StandardVerified Q1 2026
Source: Markel Corporation – Commercial Insurance
Markel Corporation: Retail Stores Insurance Appetite
Markel is the go-to E&S option for non-standard retail risks. If a retail store has been declined by admitted carriers due to product type, loss history, or unusual operations, Markel can likely find a solution. For clean, standard retail, use a BOP carrier first.
Available Lines
| Line of Business |
|---|
| General Liability |
| Commercial Property |
| Umbrella/Excess |
| Products Liability |
| Professional Liability |
Premium Range
$2,000-$12,000
Typical annual premium
Target States
All 50 states (E&S and admitted programs vary by state)
Key Features
- Writes retail classes that standard markets avoid – head shops, vape stores, etc.
- Products liability for retailers with import or private-label exposure
- Property coverage for unique or high-value retail inventory
- Umbrella available over GL for higher limits
- Flexible underwriting for seasonal and pop-up retail
Limitations
- Not cost-competitive for standard low-hazard retail – use Guard or Progressive first
- Longer application and quoting process than admitted BOP carriers
- Workers' comp must be placed separately
Compare Other Carriers for Retail Stores
Progressive CommercialPreferred
$1,500-$8,000
TravelersStandard
$2,500-$12,000
CNAStandard
$3,000-$15,000
HiscoxStandard
$500-$4,000
ERGO NEXT InsurancePreferred
$500-$4,000
The HartfordPreferred
$1,500-$12,000
EMPLOYERS HoldingsPreferred
$800-$5,000
AcuityStandard
$2,000-$12,000
Erie InsuranceStandard
$2,000-$12,000
biBERKPreferred
$1,500-$8,000
AmTrust Financial ServicesPreferred
$1,500-$10,000
BTISStandard
$1,500-$8,000
Pie InsurancePreferred
$800-$5,000
NationwidePreferred
$1,200-$9,000
Liberty MutualStandard
$1,500-$10,000
ChubbStandard
$2,000-$12,000
Cincinnati FinancialPreferred
$1,200-$8,000
Hanover InsurancePreferred
$1,200-$8,500
Auto-Owners InsurancePreferred
$1,000-$7,500
Guard Insurance GroupPreferred
$1,000-$7,000
Coterie InsuranceStandard
$500-$3,500
Selective Insurance GroupStandard
$3,000-$25,000
Kinsale Capital GroupStandard
$2,000-$15,000
InsureonStandard
$400-$5,000