Overview of the Program
The Artists Fine Arts Insurance Program from HTB is created specifically for working visual artists who need comprehensive protection for their artwork — completed pieces, works in progress, and inventory held for sale. The program uses a proprietary policy form and competitive pricing to address the unique physical and transit exposures artists face, with options designed to support exhibitions, shipping, storage, and studio operations.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is a strong fit for:
- Professional visual artists (painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers, mixed-media artists)
- Artists who maintain finished inventory and sell directly or through galleries
- Studios that store reference materials, art libraries, or tools and equipment
- Artists who regularly ship work domestically or internationally or exhibit at fairs and galleries
Agents representing clients with dedicated studio spaces, active shipping schedules, or frequent exhibits will find HTB’s program particularly appropriate. Accounts with complex valuation needs or high-value finished works are welcome, provided full submission details are supplied.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- “All risk” coverage for artwork, including transit, theft, fire, and accidental damage
- Worldwide protection for pieces in transit, on exhibit, or in storage
- Coverage for works in progress as well as finished art and inventory
- Comprehensive valuation clause to address agreed value and appraisal issues
- Certificates of insurance available for exhibitions, galleries, and sales events
- Property and casualty options to cover studio contents, tools, and business property
- Subrogation waivers available upon request to meet contract requirements
- Flexible premium payment options to accommodate client budgets
HTB also provides access to an experienced in-house fine arts claims team to ensure knowledgeable, responsive handling when losses occur.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
HTB operates with in-house underwriting authority and exclusive carrier relationships, enabling fast turnaround and efficient quoting. The minimum premium for accounts submitted to this program is $2,000. For competitive and timely proposals, agents should include detailed information about the artist’s body of work (including high-value pieces), storage and security practices, frequency and destinations of transit, exhibition plans, and any prior claims history.
Territories and Availability
The Artists Fine Arts Insurance Program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including major art markets such as New York, California, Texas, and Florida. Coverage is placed on paper from Ironshore Indemnity Inc.
Why Work With Huntington T. Block
HTB combines deep sector knowledge with dedicated fine arts underwriting and claims service. As a Managing General Underwriter with proprietary policy forms and access to top-tier carriers, HTB helps agents place specialized fine arts risks that standard commercial markets may decline or limit. Whether your client is an established artist with high-value inventory or an emerging practitioner needing studio and transit protection, HTB offers tailored solutions and market access.
Writing with HTB gives you a partner experienced in valuing art, structuring appropriate coverages, and supporting placement needs—from certificates for shows to negotiated subrogation waivers in consignment agreements.
Huntington T. Block Insurance Agency, Inc. is a licensed insurance producer in all states; Texas License # 17489; operating in CA under License # 0825502.
All descriptions, summaries or highlights of coverage are for general informational purposes only and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of any insurance policy. Coverage is governed only by the terms and conditions of the relevant policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is designed for professional visual artists who create, store, and sell original artworks. It’s ideal for clients who need protection for works in progress, finished pieces, inventory for sale, and artwork while in transit or on exhibit.
What does the policy cover?
The policy provides “all risk” coverage for artwork, including damage during transit, theft, fire, and accidental damage. It also includes valuation clauses and optional studio property coverage for tools, materials, and business property.
Is coverage available nationwide?
Yes. The Artists Fine Arts Insurance Program is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
What is the minimum premium for this program?
The program has a minimum premium of $2,000. Final premiums vary based on valuation, scope of coverage, transit activity, and other risk factors.
How fast can I get a quote?
HTB offers quick turnaround through in-house underwriting authority. Submissions with complete details—inventory lists or sample valuations, storage and transit practices, and prior loss history—are processed most rapidly. Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.