Category Archives: Art Insurance

Art transit Insurance, Artist Insurance, Comtemporary Art Insurance, Exhibtion Art Coverage

How to Evaluate Your Own Work as an Artist: A Guide to Art Valuation for Insurance (Updated 2026)

Since launching ArtInsuranceNow.com more than a decade ago, I’ve had thousands of conversations with artists about one deceptively simple question: “How does an insurance company actually evaluate my art?”

The answer matters more than ever in 2026. With art fairs, online marketplaces, and international exhibitions booming, proper fine art insurance valuation can mean the difference between full recovery after a loss and a disappointing settlement.

The Straightforward Formula Most Policies Use

For artists with a sales track record, the calculation is refreshingly simple:

Retail sales price minus 30% (typical gallery/dealer commission).

This “net-to-artist” value becomes the insured amount on an agreed-value fine art policy. It’s clean, defensible, and widely accepted across the industry.

But What If You’re a New or Emerging Artist with No Sales History?

This is where the conversation gets interesting—and where many artists (and even some galleries) get stuck.

Whether you’re 25 or 65 and just stepping into your first group show, exhibition contracts still require you to declare a value. That number isn’t just for the gallery; it becomes the foundation for your studio, transit, exhibition, and worldwide coverage.

How to Price Your Own Work Realistically (So the Insurer Accepts It)

Everything has a value. Start with these fundamentals:

  • Cost of materials + framing
  • Hours spent creating (your hourly rate as a professional)
  • Education, workshops, and mentorship investment
  • Size, medium, and subject matter
  • Comparable sales of similar artists at the same career stage (easy to research on Saatchi Art, Etsy and Artfinder in 2026)
  • Market demand and exhibition history

Pro Tip from a 40-Year Insurance Veteran:
Use these factors as your guiding denominator and set a reasonable retail price. In my experience, most serious artists land within an acceptable range. The insurer rarely disputes it, and claims are paid quickly.

What Happens If You Over-Price?

The policy language is clear: it’s up to you to prove the value. If the insurance company’s internal review (or third-party appraiser) determines your declared value is inflated, they’ll adjust it downward. That’s why we always recommend starting conservative and documenting everything—photos, receipts, exhibition records, and market comps.

2026 Update: Smarter Valuations Through Technology

At ArtInsuranceNow.com we’re seeing how AI-powered market-analysis platforms and image-recognition tools are helping emerging artists identify accurate comparables faster than ever. While a professional appraisal is still the gold standard every 3–5 years, these digital aids make initial self-valuation far more credible and defensible for insurance purposes.

Our Custom Artist Insurance Program – Built for Serious Artists

We designed this program specifically for creators who treat their studio like the business it is. Coverage includes:

  • Exhibition
  • Transit
  • Studio
  • Storage
  • Worldwide protection
  • Materials and commissioned works-in-progress

Limits start at $100,000
Premiums start at $1,000

No one understands the unique risks artists face better than we do at Bernard Fleischer & Sons—because we’ve been specializing in fine art insurance for decades.

Ready to protect your life’s work the right way?

Visit artinsurancenow.com today for a fast, no-obligation quote. Or call our New York office today at 800.921.1008 or 212.566.1881 ext. 111. Our team makes the process simple, transparent, and built around your creative workflow.

Bottom line: Price your work based on the real merits of your talent, experience, and market position—keep ego in check, document everything, and sleep better knowing your art is properly protected.

Art Collector, Art transit Insurance, Collectibles

Six things you should know about Art Collection Insurance

As collectors, one of the most important things to understand is art collection insurance. Many collectors out there tend to overlook this often-essential part of keeping their valuable pieces safe. Whether you own expensive paintings, sculptures, or artifacts, having art collection insurance allows you to rest easy, knowing that in the event of theft or damage, you have some form of coverage and can recoup some of the loss. In this blog post, we dive into the ins and outs of this insurance so that you know exactly where you stand should something happen to your beloved artwork.

1 Understanding Art Collection Insurance

Art collection insurance is a special type of insurance that helps protect an art collection against damage, loss, and theft. Any artwork collector should have this coverage to secure their valuable pieces. With that in mind, various types of coverage are available to collectors. These may consist of

  • Transit coverage covers pieces in transit from the point of purchase to their home or exhibition venue.
  • Valuation coverage covers variations in value due to fluctuations in market values.

Package policies are another option at your disposal. This type of collection insurance covers multiple risks within the same policy, such as fire and uncontrollable conditions. It is a must if you plan to keep your pieces safe in storage. With that in mind, getting the right kind of insurance protection is important no matter what type of art collection you have. But more on that later. 

