Art School Insurance Policy Information

Art School Insurance. Painters, sculptors, actors, singers, and more; artists of all types often opt to attend art school in order to perfect their craft. As an art school operator, while you provide invaluable services to the students who attend the programs you offer, you face numerous risks.
In order to protect your business, your students, and anyone else who interacts with your school – as well as yourself – having the right type of art school insurance is an absolute must.
Art schools specialize in the study of drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printing, silk-screening, and computer imaging. Some provide enrichment opportunities for elementary or secondary students while others offer two or four-year degrees in a college or university environment.
They may be publicly funded from state and federal tax dollars or privately funded through donations, particularly donations from alumni. Additional funding comes from tuition, fees, bookstores, admissions to cultural events, fundraisers, and licensing of miscellaneous goods and apparel bearing the institution's name or logo.
Why do art schools need to be insured? What kind of insurance do these facilities need? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Art school insurance protects your education business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked charter school insurance questions:
- What Is Art School Insurance?
- How Much Does Art School Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Art Schools Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Art Schools Need?
- What Does Art School Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Art School Insurance?
Art school insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed for art schools and institutions. It provides protection for the school, its staff, students, and equipment from potential risks and damages that may arise during the course of instruction and activities.
This can include coverage for liability, property damage, theft, and other potential losses related to the art school's operations. The purpose of art school insurance is to ensure that the school is financially protected from potential losses and to provide peace of mind to those involved in the art education process.
How Much Does Charter School Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small art schools ranges from $47 to $69 per month based on location, enrollment, payroll, revenue, claims history and more.
Why Do Art Schools Need Insurance?
The owners and operators of art schools face many of the same risks that business owners in all industries face; however, they also face additional risks that are unique to their business. Examples of some of the issues that may arise include:
- Cybercrimes
- Damage to your art school caused by a natural disaster, theft, or vandalism
- Employee injuries
- Lawsuits
- Loss of income as a result of forced closures
- Third-party injuries

These are just a few of the examples of issues that could arise. As the owner and operator of your school, you are liable for any issues that may arise – including the costs that are associated with those issues. That's why having the right type of art school insurance coverage is so important.
If you aren't properly insured, you'll end up having to pay the exorbitant costs that are related to any mishaps or problems out of your own pocket, which could end up putting you in financial ruin; however, if you are properly insured, instead of paying the costs yourself, your carrier will cover them for you.
In addition to the financial protection that art school insurance provides, having the right coverage ensures that you are complaint with the law. Art schools are legally required to carry certain types of insurance.
If you fail to have the necessary policies in place, you could end up being hit with stiff penalties, could face legal issues, and there's even a chance that your school could be shut down.
What Type Of Insurance Do Art Schools Need?
There are several types of art school insurance coverage that art schools need to carry. The specific types of policies you'll require depend on several factors, such as where your facility is located, the size of your school, and the specific services you offer.
In order to find out exactly what type of art school insurance {State coverage you'll need, speaking with an experienced and reputable insurance agent is highly recommended.
Examples of some of the protections that art schools will should have in place include:
- General Liability: This type of coverage protects you from third-party liability claims that are related to personal injuries and property damage. For instance, if a student claims that you or a staff member of your art school damaged their work and files a lawsuit against you, this insurance would help to cover the cost of your legal defense fees, as well as any settlements that may be associated with the case.
- Commercial Property: If your school is damaged in an act of nature, vandalism, or theft, commercial property insurance will help to cover the cost of any repairs or losses that you may experience. For instance, if a fire were to break out in your facility, your insurer will help to pay for any repairs and will reimburse you for anything that is damaged and can't be repaired.
- Workers' Compensation: To protect your employees from work-related injuries or illnesses, you'll need to carry a workers' compensation policy. If a staff member, such as a teacher or an administrative assistance, were to sustain an injury while working, this insurance would help to pay for their medical care, and it would compensate them for any wages that they would lose if they are unable to work while recovering.
- Errors And Omissions (E&O): Also known as professional liability insurance, E&O protects your school, your employees, and any other professionals who are associated with your facility against claims that are related to negligent actions or inadequate work. For instance, if a student claims that a teacher failed to provide them with the instruction that your school advertised, this policy would help to cover legal expenses and settlements.
These policies are just a few examples of the type of art school insurance you'll need to carry as the owner and operator of an art school.
Art School's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are high due to the age and number of students and visitors on premises. The adult/student ratio should be low enough to permit adequate supervision. Classrooms should be arranged so instructors can see students at all times.
Furnishings and equipment must be well maintained to prevent injury to students. Flooring should have nonskid surfaces. Slips and falls can be prevented with good housekeeping and by maintaining floor coverings in good condition, with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring, and prompt cleanup of spills.
Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. High levels of noise can result in hearing impairment.
Procedures for all emergencies should be posted, with employees trained to use them. Evacuation drills should be practiced on a regular basis. Security issues are becoming more critical in educational settings. Access to the building must be limited during the hours of operation to prevent unauthorized access, students escaping, or kidnapping.
