At the $1M+ collection level, you stop buying “insurance” and start buying “risk management.” I pitted the two titans of the High-Net-Worth world—AIG Private Client and Chubb Masterpiece—against each other. It’s not about the premium price; it’s about who gets the helicopter to your house when the wildfire starts.
Key Takeaways
- Wildfire Defense: Both offer private fire crews that spray your home with fire-retardant foam. This saves the art.
- Vulnerability Assessments: They send curators to your house to tell you your humidity is wrong or your hanging wire is frayed.
- Collection Management: They offer referrals to vetted shippers, restorers, and storage facilities.
- The Claims Experience: The difference is “Check in the mail” vs. “Team of experts on site in 4 hours.”
The “Why” (The Trap): The Service Gap
Standard carriers (State Farm, Allstate) have Caps. They might cap art at $5,000.
PCG (Private Client Group) carriers have Solutions.
The trap is staying with a standard carrier when you have outgrown them. You save $500 in premium but lose $50,000 in services.
[IMAGE: Side-by-side logo comparison of Chubb and AIG with a checkmark list of services]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I compared the “Value Added” services for a client with a $5M home and $2M art collection.
1. Chubb Masterpiece
- The Legend: Known for paying claims instantly, often without hassling over receipts if the schedule is clear.
- The Perk: “Wildfire Defense Services” are legendary. They wrap the house.
- Art Focus: Strong relationship with major museums/fairs.
2. AIG Private Client (now often branded via MGA relationships in 2026)
- The Legend: Extremely flexible underwriting for complex lives (multiple homes, yachts, art).
- The Perk: “Smart Build” services. They help you build the art storage room correctly from the blueprints up.
- Art Focus: Very data-driven valuation tools.
3. PURE (The Challenger)
- The Vibe: Member-owned. Often cheaper than Chubb/AIG.
- The Perk: “Member Advocate.” A concierge to help you find replacements.
- Verdict: Great alternative, closing the gap fast.
Comparison Table
| Service | Standard Carrier | Chubb / AIG / PURE |
| Wildfire Defense | No | Yes (Enrollment required) |
| Hurricane Evacuation | No | Yes (Art removal) |
| Appraisal Referrals | No | Yes (Vetted List) |
| Agreed Value | No (Usually) | Yes |
| Cash Settlement | No (Replace only) | Yes (Keep cash, don’t replace) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- The “2-Minute Review”: If your home is worth >
1Morart>1Morart>100k, call a specialized broker. You are likely in the wrong tier of insurance. - Ask for the Survey: Request a “Risk Management Visit.” Let them find the leak in the attic before it drips on the Picasso.
- Enroll in Wildfire/Hurricane Programs: You often have to sign a waiver before the season starts to get the private fire trucks.
- Leverage the Network: Need a shipper? Ask your Chubb agent. Their referral comes with implied accountability.
FAQ Section
Are these policies much more expensive?
Surprisingly, not always. Because they bundle home, auto, and art, the package deal can be competitive. The art rate is often lower than standard carriers.
Can I switch mid-year?
Yes. You get a pro-rated refund from your old carrier.
Do they cover homes abroad?
Yes. PCG carriers are global. They cover the villa in Tuscany and the flat in London on one policy.