2 Determining the Need for Art Collection Insurance

Before determining the need for art collection insurance, it is essential to assess the total value of your collection. This involves considering all its components. This includes tangible and intangible items, such as individual objects, framed displays, and any shipping or administrative costs associated with moving a piece from one location to another. Furthermore, to identify any potential risks that may cause harm or loss to your valuable pieces, it is helpful to consider the environment they are stored or displayed in and any regular activities they may be subjected to. Finally, it is essential to evaluate existing insurance policies – ensuring adequate coverage exists against any perils your art collection may face.

3 Appraising Your Art Collection

Appraising your art collection is a critical step to estimating the value of each piece in your collection. You can hire a professional appraiser to look at your collection. A professional appraiser will thoroughly examine each piece you own and research similar pieces to determine their market value. This process will consider the condition, quality, materials used and historical significance. Furthermore, an appraisal will provide documentation with information regarding the artwork so that insurers and other interested individuals can also make educated decisions on any purchases that may occur in the future involving pieces from your collection.

4 Preventive Measures and Risk Management

Just because you want to purchase art insurance doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take preventative measures yourself. According to experts at Heart Moving Manhattan, NYC, first and foremost, you should ensure the artwork’s security by storing it in a controlled environment. Additionally, you should document artwork properly. This includes maintaining proof of purchase, authenticating any certificates of authenticity, and photographing items as proof. Furthermore, conserving artwork is important to keep them safe – this includes regularly inspecting storage conditions and avoiding handling them excessively or forcefully.

Similarly, collectors must use cushioned packaging materials when transporting valuable art objects and utilize proven couriers for reliable delivery. All these preventive measures can save money by lowering insurance premiums. Not to mention that they will bring peace of mind that your valuable collection is safe from harm.

5 Art Collection Insurance for Artists and Galleries

Art collection insurance is essential for artists and galleries to protect their investments. Not only does it protect them in the case of any physical damage that may occur to their pieces, but many insurers also provide coverage for lost or stolen artwork. Additionally, it is an invaluable tool for dealing with issues such as legal disputes and disputed authenticity. Therefore, obtaining appropriate insurance for a gallery or artist’s collection is a wise decision that could ultimately save them from great financial difficulty should the unexpected happen.

6 Choosing the Right Insurance Policy

Selecting the appropriate insurance coverage for your art collection is essential in guaranteeing the collection’s safety and security. When choosing an insurance plan, there are several aspects to consider. The most important of them are available coverage choices, policy limits, deductibles, and the insurer’s reputation and level of expertise. In addition, it is vital to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of coverage. This entails taking into consideration the requirements and threats that are connected to your collection. If a claim is made against the policy, the limits of the policy should be enough to cover the overall worth of your collection, and the deductibles should be reasonable.

Conclusion

With art collection insurance in place, you can rest assured that you can cover any financial losses due to theft, vandalism, or damage caused by natural disasters like floods or fires. It is also essential for artists and galleries to procure art collection insurance because having a good policy in place gives them peace of mind and protection when exhibiting their artwork. To find the right amount of coverage for your needs, it is crucial to evaluate all options carefully before deciding.

Art Insurance, Art transit Insurance, Exhibtion Art Coverage, Transit Insurance

As a Curator, do you buy an Exhibition or Art Dealer policy?

Lately, I have been asked this question by curators that insure Art Exhibitions. There is silence when I ask if you are a curator or dealer. I feel it is essential to distinguish the difference.

An Art Curator has many roles when mounting a show; What is the exhibition about? Is the reason for the show the promotion of the Gallery, Artist, Collection, or yourself? All have a common thread… the “Consignment Agreement.” 

Focusing on the Consignment Agreement terms is where I look to help design the right policy for the show. Usually, this transaction comes with two different approaches to this agreement. When the work is consigned to the show, is it for just show or sale?

If the Artwork being shown is Just for display, an exhibition policy is offered to protect the art for the consignment amount and transit wall-to-wall. Wall-to-wall or Nail-to-Nail has a meaning. To insure Artwork from the time of pick, during transit, storage, exhibition, and on return to the source.

I usually add a few extra days to the policy so the insured is not caught without coverage because Insurance always ends at 12:01 am. Quite often, this will not change the insurance cost. Adding 2 to 3 extra days will take care of any unforeseen delays. 

When the work is for sale, and the curator or venue receives compensation, like a commission, selling fee, or a donation, then the Curator or Venue can be classified as a dealer.

A dealer policy is a year-long policy; the work does not have to be scheduled. There is an established limit for all exhibitions; transit and storage of the art. It works similarly to a collector’s Blanket policy, based on limits, not items. It is covered on a blanket Limit and is not limited to this single exhibition. You will have coverage for all your shows for the year. Also, there is no time restriction for returning the art after the show. It is still a wall-to-wall or nail-to-nail type of policy. As for the cost, it is usually about even with an exhibition-type policy.

