May 27, 2025

The Adventure of Insuring Fine Works of Art

A guide to safeguarding your art and collections from the most common causes of loss (hint: It’s not theft).

Summary

Dramatic art heists are much less common than everyday issues like water damage, improper transportation, poor handling, and inadequate storage.
Working with trusted fine art professionals to help you move and warehouse your artwork may save you the heartache of finding preventable damage.
Our Fine Art Practice is here to help you avoid common pitfalls and protect your valued collections.

While movies like The Maltese Falcon, Entrapment, Ocean’s Twelve, and The Art of the Steal might make you think that art theft is the top concern of art collectors and museums, the truth is that art loss and damage often happen during everyday activities.

Instead of imagining a clad-in-black thief sneaking under laser beams to steal a priceless piece of art, it’s important to recognize that damages are much more likely to occur when artwork is in transit or not stored properly. For example, damage could occur when artwork is in transit if the piece isn’t expertly handled, packed, and moved. Sadly, damage or loss could also happen when well-meaning collectors or artists store or pack their works improperly.

Common risk 1: Improper shipping & handling

Fine art logistics companies hire and train skilled art handlers who may help you find the best means to pack and transport your object.

Have experience handling fine art and could provide references or testimonials from past clients
Know how to protect your unique artwork from risks during transit and storage
Offer custom packing solutions that cater to the specific needs of each art piece, ensuring that it could handle the rigors of transportation

Always pack your artwork to withstand the potential transport hazards, no matter its value.

The case of the bubble-wrap debacle

An art collector attempted to protect a valuable piece for shipping by wrapping it in bubble wrap.
The bubble-wrapped artwork was shipped using a standard carrier in a cardboard box.
When the package was opened at its destination, paint stuck to the bubble wrap, pulling the artwork off as the protective packaging was removed.
This wouldn’t have happened if the artwork had been professionally packed, as the bubble wrap wouldn’t have been placed directly on the canvas.
We work directly with our clients to advise them on vetted carriers who may safely handle and ship their valued artworks and objects.

Common risk 2: Water damage

While movies and news stories about art heists, like the $500 million worth of art stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, might make you think theft is the biggest risk to artwork, it’s actually quite rare. In the fine art insurance world, the most common risk is water damage.

Water damage may happen for several reasons:

Leaks from roofs, seepage through walls, or overflow from pipes above
Flooding
Sprinkler activation due to malfunction or leakage
Sewer or water backup
Humidity
Condensation

Water may seriously damage works of art made from sensitive materials like paper. Paintings may warp, mold could grow, and paint may deteriorate over time, leading to significant damage. This not only reduces the financial value of the artwork but also risks losing a cultural piece that future generations could enjoy and learn from.

Being aware of water risk may help prevent water damage.

Common risk 3: Moving works of art

Another common cause of art damage or loss is when artwork is “on the move.” While thefts during transit do happen, they are rare. Many claims arise when artwork is in motion.

The good news is that professional art handlers and specialized transport companies may help reduce the risk of damage during transit. Fine arts logistics companies may use trucks designed specifically to protect your artwork, featuring air ride suspension, GPS tracking, alarms, and climate control. Typically, dual drivers and attendants are present, and the truck is rarely left unattended unless it’s in a secure location.

Whether you’re shipping a priceless Jackson Pollock in a custom crate or a valuable fine art photograph in a flat pack, it’s important to understand the risks associated with art.

While it might be tempting to use common carriers to save on shipping costs, the risk of damage to your artwork is greater. If you’re unsure about the quality, service, or the risks of using a common carrier, from a broker perspective, it’s best to choose a professional art transport company. These specialists know how to handle fine art and often have backgrounds as artists, which gives them a unique appreciation for the value and fragility of the pieces they transport.

Common risk 4: Warehouse and storage facilities

Choosing the right storage facility is just as important as picking the right shipping carrier. The last thing you want is to discover damaged artwork.

Here are some things to look for when choosing a place to store your art:

Professional staff: Well-trained employees may help minimize damage caused by human error.

Single-use storage: Designed specifically for storing fine art.

Security: Includes fire and burglar protection

Climate control: Essential, based on the type of artwork you’re storing

Pest management: Ensures your art is safe from pests.

While self-storage spaces might look appealing because of their lower prices, they often don’t offer the essential services needed to protect fine art. These facilities may lack proper pest management, security, or climate control, crucial for preserving your artwork. From a broker perspective, fine art requires a controlled environment to avoid damage from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests.

The value of dedicated expertise

Navigating art transport and storage may be complex. We aim to use our expertise in risk management and negotiation to offer you competitive insurance products while helping you avoid potential pitfalls.

Transporting and storing fine art is an intricate process that requires careful consideration of the associated risks. By understanding the potential hazards and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you may ensure that your artwork remains safe and secure throughout its journey.

In the world of fine art, every piece has a story, and it’s our job to protect those stories as they move from one place to another. And yes, we could even insure your artwork against the dramatic heists you see in movies.

Request a complimentary personal risk management review today for a customized art insurance solution.

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