Many people wrongfully believe that having a furry family member means they will have to sacrifice style in their home. However, they couldn’t be more wrong! Having pets doesn’t mean you’ll have to put away your fine art and antiques, but it simply means you’ll need to be careful and find ways to protect them. Even though getting proper art insurance is crucial, there is so much more you can do to ensure your valuable collection is pet-proof. To help you do this, we’ve prepared tips and advice, and you can find them further in this article. 

Ways to protect your fine art and antiques from pets

Pets bring so much joy into our lives, but that joy usually comes with chaos and mess. However, this doesn’t mean you should give up your lovely art or your pets on the other hand. You can have a stylish home and your furry buddy living in it if you make sure to pet-proof your home.

This is even more important if you own valuable art pieces, antique furniture, or similar. Whatever your reasons for investing in fine art are, you want to ensure your precious pieces are always safe, especially with your four-legged friend running around. To help you ensure your valuables are protected, we’ve gathered tips from experts, and you’ll find them if you continue reading.

First thing’s first—train your pet

You can try to protect your belongings as much as you want, but your efforts won’t pay off unless you invest time into training your pet. Therefore, as soon as you bring your new family member into your home, it’s essential to start with their training immediately.

Be prepared for a potentially rough start, as your pet will need some time to adjust to the new environment. This means that your belongings will need some extra protection during that period. The team from roadwaymoving.com suggest temporarily renting a storage unit for your most precious items. Once your pet is trained and used to their new home, they’ll wait for you in the same condition you’ve left them.

Tips for training your pet

There are plenty of options for helping your pet adapt to its new home. You can even hire professionals such as private trainers to help you with this. In case you want to do it on your own, here are some valuable tips we’ve gathered from dog training experts:

• Before you bring your new pet home, decide on house rules. For example, if you’ll allow them to climb on furniture, or will there be no-pet zones
• Set up space for your furry friends. Like people, animals like to have their own space for relaxing. Plus, this will prevent your pet from marking a different part of your home as their territory
• Reward good behaviors and use lots of positive reinforcement to encourage them. This way, your pet will easily learn and know what’s right and wrong
• Correct negative behaviors as quickly as you notice them. Pets, especially dogs, have a tendency to forget quickly. So if you punish your dog later, chances are they’ll be confused and not connect it with their previous behavior

Protect your furniture and antiques from pets

In case you’re about to have a long-distance move to your new home, looking for the right crew for the job and hiring expert movers isn’t the only thing you should worry about. As you’re moving into a new property with your furry family member, it’s essential to pet-proof it. That way, you’ll ensure both your belongings and your pets are safe.

On the other hand, you might be considering getting a pet, and you want to know to make your home more pet-friendly. You want to create an environment where your new family member will feel safe and welcomed. 

Pet-proof your home in style

Keep in mind that pet-proofing your home doesn’t mean you should forget all about style. It just means you need to be more selective and mindful when choosing your furniture and decor. For example, make sure to opt for fabrics that aren’t magnets for pet hair. If you already own antique furniture which isn’t made of pet-friendly materials, make sure to keep them covered or not allow your pet to climb on it. 

When it comes to your decor, it’s very important to keep it out of your pet’s reach. Regardless of how trained your pet is, accidents can happen, so it’s essential to try and minimize the risks. Consider installing a high shelf that your dog can’t reach. Or you can put your valuable decor pieces behind glass so your cat won’t be able to knock them down.The safest way to ensure your fine art is safe is to keep it away from your pets completely. However, if you keep them in a safe or in storage, you won’t be able to proudly display them in your home. To avoid this, consider dedicating no-pet areas in your home. For example, if you’re not planning to allow your cat in your master bedroom, perhaps it could be a perfect place for your favorite painting.

Remember, every pet is different, and you need to get creative along the way and as you get to know them. Pay attention to their behaviors and as soon as you notice something you don’t approve of, make sure to let them know. And don’t forget – applying for proper art insurance is not an option but a must if you have a pet. 

Final thoughts

We hope our tips and advice helped you protect your belongings, especially fine art and antiques, from pets. But always keep in mind that accidents can happen, and your precious art collection can get damaged or even ruined. For that reason, it’s crucial to invest in proper art insurance. This way, even in case something unfortunate happens to your valuables, you’ll at least be financially secured.

