Strong admitted market presence — agreed-value coverage available in states where specialty carriers are scarce.
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is a member of the Tokio Marine Group and one of the most broadly admitted specialty carriers in the US, licensed on an admitted basis in virtually all 50 states. For collectors in states with limited specialty carrier access — where the major art-specific programs either don't write on an admitted basis or have restricted appetite — Philadelphia's admitted presence is a meaningful practical advantage. When a carrier writes on a surplus lines basis, it operates outside the standard state regulatory framework; when Philadelphia writes on an admitted basis, policyholders receive the consumer protections of state oversight, rate and form filing requirements, and access to the state guaranty fund in the event of insolvency.
Philadelphia's personal collections program covers fine art, antiques, jewelry, and wine on an agreed-value basis with blanket and scheduled options. The program is not a minimum-viable alternative to the major specialty carriers — it offers genuine agreed-value protection, competitive rates for established collections, and the same core coverage structure as the market leaders. For collectors who have priced Chubb or Markel and want a well-rated alternative that does not sacrifice coverage quality, Philadelphia is frequently the right answer.
The Tokio Marine Group parentage provides important financial context. Tokio Marine Holdings is one of the largest insurance groups in the world by assets, and Philadelphia's AM Best A+ rating reflects the financial resources behind it. For a collector placing a significant collection with any insurer, financial strength is not an abstract concern — it is the foundation on which the promise to pay rests. Philadelphia provides that strength in a carrier with broad admitted market access.
Paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography, and mixed media. Agreed value, all-risk, blanket and scheduled options. Competitive for established collections with well-documented appraisals.
Period furniture, ceramics, glass, silver, and decorative objects. Agreed-value coverage that accommodates the complexity of mixed antique collections alongside fine art.
High jewelry and estate pieces. Scheduled agreed value with competitive per-item rates for established collections with current appraisals.
Cellar and collection coverage for breakage, temperature failure, and transit. Available within the Philadelphia personal collections program.
Licensed on an admitted basis in virtually all US states — full state regulatory consumer protections, not a surplus lines placement.
Collections too large to individually schedule covered under blanket agreed-value programs — practical for active collectors or those with diverse holdings.
What distinguishes Philadelphia Insurance's collections coverage in the admitted market.
Philadelphia's admitted status provides consumer protections, state guaranty fund participation, and regulatory oversight not available with surplus lines placements.
Part of one of the world's largest insurance groups — financial resources behind the AM Best A+ rating are substantial.
Claims settled at scheduled or blanket agreed value with no depreciation — the stated value is the settlement value.
Frequently competitive for well-documented, established collections — a strong alternative for collectors seeking admitted coverage at reasonable cost.
Schedule individual high-value pieces or cover broad collection categories under blanket programs — or combine both approaches.
Philadelphia's broad admitted presence supports a nationwide independent agent network — professional service accessible wherever the collector is located.
Understanding where Philadelphia excels — and where another carrier may serve you better.
BestArt Insurance places personal collections business with Philadelphia Insurance for clients in states where admitted market access is important and for those seeking competitive agreed-value alternatives to the major specialty programs. Our working relationship with PHLY underwriters allows us to present risks clearly and accurately, securing competitive terms for well-documented collections. Philadelphia's broad state footprint means we can place coverage for clients whose primary residence is in a state where other specialty carriers operate only on a surplus lines basis — and where admitted status genuinely matters for consumer protection.
We'll compare Philadelphia against the full specialist market — admitted and surplus lines — to find the best fit.
Start your application →