Category Archives: Art Insurance

Estate Planning And Affluent Art Collectors

Art collectors, are you properly estate planning? We can help. visit us at ArtInsuranceNow.com

Affluent art collectors are passionate about art. While they tend to expect their acquisitions to appreciate in value, they buy for personal and aesthetic reasons. Affluent art collectors are inclined to be extremely focused on acquiring and not very interested in disposing of art. This often means that at death they have amassed significant collections. What is surprisingly common is that many affluent art collectors do a substandard job of addressing their artwork in their estate plans.

Failing to plan for the disposition of collections upon death can prove quite costly to the family, as there is the potential to having to pay higher estate taxes. It can result in the unfair division of the art resulting in family conflict and litigation.

“Art is left to loved ones or other individuals, donated to charity directly, or in trust at the death of the collector. Proper planning means that the artwork is transferred to others very tax efficiently,” explains Frank Seneco, president of the advanced planning boutique Seneco & Associates. “Unfortunately, many times wealthy collectors have adopted the default option of not properly planning. For example, the collector is not sure which family members to leave which pieces to resulting in procrastinating and procrastinating until it’s too late. However, smart planning can often resolve these issues. One approach involves using corporate entities to own the art. This approach can not only address many ownership issues, it can simplify probate as there would not be the need to retitle the art.”

When dealing with meaningful and valuable collections, proper planning is more than constructing an estate plan. According to Evan Jehle, partner of FFO Business Management & Family Office, “Many of the ultra-wealthy have substantial art collections that they have not appropriately included in their estate plans. But, it’s more than just making sure the artwork is addressed in the plan. For example, with our clients we make sure they build files of ownership to make sure no questions arise concerning provenance. These files include certificates of authenticity, bills of sale, insurance records, and the like. A good rule of thumb is that the greater the distance between the collector and the artist and the older the artwork, the more likely there will be questions of provenance.”

Many wealthy individuals from business owners to celebrities do not construct effective estate plans. This is also true of a percentage of affluent art collectors. As in all these situations, by working with qualified professionals, the prosperous are able to ensure their wealth is passed on to whom they choose and done so while mitigating taxes.

Originally published Jan 08 2018, Forbes.com

Visit us at ArtInsuranceNow.com or contact William Fleischer CIC at 212-566-1881 Ext 111

Murals – can they be Insured for Vandalism?

I must receive at least 20 calls a year asking if they can insure a mural painted on walls, inside, outside, on buildings, fences, and anywhere else you can think of. Street-level placement Murals will invite graffiti vandals to leave their mark. As a contracted job to produce the Mural, there is an insurable value from the start to the finish of the work.

Since usually these art installations are designed and planned in advance with the cooperation of the building owner, coverage can be found to cover the installation process; a claim is paid based on the percentage of completion.

There is a possibility Insurance may be obtained when the Mural is completed. This will depend on exactly where it has been placed and the safeguards. Regardless almost all insurers would exclude coverage for:

  • Vandalism and Mysterious Mischief
  • Wear and tear, any quality in the product which causes it to damage or destroy itself, gradual deterioration
  • Insects, vermin, or rodents
  • Changes in or extremes of dampness or dryness of atmosphere or temperature

But theft?…

I develop programs exclusively for the Art World, covering, Museums, Collectors, Curators, Gallerists, Artists, and related Art businesses. My policies include Art owned or loaned, in Storage, in Transit, at Auction Houses or Dealers.

I can help with all Art related insurance requirements. Visit us at ArtInsuranceNow.com to apply or Contact me at 800.921.1008 to discuss your unique situation.

William G. Fleischer CIC

Art Insurance for Collectors; Schedule vs. Blanket

The Art of Collecting Art.

There’s a big difference between buying art and collecting art. Buying art is more of a random activity based on likes, preferences or attractions at any given moment while collecting art is more of a purposeful, directed, long-term commitment. An important step in good collecting is not the most delightful one to talk about, but it is among the most necessary, and that is to plan for the unforeseen.

As an art insurance broker, I readily come across collections that are an intricate part of retirement and inheritance planning.  It’s a great asset to pass down.  Baby boomers bought artwork for the love of the art.  Art as an investment vehicle was a small part of the decision-making, not like today which is the main focus.