If there are dormitories, supervisors' references must be verified, including a criminal background check. There should be hard-wired smoke detectors in each living unit.
Immunizations should be required for each student, along with an emergency medical contact. There should be written policies regarding when a student is too ill to attend class, and when the facility will contact parents or medical emergency providers in the event of illness or an accident.
If the college has an on-premises medical clinic or police staff, professional liability coverage may be needed. Off-premises exposures can include art exhibitions, field trips, class trips, overseas semesters, and research and development activities.
Personal and advertising injury exposures include allegations of discrimination, failure to prevent intimidation, humiliation, hazing or bullying by instructors or other students, false arrest or detention, invasion of privacy, slander, and libel from publishing activities, unauthorized or intrusive searches, and wrongful expulsion.
Exposures may also arise from professor publications, including "research stealing and disputes," or copyright or patent infringement. Written procedures should be in place regarding how the school will intervene when a person is accused of being engaged in any of these.
Abuse and molestation exposure is higher if the art school instructs elementary or secondary level students. No coverage is available for the abuser. While there is some coverage available in the standard market for the institution where the abuse takes place, it is very restricted.
More complete coverage should be purchased through specialized markets. The school must take all care possible to protect students from predatory adults and older students through background checks, monitoring and supervision, and reporting all allegations of abuse to the proper authorities.
Directors and officers exposure arise from the decisions and actions of board members. Policies and procedures should be published and consistently followed, especially as they relate to the election of officers and removal of officers.
Professional liability exposure is high if the art school is affiliated with a college or university due to the number of professors and counselors employed. Verification of professional credentials is critical. Educational standards must be in writing and meet all criteria for state and federal licensing and accreditation.
Workers compensation exposures for art teachers include lifting, hernia, back sprains, and strains. Burns can result from welding, kilns, or chemicals used in photo processing. Many artistic processes can cause lung, eye, and skin irritations.
Use of flammables, solvents, lead-based paints, or chemicals should be carefully evaluated. Protective equipment may be required. Use of computer keyboards can result in repetitive motion injuries. Workstations should be ergonomically designed.
Custodians can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals. Employees may intervene in student altercations, subjecting themselves to possible harm. Exposure to communicable disease can be high.
All employees should have up-to-date immunizations to prevent the spread of communicable disease. Unauthorized visitors can pose a threat to employees as well as students.
Property exposure is high as the process of making art can include the use and storage of flammable paints, solvents, and chemicals. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, and heating and air conditioning systems.
All wiring should be well maintained and up to code. Storage of flammables should be in an approved cabinet away from combustibles and kept in a cool environment. A small fire can cause considerable damage to personal property.
Sculpting can involve wood, stone, metal, clay, or any other material that can be formed into a three-dimensional image. Adequate ventilation is needed to remove dust created by students working with these media. Welding and casting should be conducted away from combustible materials.
Spray painting requires explosion-proof fixtures and an approved exhaust system. Kilns used for firing ceramics must be monitored due to extreme heat production. Extinguishing equipment must be easily accessible.
If meals are prepared on premises, all cooking equipment must be properly protected. Housekeeping must be excellent. Colleges are often targets for vandalism and malicious mischief. There should be after-hours security to prevent unauthorized access.
Business income exposure can be high if a specialized classroom building, dormitory, or exhibit hall is shut down after a loss. A disaster plan should be in place identifying temporary facilities and suppliers that could be used in the event of a loss.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Background checks should be performed on all employees handling money. All job duties, such as ordering, billing, and disbursement, should be separate and reconciled on a regular basis.
If cash is received for tuition or from donations, receipts should be provided. Bank deposits should be made on a timely basis to prevent the buildup of cash on premises. External audits should be conducted at least annually. Cash from bookstores must be periodically picked up, tallied, verified, and deposited in a drop safe pending transfer to a bank.
Large cash deposits may require the use of an armored car service.
Inland marine exposure includes accounts receivable for payments from donors, parents and students, audio-visual equipment for items transported between classrooms, computers for offices, classrooms, and graphic arts, contractors' equipment for machinery used to maintain the premises, fine arts, and valuable papers and records for student information.
All data must be duplicated and kept off premises. Fine arts include such items as sculptures and paintings that are kept on site.
Business auto exposure is generally limited to a hired and non-owned due to employees running errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be well maintained and the records kept at a central location.
What Does Art School Insurance Cover & Pay For?

There are various reasons why art schools may face lawsuits, such as:
Intellectual property infringement: This occurs when an art school uses copyrighted or trademarked material without the owner's permission. If an art school is sued for using copyrighted or trademarked material without permission, its insurance policy may provide coverage for legal fees and damages. For example, if a student creates a piece of artwork that infringes on someone's copyright, the art school's insurance policy may cover the cost of a settlement or judgment against the school.
