Farm Insurance NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Markel Insurance Expands into Australian Marine Market with New Leadership

Markel Insurance Expands into Australian Marine Market with New Leadership

Markel Insurance has announced the appointment of Tim Wills as Head of Marine for Australia, marking a significant expansion into the country's marine insurance sector.
Based in Sydney, Wills will spearhead the introduction of Markel's marine products, starting with marine cargo insurance.

Wills brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as Head of Marine for Asia-Pacific at Tokio Marine Kiln. In that position, he successfully re-established the company's marine portfolio in the region. His career also includes marine underwriting roles at Chubb Insurance and QBE, equipping him with a deep understanding of the industry's complexities.

Rory Morison, Managing Director for Australia at Markel, expressed enthusiasm about Wills's appointment: "Tim's expertise makes him a valuable addition to our team, and we're very excited to welcome him to Markel. This diversification into marine is a continuation of our plan to put local, empowered specialty underwriters on the ground in Australia, serving the unique needs of our customers in each jurisdiction."

This strategic move comes as global trade volumes and vessel values continue to rise, presenting new opportunities and challenges in the marine insurance landscape. Markel's entry into the Australian marine market aims to address these evolving needs by offering tailored insurance solutions.

For Australian boat owners and marine businesses, this development signifies increased options for comprehensive coverage. Markel's commitment to local expertise and specialised products aligns with the industry's demand for insurers who understand the unique risks associated with marine operations.

As Markel establishes its presence in the Australian marine insurance market, stakeholders can anticipate innovative products and services designed to meet the sector's specific requirements. This expansion reflects a broader trend of global insurers recognising the potential within Australia's vibrant marine industry.

Published:Monday, 19th Jan 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Policies
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for policyholders, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection (IP) policies. This initiative, effective from August 8, 2025, aims to incentivise proactive health management by offering premium discounts to clients who engage in preventative health checks. - read more
New Legislation Prohibits Life Insurers from Using Genetic Test Results New Legislation Prohibits Life Insurers from Using Genetic Test Results
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has enacted legislation prohibiting life insurers from using the results of genetic tests to refuse coverage or increase premiums. This landmark decision aims to eliminate genetic discrimination and encourage individuals to undergo potentially life-saving genetic testing without fear of financial repercussions. - read more
Markel Insurance Expands into Australian Marine Market with New Leadership Markel Insurance Expands into Australian Marine Market with New Leadership
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Markel Insurance has announced the appointment of Tim Wills as Head of Marine for Australia, marking a significant expansion into the country's marine insurance sector. Based in Sydney, Wills will spearhead the introduction of Markel's marine products, starting with marine cargo insurance. - read more
Pelagic Risk Services Strengthens Marina Support with Gold Sponsorship Pelagic Risk Services Strengthens Marina Support with Gold Sponsorship
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Pelagic Risk Services, a specialist marine insurance broker, has elevated its commitment to the marina industry by upgrading from Silver to Gold Sponsorship with the Marina Industries Association (MIA). This move underscores Pelagic's dedication to supporting marinas across Australia through enhanced financial contributions and the provision of exclusive risk management resources. - read more
Marinex Underwriting Enters Australian Market with Specialised Marine Insurance Solutions Marinex Underwriting Enters Australian Market with Specialised Marine Insurance Solutions
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Rhodian Group has announced the launch of Marinex Underwriting, a new agency dedicated to providing specialised marine insurance products tailored to the Australian market. This initiative marks Rhodian's third agency launch, following the establishment of Halo Underwriting and Batch Underwriting in previous years. - read more
Emerging Challenges Elevate Insurance Risks for Australian Businesses Emerging Challenges Elevate Insurance Risks for Australian Businesses
19 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian businesses are currently navigating a complex and evolving risk landscape, marked by increased exposures across various domains. A recent report from Gallagher highlights several key areas contributing to this heightened risk environment. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers Securing Your Farm's Future: Top Estate Planning Tips for New Zealand Farmers
New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms Understanding Machinery Breakdown Insurance for Australian Farms
Welcome to our in-depth exploration of Machinery Breakdown Insurance—a safety net that's becoming increasingly important for the modern Australian farmer. Whether you're involved in cropping, dairy, or livestock, your equipment is the backbone of your operation. As farming technology evolves, the machinery becomes more sophisticated, and unfortunately, the more complex a system is, the more that can go wrong. This is where Machinery Breakdown Insurance comes into play. - read more
Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families Navigating Farm Succession: A Step-by-Step Guide for Rural Australian Families
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating farm succession for rural Australian families. The journey of passing on a family farm from one generation to the next is both a critical and challenging milestone. Recognizing that every farm has its unique story and set of circumstances is fundamental to the process. - read more
Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity Natural Disaster Preparedness: Insurance Tips for Farmers Facing Adversity
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs Customizing Your Farm Insurance: Tailoring Policies to Fit Unique Agricultural Needs
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential Protecting Your Farming Future: Why Machinery Breakdown Coverage is Essential
Farming is a vital part of New Zealand's economy and cultural heritage, representing a way of life for thousands across the country. With its unique landscapes and diverse climate, New Zealand farmers are renowned for producing a wide array of high-quality products that serve not only the nation's needs but also supply a multitude of international markets. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.

Start here

Farm Type:
Postcode:

Knowledgebase
Exclusion:
Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.