In the past 15 years as the art market sales and demand took off, Art purchased 40, 30 or even 10 years ago is worth a lot.  Hence, I am seeing collector’s policy limits rise into the millions. I will explain some key differences in the type of policy offered in today’s marketplace. Art Insurance and collectible insurance demands are a new focus with some insurers. Beware, like the art world, no two are the same, read the exclusions, conditions and valuation clauses in a policy.

Understand what schedule means and its limitations, some say the maximum they will pay is what is on the schedule or schedule plus 125% or 150% and then some added or market value whichever is less.  A popular coverage is Blanket Insurance; usually, this is for the collection under $300,000. The advantage is that you are not required to supply the companies with appraisals, bill of sale or any other documentation when you bind the coverage.

Only at the time of loss, the onus of proof of value is on the collector.  This is not a lengthy process; either go back to your paperwork and ask for a current valuation from a dealer or show your work to a dealer and put the value in a letter. Both methods of either scheduling the art or using the blanket limit are tools I use when working with my clients.  Each person looks at insurance in different ways and has different requirements. Let me work with you and answer all your questions to present a program which is satisfactory to all those involved.

Visit us at ArtInsuranceNow.com, Apply below or Contact me at 800.921.1008 to discuss your unique situation.

William G. Fleischer CIC

 

 

Largest Warhol Collector’s Art Damaged in Storage, is it Covered?

Largest Warhol Collector’s Art Damaged.

Renowned Mugrabi family which owns the largest private cache of Andy Warhol pieces says its business has been brought to a standstill by a company that’s holding its entire $100 Million, 1,300-plus-piece art collection “hostage” at a New Jersey storage facility.

 

In a lawsuit filed in New York City, David Mugrabi accused Mana Contemporary of preventing the family from removing any art from its storage facility in Jersey City since last month.

 

Mana Contemporary had agreed in 2014 to store the collection in exchange for the Mugrabis’ recommendations of Mana’s services to their clients, Mana now wants more than $500,000 for storage fees, according to the complaint, and the company has also damaged 11 works of art in its custody — including pieces by Frank Gehry, Richard Prince and Jenny Saville, according to the suit.

 

Would our Collector’s policy cover the damages?

 

YES! Our Collector’s policy covers Art owned by the Collector and covers damages while in storage. The main focus would be the loss settlement. Restorers and appraisers would evaluate the work to determine the “Current Market Value”, the “Loss of Value”, and the value of the art if scheduled.  Once all information is established, then the insurance company would pay the claim.

 

A Total Loss: the company will pay “current market value” of the property at the time of “loss” or damage occurs. The “loss” or damage shall be ascertained or estimated according to such current market or schedule values.

 

A Partial Loss: The company will pay the Collector an amount mutually agreed upon based on the following:

 

(a) The cost to repair the property to its value immediately before the “loss”; or

 

(b) The difference between the value of the property before and after the “loss”; or

 

(c) The cost to restore the property as nearly as possible to its condition immediately before the “loss”. If the restored value is less than the value immediately before the “loss”, the company will pay the difference between the restored value and the value immediately before the “loss”.

 

Having the right policy in place with the right coverages help to rebuild and or restore amazing collections. The purpose of Insurance is to indemnify and restore the Insured to the situation prior to a loss. Sadly, Art is one of those objects which is very difficult to return to its original grandeur.  Nothing lasts forever, but one would hope, through proper insuring of a collection, it could be rebuilt with similar works or genres.

 

Visit www.ArtInsuranceNow.com to learn more, apply here or feel free to contact William Fleischer, CIC at 1.800.921.1008

Art Fairs and Protecting Art in Transit

Underwriting the transportation of fine art can be tricky. Using an experienced, trusted agent is important to protect yourself from the pitfalls.

 

Artists, Art Dealers, Collectors and Institutions use art transport services regularly, but insurance in particular, is a gray area in which most losses occur. Shippers charge high rates with high deductibles and with hidden exclusions. Pay close attention to the bill of lading and understanding the fine print. The standard form limits the exposure of a claim on the art to weight, not value. Our policies are written either as a schedule or market value less a percentage. Either way your art will be protected while in transport, in storage and while exhibited.

