Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is designed specifically for higher education institutions with valuable art assets, archives, rare manuscripts, or historical artifacts. Ideal accounts include:
- Universities with permanent art collections
- Colleges with rotating exhibitions or traveling displays
- Campuses housing libraries of rare books, manuscripts, or special collections
- Institutions hosting loaned works from museums or private collectors
Whether your client is a small liberal arts college or a major research university, HTB can craft coverage that protects their most treasured holdings.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
HTB’s University Special Collections Insurance Program offers one of the broadest coverage forms available in the U.S. for fine arts and related property:
- Exclusive fine arts underwriting facility since 1962
- In-house quoting authority for most complete submissions – typically within 24 hours
- Dedicated fine arts claims department with settlement authority for faster resolutions
- Coverage from A XV rated carriers (A.M. Best)
- Property covered includes artworks, historic items, rare books, manuscripts, and more
- Automatic coverage for items on loan or when instructed to insure by third parties
- Protection for display materials such as frames, crates, vitrines, video equipment, and registration records
- Blanket coverage across all university locations
- Optional CAT coverage for Terrorism, Earthquake, Wind, and Flood (subject to underwriting)
- “Wall-to-wall” coverage for both permanent and temporary exhibits
- $1,000 deductible waived for works on loan or in transit
- Fast issuance of policies, renewals, and certificates
- Customizable solutions supported by HTB’s $400M in-house binding authority
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
This program is available for a minimum premium of $2,000. HTB’s in-house underwriters provide quick turnaround on complete submissions and can tailor terms to match each institution’s unique exposures. Agents benefit from HTB’s expertise in reviewing contracts and insurance requirements related to art loans and exhibitions.
Territories and Availability
The University Special Collections Insurance Program is available in all U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including AK, CA, FL, NY, TX, and many more. Coverage is offered on both admitted and non-admitted paper, depending on the state and insured’s needs.
Why Work With Huntington T. Block
HTB stands apart as a Managing General Underwriter with over 60 years of experience focused exclusively on fine arts insurance. Their team includes professionals with deep roots in both the art world and insurance industry, making them uniquely qualified to understand and respond to the needs of colleges and universities.
Whether you’re placing coverage for a small collection of rare manuscripts or a large university museum, HTB can help you deliver a best-in-class solution for your client’s most valuable assets.
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?
Colleges and universities with permanent art collections, traveling exhibits, rare books, or other special collections are ideal fits. Institutions that loan or borrow artwork also benefit.
How quickly can I get a quote for my client?
HTB typically provides quotes within 24 hours for complete submissions, thanks to their in-house quoting authority.
Does the coverage include items on loan or in transit?
Yes, the policy includes "wall-to-wall" coverage that extends to items on loan and while in transit. The standard deductible is waived in these scenarios.
Can this program cover multiple campus locations?
Yes, blanket coverage is offered across all university-owned locations, simplifying policy management for multi-campus institutions.
Is terrorism or flood coverage available?
Yes, CAT coverage for perils like terrorism, earthquake, wind, and flood is available, subject to underwriting approval.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.