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Fine art insurance
Fine art risks are unique, and require expert management
At Howden, we have deep experience creating bespoke insurance for galleries, museums, collectors, auction houses, dealers, universities and financial institutions, both in the UK and internationally.
Our specialist fine arts brokers can arrange comprehensive protection for a wide range of collectable items, from paintings and sculptures to glassware, antiques and coins.
Our offering
Whether personal or commercial, every fine art client has unique requirements. We offer a personal service and strive to build a long-term relationship, an understanding of our client's demands and needs, and the ability to create tailored insurance solutions that respond in the event of a loss.
Our aim is to take away the hassle and worry of making sure the correct cover is in place.
We have a wealth of experience, excellent established insurer relationships and the capability to place limits of insurance from £10 million to several billion pounds of cover on bespoke policy wordings.
We also have in-depth experience in designing and placing programmes to cover the full extent of major library collections whether the interest is art, valuable books or manuscripts, standard textbooks or any other related interest.
What risks should you consider?
Protecting fine art requires a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with owning high value pieces. By proactively identifying and addressing these exposures, you can make informed decisions about the coverage options you may need, ensuring adequate coverage and maintaining the integrity of the assets.
Theft
Due to its high value and often portable nature, fine art is a prime target for theft, particularly in homes, galleries, or exhibitions.
Accidental damage
Artworks can be damaged by accidents, such as being knocked over, mishandled, or exposed to fire, water, pets and young children or other household hazards.
Fire and water damage
Fine art is highly vulnerable to fire and water damage, whether from leaks, flooding, or efforts to extinguish fires, which can cause extensive, often irreversible harm.
Damage in transit
Moving artwork, whether for exhibitions or relocation, poses a significant risk of damage, especially if improper packing or handling occurs during transportation.
Natural disasters
Events like floods, earthquakes, or storms can destroy or severely damage fine art, particularly when it is not housed in a secure, climate-controlled environment.
Vandalism
Art displayed in public spaces or areas with high accessibility is at risk of intentional damage, such as defacement or graffiti.
What is the scope of coverage?
Our Fine Art team designs bespoke cover which can include the following:
- Depreciation
- Reparation cost
- Natural catastrophes
- Terrorism, war and riots
- Nail to nail coverage
- Furniture, fixtures and fittings of the gallery or museum
- Defective title
- Professional indemnity
- Agreed value of pair of items, when one of pair or set is lost or damaged
- War whilst the interest is in transit
- First loss coverage basis
- Contingent coverage
- Difference in conditions or limits
Who we work with
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Barry Vickery
"Resolving claims quickly and effectively is central to everything we do. Our claims resource is embedded within the team and where appropriate it is involved not just when a claim occurs but in the design and the writing of our fine art policies."
