Zenith National Insurance Corp. Director Compensation Description

Summary

This document outlines the compensation policy for directors of Zenith National Insurance Corp. Employee directors do not receive extra pay for board service, while non-employee directors are paid an annual fee of $62,500. Directors serving on board committees receive an additional $31,250 per committee annually. All directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses related to their service. The arrangement was updated by the board on February 10, 2005, as referenced in a subsequent Form 8-K filing.

EX-10.43 4 a2149367zex-10_43.htm EXHIBIT 10.43
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Exhibit 10.43


COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

        The following is a description of the compensation payable to Directors of Zenith National Insurance Corp. (the "Company"). It is provided pursuant to Paragraph 10(iii) to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, which requires a written description of a compensatory arrangement when no formal document contains the compensation information.

        Directors of the Company are elected annually.

        Employee Directors receive no additional compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. Non-employee Directors are paid an annual fee of $62,500 for their service. Each Director who serves on a committee of the Board receives an additional annual fee of $31,250 for each committee on which he or she serves. In addition, Directors are reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with their service.


Note: On February 10, 2005, the Board of Directors changed the compensatory arrangement for Directors. Please see the Form 8-K filed by the Company on February 16, 2005.




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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS