27 June 2023

5 tips to take onboard before getting Fine Art and Antique insurance

By Vikki Rushbrook Insurance Advisor
A cluttered antique shop with various vintage items including clocks, gramophones, paintings, and ornate furniture.

Are you a passionate collector of fine art and antiques? If so, you understand the value and significance of these treasured possessions.

Whether you’ve inherited valuable family heirlooms or have spent years curating a remarkable collection, protecting your investments with the right insurance coverage is crucial.

Our fine art and antique insurance offers comprehensive protection tailored to these unique assets.

We’ve curated our five essential tips before you invest in Fine Art and Antique insurance.

An ornate fireplace with a lit fire, topped by a bust statue, flanked by framed portraits and decorated with seashell displays.

1. Assess the value of your collection

Before obtaining Fine Art and Antique insurance, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the value of your collection.

Take an inventory of each piece, documenting its provenance, condition, and appraised value.

This comprehensive assessment helps you determine the appropriate coverage needed and serves as valuable documentation for insurance purposes.

Additionally, consider getting updated appraisals periodically to account for any changes in the market value of your collection.

2. Understand coverage options

Abode’s Fine Art and Antique insurance protect against various risks, including damage, theft, loss, and even restoration costs.

We recommend discussing your collection’s specific needs with an insurance specialist to ensure you have adequate coverage for all possible scenarios.

When insuring your fine art and antiques, it’s crucial to understand the coverage options available. We provide specialised coverage that goes beyond traditional homeowners’ insurance policies.

We can also help you understand the different policy options and customise a plan that suits your unique collection.

A gallery room featuring antique furniture, a statue, paintings, and ornate rugs displayed in an exhibition setting.
An ornate room filled with antique furniture, decorative art pieces, glass display cases, and detailed paintings on the walls.

3. Consider conservation and restoration

Preserving the condition and integrity of your fine art and antiques is paramount. When selecting an insurance policy, inquire about conservation and restoration expenses coverage.

This coverage can help cover the costs of expert conservation work, or restoration efforts to repair damages.

And this level of  protection ensures your collection receives the care it deserves, even in the case of unforeseen damage or deterioration.

Additionally, maintaining proper storage conditions and following conservation best practices can help prevent damage and ensure the longevity of your valuable pieces.

4. Evaluate security measures

Maintaining high-level security measures is crucial when protecting valuable fine art and antiques. Discuss the security requirements and recommendations with your insurance provider when obtaining insurance coverage.

Abode’s expert team  can guide you towards adequate security systems, alarm systems, and storage facilities that meet industry standards.

Adhering to these security measures reduces the risk of theft or damage and demonstrates your commitment to safeguarding your valuable assets.

And consider investing in state-of-the-art security technology, such as surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and secure display cases. This helps deter potential theft and protects your collection.

5. Review policy terms and conditions

Always review the policy terms and conditions before finalising your fine art and antiques insurance. Then review them again, or ask someone else to check them,

Pay close attention to coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and any specific requirements the insurance provider outlines.

Understand the claims process and ensure you clearly understand what is covered and what is not.

Even though this may well be the least interesting part of your art and antiques journey, reviewing and understanding the policy thoroughly will help you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises in the event of a claim.

A gallery room with red walls, showcasing ornate paintings and mirrors above antique wooden furniture with marble tops and yellow chairs.

And finally…

Protecting your fine art and antiques with the right insurance coverage is crucial for their preservation and your peace of mind.

Abode offers specialised fine art and antiques insurance that provides comprehensive protection explicitly tailored to meet the unique needs of your collection.

Our expertise, personalised service, and commitment to preserving and safeguarding valuable assets makes us the ideal insurance provider for your fine art and antiques.

Visit abode-insurance.com today to learn more about our Fine art and Antiques insurance and request a quote.