Whether buying or selling at Art Fairs be sure that your work or investment has the maximum coverage with minimal headaches by using the Trusted One Stop Art Insurance for the Art Community since 1949, Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. www.artinsurancenow.com or call 800-921-1008 Ask for William Fleischer, CIC.  so he can help you with all your Art Insurance requirements.

apply online here

Upcoming Art Fairs

 

viennacontemporary underlines it’s significance not only as a marketplace but as a location for the presentation of young and established artists and for the information on the development of the art scene in the focus countries of the program.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

a contemporary art show in the heart of southern California featuring an international slate of artists and galleries. The show features over 500 leading contemporary artists, museum exhibitions, Art Labs, events, and Art Talks focused on collecting. Now in its ninth year, the four-day event attracts over 15,000 high-net-worth collectors. Join us for an unforgettable four days of cutting-edge art, entertainment, and special events.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA SAFOTO 2017 runs from August 26 through October 30 across various galleries and other venues in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.
October 2017 Art Fairs

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

  • Frieze London (London, England)

    October 5 – 8, 2017

Frieze London features more than 160 of the world’s leading galleries. View and buy art from over 1,000 of today’s leading artists, and experience the fair’s critically acclaimed Frieze Projects and Talks programmes

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

  • Frieze Masters (London, England)

    October 5 – 8, 2017

Frieze Masters features more than 130 leading modern and historical galleries from around the world, showcasing art from the ancient era and Old Masters to the late 20th century.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

Now in its 8th year, Moniker Art Fair aims to spotlight emerging and established talent from a burgeoning and increasingly diverse contemporary art movement forged by its subversive and innovative spirit. Staged during London’s most important art week in October, Moniker Art Fair attracts some of the most talked about artists, galleries and collectors from the finer side of the street art movement and its related subcultures.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

  • Art Silicon Valley (San Mateo, CA)

    October 5 – 8, 2017

Art Miami’s International Contemporary and Modern Art Fair on the West Coast, centrally located between Silicon Valley and San Francisco.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

Texas Contemporary, Houston’s leading contemporary and modern art fair, brings top galleries to the area’s discerning collector base.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

  • FIAC (Paris, France)

    October 19 – 22, 2017

For its 44th edition, which will be held from 19 to 22 October 2017 in Paris, FIAC hosts at the Grand Palais a selection of the most important galleries on the international art scene. The fair reinforces the presence of the leading galleries, covering the modern and contemporary periods, and renews its support for the emerging galleries through a 2017 promotion of the Lafayette Sector which will not fail to surprise by its freshness, diversity and relevance. The fair, an unmissable event this autumn, confirms the attractiveness of the Place de Paris on the market.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

October 27 – 29, 2017
CLIO ART FAIR 2017 focuses attention on the kinds of contemporary art and interventions that are being created by independent artists the world over. Without the constraints and usual concerns of the art business, these artists have no set boundaries – using different materials and media to deviate from accepted art practice definitions in the gallery space. The works exhibited seek to foster a dialogue that transcends prescribed geographies, hierarchies, and markets, expanding the opportunities for greater expression of new media and groundbreaking content.
November 2017 Art Fairs

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The IFPDA is an organization of expert art dealers who champion

the work of artists in the artistic medium of printmaking.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

Paris Photo, the first international fair dedicated to the photographic medium, will present its 21st edition from 9 to 12 November 2017 at the Grand Palais in Paris.

A must-see for collectors, professionals, artists and art lovers, Paris Photo focuses on the diversity and quality of the artists and works presented and proposes an ambitious and demanding public program.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

 

The Salon Art + Design welcomes the world’s finest galleries exhibiting historical, modern and contemporary furniture, groundbreaking decorative arts, and late 19th and 20th century fine art. Visitors will find designs by the great 20th century masters, as well as creative works by today’s most innovative young artists.

Apply for Transit Insurance Here

Corporate Art Insurance 3 trends

As a leading Art Insurance Broker, I have seen a rise in 3 types of  policies focusing on the Art Corporation are showing in their  businesses.

  1. The rise of using  Art leasing/ renting companies for a short time, rotating exhibition space. These new type of lending services,  fill a niche by adding style to an office by using a wide range of art, Prints, Sculptures, Paintings, Glass and tapestry.  I have insured the works in Doctors’ offices, hospitals, corporate offices and temporary spaces, not to mention in all types of residences.
  2. Pure old fashion Corporate Art insurance. Art can make a space interesting and appealing to visitors or staff. Manny CEO Private Collections are starting to show off their collection. I design policies to insure the art while in the office, in storage or enjoyed at home.
  3. Exhibition Insurance. Many curators are able to assemble a strong show, using a common theme or thread to enhance the corporate culture creativity. They invite Artist or ask Collectors to loan works fulfilling the vision of the project.