As children, many of us have found a hobby in collecting stamps, coins, or postcards. In contrast, some people take this hobby a step further and become art collectors. It may become an expensive hobby, but it can also be rewarding if done correctly from the beginning. Therefore, we have put together a beginner’s guide to buying valuable art to help you get started. 

Find your style before buying valuable art

Whenever you want to start collecting art, finding your style first is essential. You should only purchase pieces that represent you and that you can connect with. Thus, start doing some research into the types of art:

1. You can visit art galleries or studios and educate yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curators love to engage in discussions about art, plus they are a great source of information.
2. Libraries are also a great source of inspiration, especially for people who enjoy reading about art history.
3. Research online, the Internet is the greatest source of information of our time. 

After you acquire a clear view of what type of art you enjoy the most, you can take the next step in the beginner’s guide to buying valuable art. 

Set a budget

Some of us tend to get carried away when buying things that we like. When it comes to art, things can get out of hand even more. To ensure you avoid unpleasant situations, set a budget for spending. This way, you will make sure you buy the art you like at a fair price. After all, you want to make a collection, not stop after your first piece of art because you can’t afford to buy more. 

Find the right places to buy art

This is one of the critical steps in ensuring you buy authentic art. Art fraud is flourishing, especially online. Research as much as you can about your art provider to avoid unpleasant situations. For example, you can ask for authenticity certificates. Also, you can request a contract that states that the piece is genuine and includes terms that protect you in the event of fraud. When searching for the best places to buy art, in addition to art galleries, you might want to look for art fairs, studios, and auctions. Most of the time, buying directly from the source is the wisest decision. It removes any doubt about authenticity and value.

Buying from art galleries

One of the safest places where you can buy valuable pieces of art is galleries. They keep records of all the art pieces ever exposed, and they can guarantee authenticity. Another big plus is that dealers in art galleries are usually open to negotiation. You can get up to 20 percent off of the initial price. At the same time, keep in mind that the artist you are buying from receives only half of the amount, with the rest going to the gallery. 

On the other hand, some art galleries might make it more difficult for first-time buyers to obtain art from them. For example, even if you can afford a particular piece, the dealer may refuse to sell it to you. This is because they sometimes seek customers with a so-called “pedigree” who purchase expensive pieces regularly. This can create some discomfort for a beginner but don’t take it personally, and always try again. 

You should also pay attention to whether or not the price is listed and whether or not the piece has a red dot. If it has a dot, it means that it has been sold.

Looking for art in studios 

Some artists invite potential customers into their studios to see how they create. It’s a fantastic way to meet the artist and discover how your favorite piece of art was made. Furthermore, you can buy directly from the source, which can mean better prices and the opportunity to negotiate.

Art fairs and auctions 

Art fairs are a fantastic way to see what’s new in town and what the prices are. Even if an art fair might be pricey at first, prices generally drop at the end of the event. Moreover, dealers are more approachable at fairs than in galleries. It is a less formal event, and they are more open to engaging in discussions. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions. 

On the other hand, auctions are a different story. For example, you never go to an auction unprepared. Always do thorough research and ask more experienced people for help. Even if it might be confusing in the beginning, auctions can be fun. There is a bit of show and entertainment to them that can get you hooked. Yet, you should only participate if you can stop yourself from going over your budget. Keep in mind that auctions can be fun but dangerous for your pocket.

Protect the art you buy

Another essential thing to mention in the beginner’s guide to buying valuable art is to protect the artwork you buy. Insuring your art is vital, especially if you are collecting as an investment. You never know how a painting might get damaged or stolen. Protect yourself and your art by insuring it. 

Prepare your home for art

If you are planning to hang wall art in your home, make sure you consider some details. For instance, try not to hang paintings over the fireplace. Heat is an essential factor in the deterioration and aging process of canvases. Also, avoid placing them on exterior walls or near windows. Humidity is also incredibly dangerous when it comes to paintings. Instead, choose to expose art on straight walls, at eye level, and with proper framing.

How to keep valuable art safe if you are relocating?

If you are moving to another home, ensure that your art is in good hands. Making sure it is properly packed and transported safely to the new location can be time-consuming and stressful. The easiest way to relieve yourself of this burden is to hire residential movers. Bring in professionals to help you transfer to your new beautiful home and enjoy a carefree move.

Final words

Entering the world of art collectors can be difficult but also satisfying. It requires a lot of research, tact, and sometimes good negotiation skills. Make sure you have a promising debut by following our beginner’s guide to buying valuable art.

