloyd's Syndicate 3000
What people say
Excellent service
Quick claims process
Transparent pricing
Sector-specific expertise
24/7 legal support
Services
Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects businesses from claims arising from injuries or property damage to third parties. This cover is essential for contractors, tradespeople, and SMEs, providing financial security for legal costs and compensation. Markel (UK) Ltd Direct offers tailored policies starting at 5 a month, with options to include hired-in plant and contract works coverage.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional indemnity insurance safeguards businesses against claims for negligent advice, errors, or omissions in professional services. Designed for consultants, IT contractors, and creative professionals, this cover includes legal defence costs and compensation. Policies are customisable to sector-specific risks, ensuring comprehensive protection for client disputes.
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance mitigates financial losses from data breaches, cyberattacks, and system failures. This policy covers legal fees, data recovery, and regulatory fines, tailored for businesses handling sensitive digital information. Markel (UK) Ltd Directs cyber insurance includes 24/7 incident response support, ensuring rapid resolution to minimise operational disruption.
Charity Insurance
Charity insurance provides tailored protection for non-profits, community groups, and clubs. It includes public liability, trustee indemnity, and property insurance, addressing risks specific to fundraising events and volunteer activities. Policies support organisations such as youth clubs, village halls, and counselling groups, with flexible terms to match budget constraints.
Trades Insurance
Trades insurance offers comprehensive protection for construction and maintenance professionals, including builders, electricians, and plumbers. It covers tools, plant equipment, and on-site accidents, with options for employers liability and occupational personal accident insurance. Policies are designed to meet regulatory requirements while safeguarding against project-specific risks.
Questions
What types of insurance does Markel (UK) Ltd Direct offer?
We provide public liability, professional indemnity, cyber insurance, employers' liability, charity insurance, and specialist covers for tradespeople and SMEs.
How much does business insurance cost?
Policies start at £5 a month for IT freelancers requiring public liability cover. Prices vary based on sector risk and coverage limits.
Can charities get insurance through Markel (UK) Ltd Direct?
Yes, we offer tailored charity insurance covering public liability, trustee indemnity, and property risks for community groups and non-profits.
Is Markel (UK) Ltd Direct regulated by UK authorities?
Yes, we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority, ensuring compliance with UK financial standards.
Do you offer 24/7 customer support?
We provide a 24-hour legal advice helpline and online policy management tools for uninterrupted support.
How do I make a claim?
Visit our claims page to submit a request online or contact our team via phone for immediate assistance with policy-related claims.
Reviews (6)
Richard Cook
Jul 19, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality I think this is a sham. Their telephone never gets answered. I am trying to renew and get trapped in a call holding system which chucks you out when you request a call back. Probably good for a cheap policy for compliance purposes but i would hate to have to make a claim with them.
Joanne Whenmouth
Dec 07, 2020
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The staff that I have spoken to via telephone were very helpful and responsive to my needs. I have had correspondence from them when expected and everything appears to be as requested. Changes were made in early stages of set up of my policy, and this was easy. I haven't needed to make any claims, however I am sure they will be as helpful.
Jane Ibbotson
Jun 22, 2020
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AVOID! I highly recommend anyone avoids this company. Incredibly rude customer service. I asked to be sent an email as confirmation the policy had been cancelled and the customer service agent put me on hold indefinitely. I took the insurance out for work and changed my mind within the 14 day period due to finding a cheaper company. Not only was I within the 14 day cooling period my first payment was due for another week and I cancelled my DD to make sure it wouldn't come out as sometimes companies take payment "by accident" All of this is in the contractual agreement and yet they sent me a default letter which affects my credit score.
Keith Foster
Nov 22, 2019
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Very competitive price for a small company wanting liability and indemnity cover. An easy online process to get quotation and to set up insurance,
Johann Jacobs
Nov 01, 2016
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Professional and efficient service from Markel. The online quote system worked great and I could also look at a few options and what the total cost would be. Easy to use site and all administration done online. Perfect!
Debbie Fleming
Dec 25, 2015
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I've used Markel Direct for quite a few years and have always received excellent service. The staff are extremely helpful and people orientated. I've only ever had one problem in all of my time with Markel and it was rectified within 5 minutes, hows that for service! I've taken out insurance for myself and recommended my colleagues who have gone on to use Markel with no complaints or problems.