 

EZ to apply at  www.artinsurancenow.com

As Art Basel Miami 2016 approaches, we look at the necessity of a good art insurance policy

artbasel-miami-beachArt Basel, the international art fair with three shows staged annually in Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong. The shows offer parallel programming produced in collaboration with the host city’s local institutions. Art Basel provides a platform for galleries to show and sell their work to collectors, museum directors and curators. The 2015 show in Miami presented 267 leading international galleries from 32 countries. Over five days the show attracted 77,000 visitors including private collectors and directors, curators, trustees and patrons of nearly 200 museum and institution groups. The show hosted first-time collectors from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Romania, Togo and Zimbabwe. That’s a lot of art moving around and collectors Art policies should cover Art, when purchased, on consignment and in transit, it’s about knowing your coverage situation before it’s too late.

art-basel-miamiThe transportation of art is a tricky thing, and as fine art transportation insurance leaders we can tell you exactly what you require to know so that your insurance program will be effective and  cover you properly.  Insurance coverage during transportation, installation and exhibition of irreplaceable works of art, antiquities, and memorabilia isn’t optional and the best way to obtain the finest coverage is to visit artinsurancenow.com or call us at 800.921.1008 to speak with a knowledgeable fine art broker that can advocate for you in seeking the best possible insurance terms.

Art_Signature

 

5 Things Every Collector Needs to Know about Art Insurance

anFor many of us, amassing a robust collection of works by the artists we love is more a dream than a reality (though startups like Art Money are working to provide interest-free loans that should make buying art more manageable). But for emerging collectors and seasoned vets alike, the actual purchase of a piece is only the beginning of what it means to actually own art. Though not flashy, art insurance is a crucial part of collecting. It ensures that, should an artwork be damaged, it can be repaired or, in the case of a total loss, some kind of remuneration can be provided. So what do you need to know about art insurance? We sat down with Robert Pittinger, senior vice president and director of underwriting at AXA Art Americas Corporation, to get some helpful tips.

Know the Process

When a collector buys specialty art insurance, they’ll work directly with a broker who can assess the collection and determine what policy the collector might need. That broker, in turn, works directly with the insurance companies to find the right fit. A common misunderstanding of the process, Pittinger says, is that “collectors confuse the broker with the insurance company.” It’s helpful to know that “the role of the broker and the art insurer complement one another; however, the roles themselves vary and they are different. A specialized fine art broker is an advocate for the collector in seeking the best possible insurance terms for their clients.” As an insurer, AXA itself works with a select group of fine art brokers.

Keep Documentation

The first step toward getting insurance is—unsurprisingly—to determine what is going to be insured and for how much. To this end, documentation is key. “One of the biggest things is that the collector needs to have all the documentation for their collection before they go to the broker, because the broker has to have a very thorough understanding of the price of the collection,” Pittinger says. When approaching a broker, collectors should have a list of all the works, descriptions, invoices of sale prices, the purchase dates, and subsequent appraisal prices.“The collector’s management of their collection is critical, whether they have an online management system or a spreadsheet or they have manuals with all the documentation and their appraisals—that is a critical part of purchasing the insurance,” Pittinger says.

Assess Your Needs and Options

All this information is important to provide to the broker so they can determine what insurance is best for you. Though most collectors who need insurance already have it, some collectors think they’re covered by everyday, run-of-the-mill homeowners insurance. And they can be. But, as Pittinger notes, “A homeowner package policy generally is an add-on coverage. It doesn’t go into detail.” Homeowners insurance that covers art might have high deductibles, might not cover a collection across multiple houses, or might not cover the work during transit. That last one is a particularly sticky issue because “any time a collector moves their art, there is increased risk of damage,” Pittinger says. “That is the number one cause of loss for the insurance industry that specializes in art insurance.”

All this is why, for collections larger than just a few items, Pittinger recommends specialty art insurance. Even lower-priced works and emerging collections can receive insurance: For pieces priced as low as $2,500, AXA offers a 12-month policy of $75, with a minimum premium. Generally, however, it is hard to say exactly how much art insurance costs—it depends on too many factors. “Art insurance is very reasonably priced compared to other types of insurance,” Pittinger says. “The price range varies depending on the type of works, the size of the collection, security, where it is kept, if it is in a fine art storage warehouse or in their home or in a museum—all those factors go into pricing a fine art collection.”