In conclusion, both types of policies protect the owner of art in a curated show. Like all Insurance, I recommend reviewing the policy wording to understand the evaluations, limits, conditions, and coverages.

Art Collector, Art Insurance, Stately Homes, Unique Stories pertaining to Art

How to Light Art in Your New Home

When you move into a new home, you want everything to look perfect. However, if you’re going to appropriately light art in your new home, you might want some assistance. It’s good to know your options in terms of light sources, fixtures, etc. Besides offering you tips on hanging art in your house, we will also show you how to light it. Keep reading to find out how you can make your new home look like an art gallery. Your guests will be impressed by your ability to create eye-catching effects using art and light. 

Why should you light artwork?

If you feel that simply hanging art on your walls is not enough, you can use light to your advantage. For instance, you can use it to accentuate a piece of art by putting it in the spotlight. But you can’t just place a light bulb above it and call it quits. You need to consider the light’s angle, the type of light, and the quality. Moreover, never use fluorescent light bulbs or direct sunlight. Improper lighting can destroy a piece of art. And it is a shame to spend money on fine art only to have it ruined by such a small but essential detail. 

Displaying art in your new home

If you have recently moved into a new house, create a design strategy before displaying any of your art pieces. Your walls are empty and just waiting for you to fill them. Therefore, before bringing in your artwork, think of the layout. The experts from cleancutmoving.com recommend that you finish with renovations before bringing in any valuable items. That way, you will keep them safe and avoid any unfortunate accidents while you work on upgrading your home.

After all of the furniture is in place, you can hang art on the walls and illuminate it

How to display art

When it comes to showcasing your art pieces, there is a guideline that you can follow. Of course, you can always change things to fit your home better. For instance, if you have a painting that you want to make the centerpiece of a room, but there is no space on the walls, you can put it above the fireplace. If you hang it on the wall, the center of the painting should be 57 inches from the ground. If you place it above furniture, there should be six to eight inches between the art and furniture. 

Also, if you want to make a collage out of multiple pieces on one wall, you should leave a three-to-six-inch gap between them. You can break the rules of displaying art in your home and enhance any room with artwork. For example, you can hang paintings in the bathroom or display sculptures in the kitchen or dining room. Just make sure that you protect your artwork from humidity and sunlight.

What type of light to use for your art

There are two factors to consider regarding the sort of light you should use to light art in your new home. One of them is the color, and the other is the temperature. 

Light color

The color of light can affect the look of the artwork. Light will reflect on its surface, altering the tones and making it look brighter or darker. The best way to choose the right color of the light is to use the Color Rendering Index or CRI. According to this index, you can measure the color of light in RA. The closest thing to natural light is light bulbs with an RA of 98. LEDs are some of the best lightbulbs that you can use to light artwork. LED lamps with an RA of 90 and above are perfect for lighting art pieces.

Light temperature

You can measure the temperature of light in Kelvins. At 1000K, the light is warm, but at 10.000K, it is cold. Opt for LEDs with a Kelvin temperature range of 2700 to 4000. That will offer a light temperature range from extra warm to cold. Also, always choose white light bulbs. That way, you will have the best combination of color and temperature.

Choosing how to light art in your new home is very important. Based on the color and temperature of the light, you can make a dull painting look like a masterpiece. 

Types of lighting fixtures

After you find the best light bulbs for lighting your artwork, it’s time to pick the light fixtures. Here are four fixtures that can help you highlight your art:

Accent lights – you can mount them onto the ceiling and adjust the direction. The best positioning of the light source for an art piece is at a 30-degree angle. 

Track lights – these lights have almost the same function as accent lights, but they are not mounted directly onto the ceiling. They are adjustable and fastened to a track bar on the ceiling.

Wall washers – you can install these light fixtures on the walls, ceilings, or floors, and they will help you spread light evenly. Furthermore, they are easy to install and remove, so it will be easy to change their position if you decide to change the layout.

Picture lights – are the best option you can use to light art in your new home. You can mount picture lights right on the frames or use a picture light lamp with a low voltage above an art piece. In the end, you can choose your light fixtures based on the type of artwork you are displaying. For example, a sculpture can be lit from multiple angles, while a photograph needs a specific angle. Before installing the lights, bring in the art pieces and position them. If you are in New York and need a helping hand with moving your artwork, you can hire a local moving company. A local crew can be super helpful when relocating your valuable pieces.

Choosing the right fixtures can add to the charm of the room

Final words

Now that you know how to light art in your new home, you need to insure your art. Art insurance will keep your pieces safe in case of hazards like fires or floods – having your art insured will help you sleep peacefully at night.

