Public Art Insurance: Safeguarding Publicly Owned Art and Collectibles 

Public art is so much more than just a painting behind glass or a relic of years gone by. These pieces play a vital role in enhancing our communities, sparking conversations, and preserving our cultural identity. From sculptures in city squares to priceless historical artifacts in museums, these works mean a lot to the city or state that owns them — both artistically and monetarily. However, they also face unique risks, from vandalism and weather damage to transport and installation challenges. 

At Distinguished, we understand that protecting public art requires specialized coverage tailored to its unique exposures. Our Fine Art and Collectibles Program offers public art insurance that is designed to safeguard these cultural treasures, ensuring they can continue to inspire and engage for generations to come. 

What is Public Art Insurance? 

Public art insurance is a specialized insurance policy designed to provide coverage to all artwork or valuable collectibles owned or loaned to a public institution.  

For instance, a city could take out a public art insurance policy that would cover any artwork, historical artifacts, or even outdoor sculptures owned by that city. Plus, it could cover multiple locations all under one policy, including artwork or collectibles at city hall and loaned items from other institutions housed at the local museum. 

Specific locations that public art insurance can cover include: 

• Libraries 
• City hall 
• Airports 
• Memorials 
• Museums 
• State houses 
• Court houses 
• State universities 
• Schools, public or private 
• Hospitals 
• Local, state, and federal offices or entities 

Essentially, any public entity can use public art insurance to make sure that the valuables they are tasked with looking after are properly insured against harm. 

Why Choose Specialized Public Art Insurance? 

While many public art accounts are traditionally insured under general property policies, there are significant advantages to opting for specialized art insurance. One of the key reasons is lower deductibles, expert knowledge, and tailored coverage options specifically designed for the unique risks faced by public art installations.  

Additionally, lenders to public art institutions often require Certificates of Insurance (COI) that confirm specialty coverage, especially for pieces on loan. Specialized public art insurance meets these needs by offering terms familiar to lenders, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind for institutions and their financial partners. This is vital because it guarantees clear, reliable coverage for all parties involved, particularly when valuable pieces are subject to specific lending terms. 

What Does Public Art Insurance Cover? 

At Distinguished, our public art insurance covers theft and incidental damage to the fine art and collectibles entrusted to the public institution. 

This coverage extends to: 

• Owned permanent collections 
• Loaned objects on either a short or long-term basis 
• Outdoor works of art, including sculptures or installations 

Plus, our policy includes transit coverage and coverage for works in unnamed locations. So, if a piece of art is damaged while it is being moved or stored offsite, it, too, would be covered by your policy.  

How Much Does Public Art Insurance Cost? 

The cost of public art insurance depends on several factors specific to your collection and coverage requirements. 

When our underwriters determine a policy quote for you, they will look at the following: 

• The items you are insuring 
• The size and value of your collection 
• The locations of your collection 
• Loss history 
• How often pieces are moved 
• Unique hazards that may threaten covered items 

The best way to know what a policy might cost your client is to register with Distinguished and get a quote from us. The submission process through is simple and quick, so you should be able to get your client a bindable quote in 1-2 business days. 

What are the Benefits of Insuring Public Art With Distinguished? 

Choosing Distinguished for your public art insurance goes beyond comprehensive, competitively priced coverage. You also gain access to specialized expertise, tailored options, and flexible protection perfect for protecting public art and collectibles. 

Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you work with Distinguished: 

• Expertise in public art insurance: Our dedicated team comprises professionals with deep experience in fine art insurance, guiding public servants, municipalities, and institutions through complex insurance needs. 
• Automatic coverage: Coverage is extended to new items that enter your collection or are loaned to your institution. 
• Outdoor sculpture coverage: Policies automatically extend to include statues, sculptures, and other outdoor art installations, ensuring protection against the elements and public risks. 
• Temporary exposure coverage: Whether you’re displaying items on a short-term basis or holding long-term loans, coverage adapts to suit temporary and indefinite exposures. 
• Broad coverage: Distinguished’s policies encompass a diverse range of art forms, from stained glass and mosaic tiles to murals, exhibitry, portraits, installations, and more, including special collections like rare books, manuscripts, and genealogical records. 
• Flexible deductibles and payment options: Our team collaborates with you to tailor deductibles and payment plans, accommodating your budget without compromising coverage. 
• Transit coverage: Moving art between locations is risky, but with our transit coverage, your public art is protected every step of the way, from packing and shipping to display. 
• Blanket or scheduled policies: Enjoy the flexibility of either blanket coverage for broad protection or scheduled policies tailored to specific pieces, ensuring comprehensive and customized care. 

Get a Quote Today 

Securing insurance for your public art has never been easier. At Distinguished, we’re dedicated to making the process simple, efficient, and tailored to your needs.  

Start by registering your agency, then complete a brief application with details about your collection, location, and coverage preferences. Our expert fine art insurance team will review your submission and provide a quote promptly, often within 1-2 business days. 

Have any questions about our Fine Art and Collectibles Program or public art insurance? You can contact our team at any time to learn more. 

Public Art Insurance FAQs 

What is the typical deductible?  

Our typical deductible is $1,000 for owned property and $0 for loaned property.  

Can you cover property at unnamed locations?  

Yes, we can cover items while at unnamed locations like restorers and framers or even while in temporary storage during construction or restoration projects. 

Can you cover outdoor sculpture?  

Yes, our policies will cover outdoor sculptures. 

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.

View a full list of our programs and submit business with Distinguished.

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