Stay Up to Date and Be Careful

Broadly, in the event of damage, an insurance policy pays out in one of two ways: Either the policy will pay a set, agreed-upon amount determined by the insurer and the collector in advance, or the policy will pay out based on the work’s current market value. Pittinger says collectors opting for the predetermined payout structure may do so for a number of reasons, including peace of mind so that they “wouldn’t have to worry about substantiating the value of the works” in the case of damage. Agreed value can also move up and down over the life of a policy if the collector decides to get the work reassessed.

Current market value is exactly what it sounds like: The work is insured for its current value if that figure exceeds an agreed value. “But the important thing to remember is there would be a restriction—the company would by no means pay more than the total limit of the policy,” says Pittinger. In other words, if a collection is insured for $10 million total, and one work that has radically increased in value is damaged in excess of $10 million, the insurance would still not pay more than the total cap.

Be a Smart Buyer

One final note: Do your research. Make sure you get a full condition report prior to purchase. “It’s also critical that the collectors be careful with the provenance of the piece to make sure there’s not a gap in the ownership that could come back to haunt them later,” Pittinger says. If there is an issue and the work is seized for, say, having been looted by Nazis, insurance typically won’t cover that turn of events (there are, however, some specialty insurers that would protect against such loss with what is known as title insurance). So when it comes to art insurance, the old adage “buyer beware” certainly still applies.

—Isaac Kaplan

BY ISAAC KAPLAN

For a quote apply here or call us at 800.921.1008

Iconic Muhammad Ali print stolen from museum.

The Print, which was stolen while the museum was open to the public depicted Ali in a classic boxing pose painted in the brilliantly colored, expressionist style that LeRoy Neiman was known for. Brazen thieves ripped the print from the wall even with security cameras watching, It’s important to understand the value of art insurance and protect yourself by covering your valuable collection.

Although risk extends beyond theft (47 percent of art loss is attributed to damage during transit according to The New York Times) art trafficking is a very real thing and according to statistics ranks third behind drugs and arms.

In a case of  theft, the loss is irreversible. Not only the artwork is irreplaceable itself but also even the reputation of the organization suffers from a mere fact that such situation has occurred. Without having a comprehensive fine art collectors insurance from a trustworthy art insurance broker, the masterpieces are subjected to risk.

Apply for coverage here or call me if you have any questions or to discuss your options.

William G. Fleischer CIC | Principal
T: 212 566-1881 ext.111
E: wfleischer@bfbond.com
W: ArtInsuranceNow.com

 

 

David Bowie’s Art Collection to be auctioned, how would a collectors policy respond?

Not just David Bowie’s Estate sends work to the art auctions but individual collectors do also.

The most popular conversations I have are collectors looking to insure their work while in transit to an auction house like Christie’s, Sotheby’s, de Pury, and Phillips house.

Many times the auction house will either visit the collection or ask the collector to send the item to be auctioned directly to the house, either to be further evaluated or to be inserted into the auction rotation.

The preferred Collector’s insurance policy I like to sell, include and is not limited to coverage in transit and away from premises, in exhibitions and in storage and does not exclude auction houses.

The evaluation of the Art is based on two different models. Depending on the Art Insurance Company policy wording, One base is on the schedule amounts of the item on file (either with the Insurance company or the Collector) and the other is based on the current market value (onus of proof is on the collector).

In the case of David Bowie, Jim Hendrix or even Robin Williams, the auction house receives these items on consignment and will charge a hefty fee to insure them while on the premises.  I advise my clients to not use auction house insurance because most of the policies I sell have coverage for unnamed locations or broad enough to cover the works given for sale on a stated amount.

One of the downfalls of using the insurance, the auction houses give you, is how their insurance establishes values of the art at claim time.  Usually, it is not based on the artwork consignment agreement but on the lowest estimated value. The cost to you for using their insurance is usually much more expensive than what you are currently paying. The standard auction house’s most common policies have wording to the effect of;

Property of others consigned to you for auction, at the lowest pre-sale estimate” and “Where no consignment receipt exists but the article appears on your records fully described, such property shall be valued at the lowest anticipated pre-sale estimate or the amount for which you are held legally liable, whichever is less”

This may be lower than your schedule or market value to entice attention for a bidding war.

When in doubt, call me to discuss your unique situation.

William

William G. Fleischer CIC | Principal
T: 212 566-1881 ext.111
E: wfleischer@bfbond.com
W: ArtInsuranceNow.com