Art Insurance

Here’s an opinion on art from a 25-year-old

What is Art? The word “Art” originated from “to arrange.” Any human that arranges things that already exist in a new or different form. Art is a means by which individuals can express their technical and creative skills to communicate with the world. It’s not just painting, music, writing, or performances. It has no boundaries and is much broader than any of us can imagine. Everything from knitting a sweater to cooking to sculpting to technology can be termed as art. Every person has a different skill through which they convey their emotions to the world in their own unique way. It’s not always beautiful and can be ugly, but what makes it significant is its impact on someone.

The product of one’s artistic creation is called artwork. A representation of reality from an individual perspective is what makes it so beautiful and stands out to the world, touching several lives. For example, Monalisa by Leonardo DaVinci, The David by Michael Angelo, Taj Mahal by Shah Jahan, Islamic calligraphy, European architecture, music and dance forms from different cultures, cuisines across the world, performances by people and many more are all a piece of wonder and considered art.

Its authentic nature calls for us to guard these precious creations. Some are preserved in museums, and some die with humans; the others need to be insured. These artworks are worth a lot and vulnerable to theft or damage. People have dedicated their whole fortune towards the collection of these artworks, and it might even be their business. That’s where insurance comes in. The right insurance can protect oneself from these dangers and insure the losses if any.  Its value might appreciate over time and insurance gives you that reassurance and peace of mind to let you continue collecting art.

Art Collector, Art Insurance, Art transit Insurance, Transit Insurance

Guide to transporting large-format paintings

Generally speaking, moving to a new home is a challenging process, no matter how many possessions you have. However, moving with valuable and fragile possessions can be even more frustrating and stressful. Transporting your family’s art collection is no easy task because it involves careful and skillful packing, preparations, and planning. For this reason, we have written a guide for transporting large-format paintings so that you have a clearer idea about what you need to pay attention to and what you should expect once you start organizing your move. 

It is definitely true that large paintings, old photos, antique furniture, and decorative items all require special treatment during relocation. There are many things you can do to prevent damages made to the frames or the artwork itself. However, in case you still feel that the necessary ‘packing precautions’ may not be enough to keep your large format paintings secure, we strongly suggest you inquire about art insurance as a backup plan, just in case something goes wrong. 

Place the artwork into appropriately sized boxes.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the size of the boxes and the paintings. In most cases, small and medium-sized paintings are placed together in large boxes. This is done to prevent friction and the potential shattering of the glass and frames. Therefore, the artwork and the boxes containing the artwork should be stacked and pressed together to minimize movement in the vehicle. 

When it comes to moving larger artwork, the best thing to do is pack each piece in a separate box that is only slightly larger than the painting itself. These specialty boxes have to be carefully chosen and purchased from the supply store well before your relocation. 

You should not improvise with boxes that are larger or smaller. Having a larger box leaves room for movement and potential damages, cuts, and shattered glass, whereas the painting may fall out of a box that is smaller than the painting. 

Tape the glass with an X

If the picture has glass protection, be sure to tape the glass with masking tape diagonally. This little trick will keep the glass in place in case it cracks during transportation. 

In case your large-format paintings are not framed or protected by glass, it is best if you wrap the front of the painting with several thick layers of plastic wrap, palette wrap, or any other wrapping material that will protect it from impact.  

How to wrap your large-format paintings with wrapping material

As we mentioned, you should wrap your artwork in thick layers of the wrapping material of your choice. But what is the best way to do this? Let us take a look. 

●     Cut two equally sized pieces of brown paper (should be larger than the painting)

●     Place the framed painting face down against one sheet of brown paper

●     Cover the painting with the second sheet of brown paper 

●     Tape down the ends of the brown paper together like a present

●     Wrap the packing tape around the painting on all sides

●     Place the painting in a box

Pro tip: add a layer of wrapping paper or shock-absorbent wrapping material

a woman packing a book with brown paper
Brown paper is malleable and firm enough to give support to your large-format paintings.

Be sure to use brown packing paper rather than newspapers or other types of paper that do not offer the necessary support. Newspapers are not large enough to be taped down and wrapped around large-format paintings, and they tend to leave print ink on artwork. 

As you can see, art should be handled properly, so if you are unsure whether you can pack and move your large-format paintings or art collectibles on your own, the best thing is to call in professional artwork packing and moving crews.

Check if the painting is moving inside the box.

Before you finally seal the box with tape, you need to give it a few gentle pushes so that you can estimate if the painting is moving too much inside the box. If this is the case, you can crumble some newspapers to create padding. As we said before, be sure to do so only if you have already wrapped the artwork in brown packing paper. 

