If your property has been damaged, follow these essential steps right away:

1. Take whatever steps are necessary to prevent further damage and keep receipts for any expenses. Search Google Maps for “Fire and Water Damage Restoration near me” to connect instantly with qualified local contractors.

2. Make a detailed list of all damaged property and document everything with clear photos and videos using your smartphone.

3. Do not throw away any damaged property until an insurance adjuster tells you it is all right to do so.

4. If the claim involves another party, do not admit liability or reveal your limits of insurance coverage.

Most of the insurance companies we represent have 24-hour claim service, and you can report your claim directly to them. (They will contact us automatically.) 

For help understanding why art has multiple values (insurance, appraisal, and auction/market), see our guide Why Art Has Multiple Values: Expert Commentary on Appraisals, Auctions, and Insurance.

Timely reporting of claims is a must!

Please remember that when you buy an insurance policy, the agreement with the insurer is that you will let the insurer know whenever you are aware of a situation that might give rise to a claim. Time — and timely notification — is critical, if the insurer is to keep its own part of the agreement…to make you whole for any covered loss you might have. Often, particularly with liability claims where a legal defense is required, the insurer is required to begin gathering information right away. If the insurer is not put on notice until the later stages, an effective legal defense might be impossible, and the carrier might exercise its right to deny the claim on the basis that the policyholder did not provide timely notification. State laws vary, but in general, they support the insurers in their denial of such claims.

Do not wait to see if a problem will “blow over.” As soon as you are aware of circumstances that might give rise to a claim, please review your policy language regarding covered claims and your reporting responsibility. At your request, Bernard Fleischer & Sons, Inc will assist you in dealing with the insurance company in an effort to assure that the claim is properly evaluated and you are treated fairly.

Require help reporting a claim right now?

Call our New York office today at 800.921.1008 or 212.566.1881 ext. 111.

Bernard Fleischer & Sons, Inc. | ArtInsuranceNow.com