Fine Art & Collectibles Insurance: Q&A For Brokers
Ready to expand your market with Distinguished? If you missed our recent webinar, “Fine Art & Collectibles Insurance: Q&A for Brokers,” don’t worry. You have the opportunity to gain valuable insights that will help your business thrive. Hear directly from our underwriters on how Distinguished can help you win business and deliver superior service to your clients. Access the full recording now!
Get the Fine Art & Collectibles Insurance session handouts here:
+ Slides
Below are some of the insightful questions from attendees during our session.
Q: What states are your products available in?
A: We can write all of our products nationwide, with the exception of California. While we currently offer commercial policies in California, we anticipate approval for personal collections soon. Personal collections in California and Massachusetts are the only approvals that we’re still waiting on.
Q: Do you write in California?
A: We are currently available for commercial policies in California, but we do expect to have approval for personal collections very soon.
Q: Is an alarm system required to get insurance for personal collections?
A: Yes. In some rare instances where clients are unable to install centrally monitored alarms due to association rules in condo or co-op buildings, we can accept 24-hour doorman or alternate equivalent protections in lieu of centrally monitored alarms.
Q: Is coverage available for auctioneers, and do you offer consignment coverage for fine arts?
A: We provide coverage for auctioneers, auction houses, and consigned property. This includes items at auction houses, where most property is on consignment, and at dealers, where consigned goods often make up a significant portion of their inventory.
Q: How do we contact you?
A: You can submit business to submitFAC@distinguished.com or reach out to our team members directly. Our contact information is available on our website under ‘Contacts.’
Q: Is there a program available for art and antiquities restoration?
A: Due to its complexity, we offer this coverage on a case-by-case basis involving property under repair. Brokers with similar accounts are welcome to send them in for review.
Q: What is your market appetite?
A: Our primary clients are private collectors with specialized collections that often exceed the scope of a standard homeowner’s policy. We also work with a variety of institutions, including museums, universities, libraries, municipalities, state collections, and traveling exhibitions, whether affiliated with museums or commercial entities.
Additionally, we serve dealers, art galleries, art advisors, artists, and corporate collections, including property held in offices, trusts, or LLCs. Our expertise extends to artists’ estates and foundations, as well as auction houses, restorers, framers, and other related entities.
Q: Can you insure one-of-a-kind items? Historical items? Priceless items?
A: Yes, absolutely! This is exactly what we love to insure. Please feel free to reach out to any of our team members if you have questions about eligibility for specific collection types.
Q: What is the paper used?
A: The leader on our program is StarStone.
Q: Do you offer jewelry floater coverage for personal lines?
A: We do not write standalone jewelry. However, you can add jewelry to an existing personal collection or antiques.
Expert Panel
Alison Sweeney, Vice President, Fine Art Expert, Distinguished Fine Art & Collectibles
Alison is our Fine Art expert and underwriter working out of our New York office. Prior to her years as an underwriter, Alison spent seven years as an insurance broker specializing in the Fine Arts. Alison draws on her earlier experience working in museums and appraisals in her role as Fine Art expert, reviewing client schedules, assisting insureds with complex collections, and attending industry events and fairs. Alison holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Art History.
Ashley Mehyo, Vice President of Claims, Distinguished Fine Art & Collectibles
Ashley is our Vice President of Claims with 7 years industry experience doing everything from selling insurance, surveying risks and adjusting over 3,000 claims specifically focused on the Fine Art & Collectibles market. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Ramapo College of NJ and is native to the Greater NY Area. She is passionate about delivering world class claims service and being an expert resource for our clients and brokers.
About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Fine Art and Collectibles, Environmental and Construction Professional, Executive Lines, Inland Marine, Real Estate & Builder’s Risk, Community Associations, Surety, Hotels, and Restaurants. Property and Liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished’s high-limit Umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its area of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1995, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees.
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