Seal the box appropriately.

In our experience, it is best if you use specialty boxes to pack large-format paintings such as triptychs. Place the tape on both ends of the box. Of course, you should first seal the upper part of the box and then stand it so that you can tape the bottom end for additional safety. This can be a bit difficult if the painting format is extremely large, so be sure to have a helping hand nearby just in case.

a man taping down a moving box
Use wide, firm packing tape to seal the box in the end.

Label the box

It might appear to you that it is obvious which boxes contain your large paintings. Regardless, you must label the boxes clearly and appropriately since you can really never be too sure what people might do to the boxes if they see them unlabeled. 

So, note down that the box contains fragile or glass items with a clearly written, short word such as ‘Fragile’ or ‘Glass.’  Proper labeling is crucial.

Be careful when placing the boxes into the vehicle.

Moving truck

Be sure to check if the moving crew is placing the paintings on the side of the moving truck. This is where labeling comes in – the artwork must not be laid flat on the ground, which means you need to inform the moving crew about the size of the vehicle you need. You can also stack your artwork between heavy furniture and other large items to prevent them from moving. 

Keep in mind that when transporting extremely high-valued fine art, you may require a professional art shipper.

We hope this short guide to transporting large-format paintings helped you prepare for the big move with your art collection. Good luck!

Art Insurance

The Importance of Having Proper Art Insurance

Art collectors, museums, galleries, artists, dealers, and auctioneers have one interest in common – The love, and preservation of art. The latter is what proper art insurance is for. A knowledgeable broker will know how to meet your requirements and make sure that your valuable possessions are insured against unforeseen damage and loss.

Art collectors, museums, galleries, artists, dealers, and auctioneers have one interest in common – The love, and preservation of art. The latter is what proper art insurance is for. A knowledgeable broker will know how to meet your requirements and make sure that your valuable possessions are insured against unforeseen damage and loss.

Risk management in the world of art

Knowing the perils of owning art and how damage can be prevented is crucial for risk management in the art world. In other words, you will not know how to protect your valuable art if you are unaware of the risks. That’s why ArtInsuranceNow.com is here to help clients choose the right type of insurance tailored to their situation.

Why should an artist, or collector have to be familiar with insurance terminology in order to choose proper coverage, when they have a team at ArtInsuranceNow.com who will recommend the best possible coverage for their collection? There is another necessary step to set a solid risk management framework, and that is hiring experienced art movers to transport your art. According to top art insurance carriers, most accidents occur during transport making up to 60% of insurance claims. For mitigation of this risk, you require qualified movers to handle your most valuable possessions.

Do you know the true value of your art collection?

Even though you know the sentimental value of your art piece or collection, you will probably not be able to determine its market value until you get it properly appraised. Once appraised, ArtInsuranceNow.com can present accurate coverage that is suited to your requirements. All of which provide cost-effective protection, tailored to meet your individual circumstances. It is essential to have a policy that covers damage or loss on or off-premises, during transport, in storage, and while the art collection is being exhibited or auctioned.

Accidents Happen

The true importance of having proper art insurance can be seen when an unfortunate event occurs. The smart thing to do is to think ahead and get superior coverage and stellar service with ArtInsuranceNow.com for your art. There are many perils that your art can be exposed to:

Theft

Art trafficking is one of the most prosperous criminal acts. It has been so from ancient times and unfortunately, it still is. Having proper art insurance cannot replace what has been lost but it will help you recover your investment.

Damage

All pieces of art are precious, but some are more delicate than others. You can never be too careful when protecting your valuables. Accidents happen and we usually do not see them coming. Art pieces can be completely destroyed or get ruined and lose all value in:

  • Floods,
  • Fires,
  • Natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.

Transit

Most damage to art happens in transit. Yes, movers can destroy your precious items. Whether it is due to incompetence or simply by accident, movers can damage the items you care so much about. So, be careful when hiring people to relocate your valuable pieces of art. Have a list of questions to ask before making the final decision about who will perform your relocation. Ask your friends for recommendations and call at least three companies to see what they offer. You can even contact the nearest gallery or museum and ask them for advice.

Transportation of fine art pieces is the riskiest part of the relocation, but your movers should also be careful when packing and unpacking. Preparing the pieces of art for relocation is a delicate task and it should never be done under pressure. That is why you should never try to self-transport valuable items. Hiring fine art movers might seem expensive, but can you really put a price tag on your peace of mind?

Ask your movers to describe the entire moving process to you. Will they come and see your art pieces before the relocation date so that they can make a plan? What kind of materials are they planning on using? Is the moving truck temperature controlled? Feel free to ask whatever comes to mind. After all – it is your art collection and you have the right to know.

