SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: February 4, 2003 (Date of earliest event reported) Markel Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Virginia 001-15811 54-1959284 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.) 4521 Highwoods Parkway Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6148 (804) 747-0136 (Address including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) (Former name or former address, if changed since last report.) Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure. On February 4, 2003, Markel issued a press release announcing fourth quarter and year-end financial results. A copy of this press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. (a) none (b) none (c) Exhibits. No. Description --- ----------- 99.1 Press release issued February 4, 2003. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. MARKEL CORPORATION By: /s/ Darrell D. Martin ---------------------------- Name: Darrell D. Martin Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: February 19, 2003 Exhibit Index Exhibit 99.1 Press release issued February 4, 2003.