Personal injury: An individual may claim that they suffered physical harm or property damage while on the art school's premises. If someone is injured while on the art school's premises, the school's liability insurance policy may provide coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. For instance, if a student slips and falls in the art school's hallway and sustains injuries, the school's insurance policy may cover the cost of medical treatment and any resulting lawsuit.
Discrimination: Students or faculty members may claim that they were treated unfairly based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. If a student or faculty member claims discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, the school's employment practices liability insurance may provide coverage for legal fees and damages. For example, if a student claims that they were not accepted into an art program due to their disability, the school's insurance policy may cover the cost of a lawsuit and any damages awarded.
Breach of contract: If an art school fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, such as providing promised resources or services, it may be sued for breach of contract. If an art school fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, such as providing promised resources or services, it may be sued for breach of contract. In this case, the school's insurance policy may provide coverage for legal fees and damages. For instance, if a student enrolls in an art program with the promise of access to certain resources and those resources are not provided, the school's insurance policy may cover the cost of a lawsuit and any damages awarded.
Negligence: Art schools may be sued for negligence if they fail to provide adequate safety measures, such as training or protective equipment, to prevent accidents or injuries. If an art school is sued for negligence, its general liability insurance may provide coverage for legal fees and damages. For example, if a student is injured while using a piece of equipment that was not properly maintained or secured, the school's insurance policy may cover the cost of a lawsuit and any damages awarded.
Overall, insurance can help art schools protect themselves from unexpected lawsuits and ensure that they have the financial resources to pay for legal fees and damages.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 8299 Schools And Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 611610 Fine Art Schools, 611519 Other Technical and Trade Schools, 611310 Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8868 School - Professional Employees & Clerical, 9101 School - All Other Employees
Description for 8299: Schools And Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classifie
Division I: Services | Major Group 82: Educational Services | Industry Group 829: Schools And Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
8299 Schools And Educational Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in offering educational courses and services, not elsewhere classified. Included in this industry are music schools, drama schools, language schools, short-term examination preparatory schools, student exchange programs, curriculum development, and vocational counseling, except rehabilitation counseling. Establishments primarily engaged in operating dance schools are classified in Industry 7911, and those providing rehabilitation counseling are classified in Industry 8331.
- Art schools, except commercial
- Automobile driving instruction
- Baton instruction
- Bible schools, not operated by churches
- Ceramics schools
- Charm schools
- Civil service schools
- Continuing education programs
- Cooking schools
- Curriculum development, educational
- Diction schools
- Drama schools
- Finishing schools, charm and modeling
- Flying instruction
- Hypnosis schools
- Language schools
- Modeling schools, clothes
- Music schools
- Personal development schools
- Public speaking schools
- Reading schools
- Speed reading courses
- Student exchange programs
- Survival schools
- Tutoring
- Vocational counseling, except rehabilitation counseling
Art School Insurance - The Bottom Line
To find the best fit art school insurance coverage you'll need to fully protect your education business, speak with a reputable broker who specializes in commercial educational insurance.
Additional Resources For Education, Colleges, Universities & Schools Insurance
Learn about small business commercial insurance for educators that helps protecting your professional reputation and other legal liabilities arising from your educational services.
- Art School
- Beauty School
- Charter School
- Chiropractic Schools
- Colleges, Universities & Professional Schools
- Driving Schools
- Educational Services
- Language School
- Microschools
- Music Schools
- Private Schools
- Real Estate School
- Tutoring
- Specialty Schools And Education

Education, colleges, universities, and schools are integral parts of our society, responsible for shaping the minds and futures of our youth. These institutions have a significant impact on the community and play a vital role in the growth and development of our society.
However, as with any business, education institutions also face a variety of risks and challenges. These risks can range from accidents and injuries on campus to financial loss due to lawsuits or property damage.
In order to protect against these risks and ensure that they can continue to provide high-quality education to their students, it is essential for education institutions to have business insurance. This insurance can provide coverage for a variety of potential issues, including:
Liability: If a student is injured on campus or a teacher is sued for misconduct, education institutions can be held liable. Liability insurance can provide coverage for legal fees and settlements, helping to protect the institution's financial stability.
Property damage: Natural disasters, fires, and other unexpected events can cause significant damage to education institutions. Commercial property insurance can provide coverage for repairs and replacements, helping to minimize the financial impact of these events.
Loss of income: If an education institution is forced to close due to an unforeseen event, such as a pandemic, it can result in significant financial loss. Business insurance can provide coverage for lost income, helping to mitigate the impact on the institution's financial stability.
In conclusion, education institutions, such as colleges, universities, and schools, need insurance to protect against the various risks and challenges they face. This insurance can help to ensure that these institutions can continue to provide high-quality education and support to their students and communities.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors and Officers, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Nonownd Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Spoilage, Computer Fraud, Extortion, Animal Floater, Contractors' Equipment, Fine Arts, Musical Instruments, Theatrical Floater, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Stop Gap Liability and Active Shooter.