In Conclusion, Having proper art insurance means that you can rest assured that your art is covered for unforeseen circumstances. Risk management is the best investment you can make for your collection or maybe even the precious piece you inherited from a relative.

Art Insurance, Artist Insurance, Fine Art

Avoiding Online Art Fraud

The following are excerpts from our Principal William G. Fleischer’s Q&A interview with renowned online art site, Artsy.

Artsy features the world’s leading galleries, museum collections, foundations, artist estates, art fairs, and benefit auctions, all in one place.  William represents leading art insurers like: AXA, Travelers, Chubb, XL-Catlin, ARIS, Philadelphia, Tokyo Marine, Markel, Hartford, and Berkeley, just to name a few. He has been honored by Insurance Business Magazine as a top Fine-Art Insurance broker. 

1. How do you assess who is at fault in the case of online fraud?

It’s always the seller, and what does that mean? It means it could be an auction house, gallery, dealer, artist, or collector. It only takes one to commit fraud and fool the rest.

Anyone selling art or buying art has the exposure of fraud. Both parties must do their due diligence, such as verifying provenance, artist catalog raisonné, and authenticity certifications. If the art has an appraisal, then verify that it is not photoshop or touched up. To make sure one does all they can to confirm the authenticity, these are some resources: contacting the appraiser, establishing the comparisons, and researching the appraiser to avoid possibly buying or selling a fake.    

Some art dealers try to do a soft touch by requiring sellers/consignees to sign documents regarding titles, conditions, and appraisals to endorse that they are true. The more you inform yourself, the better; you can never do too much research or ask too many questions.  

When it comes to fraudulent art coverage, not all art policies cover fraudulent artwork; it is considered contraband, and selling contraband is illegal. If the work is scheduled for your collector’s policy and is found to be fake, there is no misrepresentation coverage. If you have a blanket policy, you will be paid for the fake market value. So buying and selling fake art is legal as long as you disclose it as a replica.

2. How have your policies adapted to cybersecurity breaches in the art market?

The traditional Art insurance policy has not adopted to cyber exposures. The insurance industry developed a special Cyber Liability Policy focusing on cyber-crime exposure. This policy pertains to identity theft, ransomware (when someone locks you out from your data, emails, network, etc.) extortion, stealing secrets passwords, defacing websites, and virus attacks. 

3. How recent is this sector in the field of insurance?

Cyber is about ten years old. With the proliferation of online business, there has been a growth of hackers, viruses, and extortionists. The increase has risen so significantly that our government has created requirements for firms to follow to protect consumers.

As for online fraud, it has been around since the time you could upload pictures to the web, and Adobe Photoshop was developed. This has caused many issues from wiring, bounced checks, and even sending empty boxes to purchasers.

4. How long has ArtInsuranceNow.com been involved in this aspect of insuring artworks? 

We have been insuring online art dealers for the past seven years. It has grown into a vertical marketplace. Everyone is selling online, including artists, collectors, auction houses, galleries, dealers, and even art stores.

Each has its own unique exposures to fraud. Keep in mind that not all policies are the same. Be sure to check if your policy addresses your requirements like online transit coverage, method of valuation at time of loss calculations, or covering your art inventory on and off the premises.

5. Do you see a greater need for this kind of protection in the industry?

For Cyber, yes. New York State has joined other states imposing a cyber law called “Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security.” (Shield) https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/legal-and-compliance/state-and-local-updates/pages/new-york-shield-act.aspx this requirement enforces that all employers to have a plan preventing breaches to their computers, networks, and associated vendors accounts.

This is a forever ending battle between hackers and online transactions. As for the actual exchange of art, there have been talks of blockchains, but it’s too young of a concept and still unproven to be used as a standard in today’s art transactions. 

6. Can you provide some examples of cybersecurity cases you’ve had to handle? 

I have not handled any cyber claims directly, but I am aware of a few: 

A hacker was able to enter the data of a large firm. They then posted the information on a social media website for everyone to read. The leaked information included: what they purchased, addresses, the items they sent, family members, affairs, second homes, and other nonpublic notes in a client file.

This was a clear breach of confidential information. Although it was not their fault, the firm was sued because a spouse learned of an affair and asked for a divorce. Another lawsuit was served because a private loan against the art was shared, which tainted their reputation. All in all, this breach caused multiple cases.

Another case brought to my attention was a prominent online dealer who was hacked by ransomware (explained above). It was very costly to pay. They locked him and his staff out of their management system, websites, all email accounts, and their access to vendors.

The business was frozen until the ransom was paid. The dealer did have the option to rebuild his systems from scratch, but it would be time-consuming, and with these delicate matters, time is of the essence.

