CONFIRMING STATEMENT



This Statement confirms that the undersigned has authorized and designated D. Michael
Jones, Richard R. Whitt, III, Linda S. Rotz, or Kathy Robinson (each an "Authorized
Signer") to execute and file (in any permitted format) on the undersigned's behalf all
forms 3, 4 and 5 (including any amendments thereto) that the undersigned may be
required to file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of
the undersigned's ownership of, or transactions in, securities of Markel Corporation.
Each Authorized Signer is authorized to obtain CIK and EDGAR access codes and take
all such other actions as may be necessary or desirable to permit electronic filings of such
forms.  The authority of each Authorized Signer under this Statement shall continue until
the undersigned is no longer required to file forms 3, 4 or 5 with regard to the
undersigned's ownership of, or transactions in, securities of Markel Corporation, unless
earlier revoked in writing.  The undersigned acknowledges that none of the Authorized
Signers or Markel Corporation are assuming any of the undersigned's responsibilities to
comply with Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


Date:  January 12, 2010						/s/ John K. Latham
								Signature

								John K. Latham
								Print Name