Inland Marine Insurance for Fine Arts and Museums
Given the mobile nature of fine art and museum collections, many exposures can come into play. Art being shipped could have poor crating or packaging, leaving it open to damage in transit. A piece could be left unattended and vulnerable to theft. A collection hanging in a museum may be exposed to damage from a visitor or a bursting pipe.
Travelers understands the passion that people who manage collections have for their objects. We offer unparalleled coverage and services for our fine art customers. Whether it is a cultural institution, a large corporate collection, or the dealers and galleries who represent this industry, we have you covered.
Art collections coverage
Paintings, sculptures, prints, special collections of historical, cultural and technological significance and more can be insured. Coverage is available for items at permanent locations, in transit and while on loan to others.
Museums coverage
We stay in sync with the museum community so we can better serve their needs. Coverage is available for institutions of art, history, natural history, sports, and science and technology.
Transit coverage for galleries
The diversity in the gallery community gives us the opportunity to personalize coverage and service offerings. We work with you on your needs for specialized transit, art fairs and exhibitions as well as help you manage the risk exposures at your gallery and storage locations.
Who is fine art insurance right for?
- Corporate collections of fine art
- Artwork and collectibles in commercial settings
- Large or small venues
- Educational facilities
- Regional collections
- Specialized institutions
- Dealers
- Gallery owners
Proper protection for your new art investment
Whether you've just acquired your first piece of art or an addition to your collection, proper care will help ensure the enjoyment of the work for years – and perhaps generations – to come. Here are some tips you should consider:
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Prepare your piece for its journey home. No matter how far away the destination – across town, across country or overseas – it is important to have protection from the dings, dirt and grime of the journey.
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Ask the gallerist or artist if there are any special care recommendations. They will be most familiar with any nuances of the work.
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Be sure to hang or mount it securely with hardware designed for the job. Installation hardware such as hooks, brackets and hoops are available from most hardware stores or from specialty retailers. If you are unsure about what you need, the internet has great resources for do-it-yourself art installation.
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Review the security at the location where the art is going to be displayed. Some things to consider: Do you need to install or upgrade the alarm systems? Are the door locks in good working order, and have you accounted for all keys? If there is public access to the space, such as an office, is there any way to limit access to the art?
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Carefully consider where the work will be displayed and what sources of light will be present. Unless otherwise designed, keep all works of art out of direct sunlight. Works on paper, textiles and paintings are more susceptible to damage from UV radiation.
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Contact your insurance agent to confirm that your policy includes coverage for works of art. If the value of your collection is significant, you should consider scheduling it with stated values.
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Keep all purchase records and provenance material in a safe place separate from the work. These could be invaluable in the future for many reasons, including insurance claims, tax and estate planning and future sale.
Art is just one of the many things you care about. Contact Travelers Inland Marine for more information on how our products and services can help protect what is important to you.
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Travelers understands the passion that people who manage collections have for their objects, and we offer unparalleled coverage and services for our fine art customers.
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