Insurance Business Magazine, the leading business magazine for today’s sophisticated commercial Insurance Broker names William G. Fleischer and Bernard Fleischer & Sons, Inc. a top specialist broker for 2020. Read the article HERE 

Service is our top priority when it comes to our clientele, and it shows. A glance at our 5-Star Google reviews reveals unmatched customer satisfaction. 

Contact Bernard Fleischer & Sons, Inc. when you require a knowledgeable insurance broker that handles Fine Art, Surety Bonds and everything in between. Visit us for art insurance at ArtInsuranceNow.com and commercial Surety at BFBond.com or call 800-921-1008

ArtInsuranceNow.com has contributed to Redfin Blog article on how to incorporate art thoughtfully into your home, check it out above!

The fire that has destroyed Notre Dame is not the first incident to affect a site of great cultural and historical value. Unfortunately, it will not be the last. Just last year, we saw a fire destroy up to 90% of the precious artifacts and other items housed in the National Museum of Brazil. Our cultural institutions are under threat from a variety of risks both natural and manmade. What can we do to better protect our cultural treasures?

Works of art in buildings such as the Notre Dame cathedral are generally not insured because they are often priceless. Any artworks on loan from third parties would, however, be insured. While some of the large paintings at Notre-Dame could not be taken down in time, the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, said at the scene of the fire that a number of the many artworks in the cathedral had been rescued and were being put in safe storage.

Heritage sites, cultural institutions, independent galleries, collectors, and artists are uniquely vulnerable and often underprepared. Many cultural institutions have few resources or time to invest in preparedness and emergency response programs. While no amount of money in insurance payouts will bring back a lost stained-glass window or other masterpieces, not having insurance or not enough insurance is an even greater threat to works of art. For this reason, We at ArtInsuranceNow.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. are raising awareness to the owners of cultural items such as fine-art and collectibles on just how important having the proper coverage is.

A valuable tool to have is a knowledgeable fine-art and collectibles insurance broker to guide you in the process of managing your risk. Insuring art requires an experienced broker that knows how to navigate the often-confusing details of high-value insurance. At ArtInsuranceNow.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. we know art, and what it takes to insure it properly so you don’t have to. We are your resource and can answer any questions you may have regarding the protection of art and items of cultural significance.

Visit us at ArtInsuranceNow.com to live chat with a professional or call us at 800-921-1008 to speak to a friendly voice that can guide you through the process of risk management.

Art fair season is upon us, bringing together an extraordinary concentration of artworks, private dealers and galleries. The question between collectors attending these fairs is “what did you buy?”.

Well, we have a more important question to those art buyers… how did you insure it? Having a knowledgeable fine-art and collectibles insurance broker to guide you in the process of managing your risk is an integral part of the art buying process. Insuring art requires an experienced broker that knows how to navigate the often-confusing details of art insurance.

From an insurance standpoint, fairs represent a high-risk time for galleries, dealers and, of course, clients. Traditionally, the gallery or dealer covers the delivery of the piece to the new owner. But it’s important to know what questions to ask so you understand the details and/or can negotiate conditions to reduce risk, for example:

• Who’s responsible for the piece at what stage of the transaction – is it yours once it is paid for, when the title is transferred, or when it’s in your possession?
• Who’s responsible for packing and shipping – the gallery or a third-party fine arts vendor? Make sure professional fine art packers & shippers are used!
• Is the appropriate packing or crating (in some cases, customized) being used for the type of piece? Think about size, fragility, composition, etc
• If you’re at an international event, or a fair with international galleries represented, will the piece need to go through US Customs and, if so, what precautions will be made and by who?

Once home, how do you protect your investments?

Being a newcomer to the art scene can be intimidating. Someone starting to collect may not necessarily purchase very expensive pieces initially, so they may not think their art is valuable enough to warrant an insurance policy. We provide new collectors with the same coverage, service, and claims handling as someone with a higher collection value. And they are also protected against exposures they are vulnerable to in their day to day lives.

There is no reason a collector of any size should feel their investment isn’t enough to be insured properly. When your collection grows, so will our partnership with you. The limits can be increased and we can continue to provide support and peace of mind over the years.

At ArtInsuranceNow.com / Bernard Fleischer & Sons Inc. we know art, and what it takes to insure it properly. We are your resource and can answer any questions you may have regarding the protection of artwork, tools, studio space, museums or galleries.