The works of art for sale at Art Basel Miami Beach range from small paintings to large scale sculptures. But buying art is just the start. Then comes the work of transporting, protecting, and displaying it. Insurers such as Chubb underwrite insurance coverage for a wide range of art objects and have a team of specialists with degrees and advanced training in art and collectibles who can provide Chubb clients with advice about mitigating risks and preserving their collections, at no additional cost.
Art can be insured under valuable articles policies. Chubb’s valuable articles policy provides all-risk, worldwide coverage for losses including breakage, fire, flood, theft, or even mysterious disappearance, with no deductible. Existing Chubb policyholders have automatic coverage for newly-acquired art for up to 90 days, providing peace of mind until items are added to the policy. For those without a policy, an independent agent or broker can help provide a quote.
Dangers in transportation
Most losses occur in transit, making professional art handlers essential for packing and crating. Consider, for example, a collector who was told by the general carrier he used that the sculpture he purchased overseas and was shipping to his home was lost and could not be located. Or the collector who used a general contents moving company to transport a high-value painting only to see the work arrive with bubble wrap stuck to the acrylic paint and surface scratches from not being properly packed and secured within the truck. Chubb’s specialists can advise on packing best practices and can connect clients with best-in-class transporters. If the artwork needs to travel a long distance, it’s important to confirm whether the shipper will use a subcontractor – and if so, ensure all trucks follow the same protective measures such as air-ride suspension, climate controls, GPS tracking, and alarms, with two drivers so trucks are not unattended. modalqq
Insurance coverage should be in place for artwork before transit as shippers usually don’t insure artwork that is in their custody. If the item is particularly high value, consider hiring an art conservator to complete a condition report before and after delivery.
Displaying your collection
Once the artwork is delivered, allow the art storage crate 24 hours to acclimatize before opening, especially if the work is moving from a hot and humid place, like Miami, to a cooler climate. The elements can impact artwork, so special care is needed.
Work with a professional art handler to install the work and provide guidance on ideal display conditions. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Critical climate controls
If the artwork is to be displayed at home, take steps to ensure a stable climate in the home. Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can damage works, and this type of damage may not be covered by insurance. modalqq
Sometimes, temperature changes can be hard to detect. Exterior walls with missing insulation, hot water pipes, fireplace flues, or HVAC vents can all cause small temperature fluctuations that can lead to damage over time. Chubb’s team can use infrared cameras to help identify locations away from these potentially harmful exposures.