The last I will share case occurred with a museum. A director was out of town on business, a hacker got into her email and sent a request to wire money to the controller to purchase art work. Just like that, the transfer was done, and the Museum lost $30,000.

7. What should collectors keep an eye out for regarding insurance when collecting online?

For fraud, they should keep an eye out for: the reputation of seller and buyer, the person or company who does the appraisals, condition reports, how the art is packed, whether the items are on the government forbidden list (like ivory), and complaints. 

When it comes to cybersecurity, confirm: if there is a security in place, preventing attacks.If the second or third party provides software against breaches to their system, if there are approved certificates on their website, and have a separate bank wire account for just purchases.

Be sure to have firewalls on your computer, verify before opening embedded links by looking at the URL where it is coming from? Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date. Before clicking any link, go with your gut. When in doubt, don’t click.

We work with “A” rated Insurance Companies to ensure art collectors, galleries, museums, dealers, artists, and auctioneers that their works are properly taken care of. Get your free quote below.

Art Insurance, Transit, Transit Insurance

The Importance of Art Transit & Insurance

Art collectors, museums, galleries, artists, dealers, and auctioneers have one interest in common – The love, and preservation of art. The latter is what proper art insurance is for. A knowledgeable broker will know how to meet your requirements and make sure that your valuable possessions are insured against unforeseen damage and loss.

Risk management in the world of art

Knowing the perils of owning art and how damage can be prevented is crucial for risk management in the art world. In other words, you will not know how to protect your valuable art if you are unaware of the risks. That’s why ArtInsuranceNow.com is here to help clients choose the right type of insurance tailored to their situation. 

Why should an artist or collector have to be familiar with insurance terminology in order to choose proper coverage, when they have a team that is at their service who will recommend coverage based upon their unique situation? There is another necessary step to set up a solid risk management framework, and that is hiring experienced art movers to transport your art. According to top art insurance carriers, most accidents involving art occur during transport making up to 60% of insurance claims. For mitigation of this risk, you will require qualified art movers to handle conveyance.

Do you know the true value of your art collection?

Even though you know the sentimental value of your art piece or collection, you will probably not be able to determine its market value until you get it properly appraised. Don’t have an appraisal? we can still write a policy but at the time of loss, you must prove the value. ArtInsuranceNow.com can present accurate coverage that is suited to you. This provides cost-effective, comprehensive protection. It is essential to have a policy that covers damage and loss on or off-premises, during transport, in storage, and while the art is being exhibited or auctioned.

Accidents Happen

The true importance of having proper art insurance can be seen when an unfortunate event occurs. The smart thing to do is to think ahead and get the stellar coverage and exceptional service ArtInsuranceNow.com offers. There are many perils that your art can be exposed to, some examples are:

Theft

Art trafficking is one of the most prosperous criminal acts. It has been so from ancient times and unfortunately, it still is. Having proper art insurance cannot replace what has been lost but it will help you recover your investment.

Damage

All types of art can be precious, but some are much more delicate than others. You can never be too careful when protecting your valuables. Misfortune happens and we rarely see it coming. Art pieces can be completely destroyed or get ruined and lose all value in many ways, here are just a few:

  • Floods,
  • Fires,
  • Natural disasters
  • Fraud
  • Heist
  • Inadequate handling

Transit

Most damage to art happens in transit. Yes, movers can destroy your precious items. Whether it is due to incompetence or simply by accident, movers can damage or destroy the items you care so much about. So, be careful when hiring someone to relocate your valuable pieces of art. A good practice is to have a list of questions to ask before making a final decision about who will perform your relocation. Ask your friends for recommendations and call at least three companies to see what they offer. You can even contact the nearest gallery or museum and ask them for advice.

Transportation of fine-art pieces is the riskiest part of the relocation, but your movers should also be careful when packing and unpacking. Preparing art for relocation is a delicate task and it should never be done under pressure. That is why you should never try to self-transport your valuable items. Hiring fine art movers might seem expensive, but can you really put a price tag on peace of mind? It only takes one mistake to ruin an important work of art.

Ask your movers to describe the entire moving process to you. Will they come and see your art pieces before the relocation date so that they can make a plan? What kind of materials are they planning on using? Is the moving truck temperature controlled? Feel free to ask whatever comes to mind. After all, it is your art collection and you have the right to know.

Having the combination of proper art insurance along with qualified art movers means that you can rest assured that your art is covered for unforeseen circumstances and is in good hands when being transported. Risk management is the best investment you can make, for an extensive collection or just the precious piece of art you inherited from a relative.

Art Insurance, Transit Insurance

Why use Fine-Art Movers?

