Exhibit 99.4

         CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
           PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

   In connection with the Quarterly Report of Markel Corporation (the
"Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2002 as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I,
Darrell D. Martin, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

    1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or
       15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

    2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material
       respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
       Company.

                                          /s/ DARRELL D. MARTIN
                                          ---------------------

                                          Darrell D. Martin
                                          Chief Financial Officer
                                          August 7, 2002

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