Preserving the Past by Protecting Its Future: Our Historic Property Insurance Program

For more than two decades, our Historic Property Insurance Program has been dedicated to safeguarding the places that define our shared cultural heritage. Established in 2003, the program was created in response to a growing unmet need for insurance solutions designed specifically for historic properties. In 2015, we strengthened that mission by aligning with Zurich North America, expanding our reach, program capabilities, and ability to deliver long-term protection for some of the nation's most treasured landmarks.

A Program Built to Meet a Critical Need

The Historic Property Insurance Program was developed through a joint effort with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, an organization at the forefront of protecting historic places across the United States. Together, we recognized a gap in the market: standard insurance policies did not always address the realities these structures face.

Traditional policies often do not fully address the architectural features, materials, collections, and operational realities that make historic properties unique. In addition, agents and underwriters may have limited familiarity with the distinct exposures faced by historic properties. The result was coverage that looked adequate on paper but did not always respond as intended when it mattered most.

Our program was created to close that gap.

Expertise Grounded in Real‑World Experience

Since our inception, we have insured some of the most iconic historic properties in the country, including President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C., Filoli Historic House in San Mateo, California, and The Glass House designed by Philip Johnson in New Canaan, Connecticut. Each property in our program presents a unique combination of historical significance, architectural complexity, and preservation challenges, exactly the types of risks our program was built to address.

Through our long-standing relationship with Zurich North America, we can combine program-specific underwriting focus with the financial strength of a global insurance provider that understands the value of preservation-focused coverage. 

A Comprehensive and Thoughtful Approach to Coverage

Our primary goal is not simply to place insurance; it is to help clients understand their exposures and secure coverage that truly reflects the value and vulnerability of their properties. Every historic site tells a story, and protecting that story requires careful consideration of a wide range of factors.

Key elements of our approach include proper valuation of structures and historic replacement cost coverage that supports restoration rather than generic repair. We recognize that loss settlements must account for craftsmanship, period-appropriate materials, and preservation standards, not just modern construction costs.

While certain characteristics of a property may prohibit specific coverages or require limitations, our approach remains consistent: we write coverage with a carrier that supports the preservation mission and can offer coverage options aligned with that purpose.

Protecting What Matters Most

Historic properties are more than buildings; they are living connections to our past and vital assets for future generations. Insurance should support that responsibility, not complicate it. By combining specialized knowledge, strong relationships, and a deep respect for preservation, our Historic Property Program continues to be a resource for organizations committed to protecting America's irreplaceable historic places.