Art Insurance
Whether you have a large art collection or just a few pieces, you should check it has the correct insurance cover.
Why choose Howden for your Art Insurance?
It’s not always necessary to have a bespoke art insurance policy, to insure artwork but it’s important that you understand whether your policy provides you with the cover you need to fully protect your collection. Howden has many years’ experience in providing specialist antique and art insurance, for both large and small collections.
Providing advice is at the heart of everything we do, so we always offer clear, sensible, and independent advice about what you should insure and how.
Benefits of working with us:
- Expertise and advice for now and the future
- Dedicated, professionally qualified team of experts
- Each year over 95 per cent of our clients choose to stay with us
- Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
- A Private Client legacy which dates back to 1948
What is Art Insurance?
Art insurance is a specialist type of insurance coverage designed to protect valuable works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, antiques, rare books, and other valuable collectible items. You can expect a specialist fine art insurance to provide the following enhanced cover:
- Extended replacement cost – following a valuation, up to three years’ cover at 150% of the valuation figure.
- New acquisitions cover – covering you for up to 60 days after purchase in case you forget to tell your insurer.
- Restoration cover – following a claim for partial damage, insurers will pay to restore the item plus its loss in market value given the restoration.
- Defective title – if it transpires that a piece of artwork is not rightfully yours, insurers may pay you the value of the item, as well your defence legal fees.
- Death of the artist – if you’ve had an item valued, the artist dies and then you have to claim, insurers will pay an additional percentage of value, recognising that it’s now worth more.
Art insurance and valuations
Whether you are a long-term collector or new to buying art, remember the importance of valuations – which is a key part of any insurance policy. Professional art valuations are vital, especially as market rates for some artists fluctuate quickly.
Some of the insurers we work with will give a 25% or even 50% uplift for three years following a valuation to protect policyholders from rising prices. We also have a panel of recommended valuation companies that we know will be able to assist by not only valuing your art now but also by giving up-to-date valuations going forward.
What else can we help you insure?
Here at Howden, we can do more than just help you insure your artwork – we can help you get your hands on a wide range of collectibles insurance policies. Our team can help you find cover for the following valuable items:
• Antiques
• Jewellery
• Watch
• Wine
Frequently asked questions
How much should my art be insured for?
You should insure your collection for its replacement cost. Speak to a professional valuer and request a valuation for insurance purposes. Aston Lark works closely with a number of valuers including Doerr Valuations and the Chester Valuation Company.
Is my art covered under the contents section of my home insurance policy?
The answer depends on your policy. Some home insurance policies cover up to a set amount or percentage of your contents figure. Other policies exclude all art and antiques from the definition of contents.
Why is it better to insure my collection as art and not contents?
Your contents policy may have a low single article limit. If you have three pieces valued at £5,000 each and there is a £1,500 contents single article limit, in the event of a claim you might only receive £4,500 of your £15,000 loss.
You may also get a better level of cover under the art & antiques section of your policy.
If nothing in my collection is valued at more than the single article limit, do I still have to tell my insurer?
This is a common misconception. If an item is below the single article limit, it doesn’t need to be specified, but insurers still need to know the total. You can find more advice here.
Is my art covered in transit?
It depends on your insurance policy. If you’re planning to move your artwork then contact your insurer.
Why should I use a broker for my art insurance?
Aston Lark are specialists in finding the right insurance solution for art collections. We understand the value of a good policy and will help you protect your investment. Here's how.