Fine Art Insurance

Think Progress recently posted an interesting article, first looking at fine art as an asset and then moving into insurance issues and fine art. It is good to see many financial services blogs and sites posting on fine art as an asset class and also offering financial advice in managing the collection and risk. Part of the article notes how financial advisors need to be aware of fine art and collectible collections and properly insuring them.

Think Progress reports

While less liquid and more difficult to value than financial assets, fine art is no less a part of many clients’ portfolios — and a portion of these clients’ wealth of which advisors are often unaware.

By treating fine art as an asset class like stocks or bonds, advisors can be seen by their clients as a knowledgeable art resource. That doesn't necessarily mean you should take art history lessons or attend auctions; an advisor's real value comes in the form of advice concerning the protection of these often significant assets.

Ownership of fine art is more widespread than many advisors may realize. According to an annual report on the art market by the European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF), more than $27 billion worth of art was sold in the U.S. in 2015. The report noted that nearly half of that value was from sales in the post-war and contemporary art sector, with increasing volume coming in the form of online transactions, which now account for 7% of the overall value of art sales.

In general, those collecting art as a passion tend to buy what they love — nowadays, typically popular are contemporary art pieces — and they keep their artwork on display rather than storing it. Many of today's art buyers may be more focused on aesthetics than protection. For example, they may hang a valuable painting on a wall over a fireplace if the location is the room's focal point. But the heat and smoke a fireplace generates make that location far from ideal from an art preservation perspective.

Since art buyers live with and enjoy their purchases rather than storing them away, there is a chance that the art may be damaged or stolen. However, many art collectors, especially those who own one or just a few valuable pieces, probably don't realize that their homeowner's policy may be inadequate to cover the often significant out-of-pocket expenses that can be incurred when restoring even relatively minor damage or replacing art that is lost or stolen. That's why specialized fine art or “valuable articles” policies are so important.

THE POLICIES THEY NEED BUT LIKELY DON'T HAVE

Fine art or valuable-articles insurance policies provide “all-risk” coverage for most causes of loss, with no deductible. Some insurance companies will cover fine art items valued at less than $250,000 without an appraisal. Collectors just need a good description and a photograph of the item as well as the estimated value, so getting appropriate coverage can be relatively hassle free.

Another area where most homeowners policies fall short is coverage for lost or misplaced items (sometimes referred to as “mysterious disappearance”); such coverage often is not included. The right fine art policy will cover misplaced, lost or stolen items. If the market value of an insured article exceeds the amount listed in the policy right before it is lost or stolen, some carriers will even pay the higher market value, up to 150% of the policy amount, so that the owner can replace the item with one that is comparable.

Many homeowners’ policies also exclude coverage for breakage of fragile items, such as crystal, china and porcelain. The right valuable articles insurance policy will automatically cover breakage, as well as newly acquired artwork for up to 90 days, for up to 25% of the total fine-art coverage for listed items. That way, clients need not worry about getting insurance for each item at the time of purchase.

NOT JUST ART REPLACEMENT

Caring for fine art is another area where financial advisors can provide guidance. Having access to refinishers, restoration specialists and other experts is key, which is why it is important to select an insurance company for a fine arts policy that provides a full suite of consultative collection management services to complement its coverage.

Highly trained, in-house fine art and collections specialists at some carriers can provide a collection risk assessment at home or at an off-site location. They can also provide guidance on proper storage and display conditions, recommendations about fire protection and security, general advice about preserving a collection and referrals to other art professionals.

Since the majority of fine art losses occur while items are in transit, another area where a policy from a specialist insurance company can add value is via access to referrals to vetted, experienced art transporters.

With the market for fine art on the rise, it's more important than ever for clients of financial advisors to protect their valuables and ensure that their fine art can be replaced if lost or stolen, or repaired to original condition if damaged. For financial advisors, understanding the risks involved and helping clients with fine art coverage and curation decisions can be of immeasurable value.

Source: Think Progress