Picked up a painting you love? Or a sculpture that wasn't cheap? Let's talk about how to get it properly insured.
This guide runs through what your home insurance might already cover, when you'll need to go to a specialist and what info insurers usually ask for.
It's not as much of a faff as it sounds - promise.
What's the best way to insure my art?
It depends on how much your artwork is worth.
If it's worth a few hundred pounds, your contents insurance will often do the job. You might just need to list it as a high-value item, especially if it's above your policy's single-item limit.
If your art is worth significantly more or is part of a rare collection, specialist art insurance is likely the better option. It's designed to cover high-value pieces and can offer more detailed protection.
That said, adding it to your contents policy might be the most cost-effective option, as you're already getting cover for a range of belongings.
Some insurers let you bolt high value contents insurance on for an extra cost - it's worth checking, as this might work out cheaper than a separate specialist policy.
How much can I insure my art for?
It depends on the insurer.
Many home insurance policies will cover art up to around £10,000 per piece. Some go higher - up to £50,000.
If your collection or individual pieces are worth more than this, you'll usually need to look at specialist art insurance, as standard home insurance won't stretch that far.
What will my art be insured against?
If you're insuring your art under home contents cover, you'll usually be protected against:
- Theft
- Fire
- Water damage
-
Accidental damage, as long as your policy includes accidental damage insurance
- Vandalism
Some policies also offer more art-specific protection, which could include:
- Restoration costs if the artwork is damaged
- Value loss if the piece needs repair and is worth less afterwards
- Transit cover, in case it's damaged while being moved (for example, after a flood)
- Pairs and sets cover - so if one part of a set is ruined, you may be able to claim for the whole thing
Always check your policy to see what's included, and if in doubt, just ask your home inurance provider.
What won’t my art be insured against?
Policies vary, but there are a few common things insurers usually won't cover:
- General wear and tear - like gradual fading or cracking over time
- DIY repairs - unless you're an experienced art restorer, it's best to leave it to the pros
- Fake or misattributed pieces - insurers won't cover fraud
- Damage from pests - like moths or mice
- Negligence - if the damage is caused by carelessness
- Undeclared high-value art - if you don't list it, it might not be protected
Anything valuable that's not declared to your insurer probably won't be covered. So it's important to list any high-value art when buying your policy.
What type of art can I insure?
In most cases you can insure a wide range of artwork, as long as it fits within your policy's value limit.
This could include things like:
- Paintings, drawings and photographs
- Sculptures
- Porcelain and ceramics
- Glassware
- Art prints and limited editions
- Antique maps
- Rugs and tapestries
- Artefacts and collectibles
Always check with your insurer if you're not sure something counts.
What do I need to supply to insure my art?
You'll usually need to provide a few key documents so your insurer knows what the art is, where it came from, and how much it's worth.
This might include:
- Proof of purchase, like a receipt or invoice
- A will or probate document (if you inherited it), to show provenance
- A valuation certificate - ideally from the last 3 to 5 years
- Photos of the piece, especially if you're claiming for damage (before and after if possible)
It's worth checking with your insurer exactly what you need, as requirements can vary depending on the item and its value.
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