Keep it in one piece
Accidental breakage and damage and transit are the number 1 source of loss to fine art items.
What you can do:
- Hire professional art installers to hang works of art on the wall.
- Use museum-quality hardware that’s appropriate for the size and weight of the piece.
- Avoid high traffic areas of the home.
- Explain the importance of these pieces to domestic staff and provide specific instructions for how to work
around them.
Transport it carefully
What you can do:
- Hire only reputable companies that specialize in transporting valuable works.
- Have a professional inspect artwork and complete a condition report prior to packing.
- Transport vehicles should have air ride systems to reduce the risk of damage from shocks, vibrations or sudden stops.
- Trucks or vans should be temperature and humidity controlled.
- Vehicles must have a security system and be staffed with two drivers, so it is never left unattended.
- Crate and pack with specialized materials. High value items should be moved in a museum quality crate.
- Make sure you have an inventory and proper documentation for all pieces before transporting.
Keep it dry
Water damage is another major source of loss for fine art. This includes burst pipes, leaks or roof failure.
What you can do:
- Avoid displaying artwork underneath a bathroom, HVAC vent, sprinkler head, or water-using appliance
- Don’t keep artwork in the basement, due to high risk of floods.
- Install a system that automatically detects leaks and shuts off the water supply to minimize damage.
Get the right insurance
Insurance companies that specialize in protecting fine art will have a strong network of service providers that can help you avoid and recover from loss. They can help you care for your collection, decide if your home, office or off-site storage location is suitable, and can provide guidance and advice about transporting, storage and display conditions, fire protection and security.
Through premium insurers, such as Chubb, McSweeney & Ricci’s Private Client Group offers concierge-level service and will ensure your collections and valuable items are protected. Click here for more information, and feel free to contact the risk specialists in our private client group by calling (844) 501-1361
content reprinted from CHUBB