Relocation is a complicated process that is emotionally, physically, and financially highly demanding. Owners of an impressive fine art collection have to face a serious challenge once the relocation becomes inevitable. Bearing in mind the sentimental and monetary value of the works of art in your possession, opting for a do-it-yourself move is an unreasonable and a very risky decision. You need genuine professionals who guarantee a smooth, trouble and stress-free relocation of your precious pieces and thus provide you with so much needed peace of mind. Here is a further explanation of why it is necessary to hire fine art movers for this endeavor.

Expert teams handle fine-art with the utmost care

As a passionate art collector, you must be aware of the fact that each and every work of art is unique and, thus, requires unique handling. Hiring movers who are not experienced and knowledgeable enough to handle your valuable art collection may have severe consequences. To be able to respond to this task properly and orchestrate and conduct the relocation successfully, movers have to be well-trained to handle artwork through each one of the relocation stages. Competent expert teams know how to apply proper packing techniques to provide your items with the utmost safety. They know how to install and deinstall fine art pieces, which is also critical in this process. Hence, only these expert teams can offer the impeccable service of moving your fine-art collection with success.

Proper packing is essential

Protecting your art collection is important at all times and the process of relocation is no exception. By using proper packing techniques and premium quality, non-abrasive packing materials, fine art movers reduce the chances of potential damage to a minimum. If necessary, they are trained to apply custom crating to make your art pieces perfectly safe while in transit. Designing and building these custom crates is one of the challenges regular furniture movers are not able to meet. Should any damage happen to your art collection, it might be considerably more expensive than hiring these specialized professionals for the job. Hence, investing in professional services is an intelligent choice. 

Expertise and accountability during fine art transportation

Whether you are moving your art collection a block or thousands of miles away, it is vital to manage all the risks while your artwork is in transit. Hiring fine art movers is a good strategy to achieve this because these experienced and skilled professionals are well-acquainted with a wide range of practices in accordance with the intrinsic nature of artwork. They are obliged to follow strict procedures and document every step of the moving process for quality assurance purposes. When necessary, they use elevating cranes for heavy and awkwardly-shaped pieces or even obtain a special license to block a street while the installation of an art piece at a final destination is in progress. Understandably, this is something unachievable for ordinary furniture movers. 

Furthermore, fine art movers transport your art collection in climate-controlled trucks and are ready for every contingency.  Concerning the value of your collection, this is certainly a cost-effective solution given the circumstances.

Proper insurance against damage and theft

Proper insurance and taking precaution measures against damage and theft are of key importance while the relocation of your art collection is in progress. If you hire fine art movers, you are presented with numerous options and a great variety of additional coverage that guarantees maximal protection to your valuable possessions. Reputable companies of fine art movers also offer moving trucks with GPS capability and a proper alarm system. The personnel involved in the process is always subject to a thorough background check that will witness their credibility and capability to conduct this task. In the case when you relocate art pieces of considerable value and importance, fine art movers organize police escort and armed guards for the utmost safety of your belongings. To be precise, they tailor the whole process to suit your needs, requirements, and financial means at your disposal.

Premium storage services

Finding the highest-quality fine-art storage facilities is a very challenging errand since you cannot entrust your valuable collection to anyone without carefully analyzing all the options available. Fine art is very delicate, sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, dirt, and pests, so you need a facility that provides satisfying conditions that will not cause any unwelcome changes and eventually diminish the aesthetic or monetary value of your art pieces. If you opt for hiring fine art movers, you choose expertise over amateurism. They are familiar with all the conditions a top-quality storage unit has to meet to become the choice of distrustful collectors who only want the best for their collections. 

The safe and carefully planned installation

Installation of your fine art collection, once it arrives at the final destination, is much more than simple unpacking and randomly choosing a place for each piece. Fine art movers are trained to analyze the interior in detail and then provide you with a wide range of art installation options given the circumstances. They find the best places to hang your beautiful paintings or to install massive and heavy sculptures.

 Fine art movers also identify the need to use special equipment for these tasks. They can detect the type of hardware necessary, for example, to keep your paintings safely in place according to their weight.  Prior to commencing the whole process, these professionals visit the final destination to be able to make a thorough plan. Since fragile, delicate, and highly valuable pieces are in question, having professional assistance is the warranty you need to relax and be sure the move will be completed utterly to your satisfaction.

Final words on the reasons to hire fine art movers

All factors considered, it is clearly evident that entrusting amateurs with relocating your fine-art collection is an unreasonable and unwise decision which might result in irreparable loss. Conduct a thorough search, explore reviews, ask for references to find the most reputable fine art movers you can trust with this complex task. Only this approach can guarantee the successful completion of this endeavor and the safe arrival of your precious pieces to their final destination in a timely manner.

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