Art Insurance

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Whether you have a large art collection or just a few pieces, you should check it has the correct insurance cover.

It’s not always necessary to have a bespoke art insurance policy, but it’s important that you understand whether your policy provides you with the cover you need to fully protect your art collection. Aston Lark have many years’ experience in providing specialist antique and art insurance, for both large and small collections.

How do I get the best cover for my art collection?

You should ensure that your home insurance policy recognises your art collection and treats them the same as ‘general contents’. The best policies will give you 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.
Why choose Aston Lark for your art insurance?

Aston Lark are specialists in finding the right art insurance solution for art collectors. We can point you in the direction of trusted valuation experts and then arrange a policy tailor-made to suit you and your collection perfectly.

  • You will be assigned a dedicated account handler for a more personal service.
  • We only work with specialist insurers about whom we feel confident they’ll provide a great service and share the same passion for the art industry as we do.
  • Each circumstance is looked at on it own merits in order to find you the best possible art insurance cover for your collection.

Whether you own a single piece of art or an entire collection, get in touch with our specialist team today to discuss your art insurance requirements.

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.

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