Expensive works of art, whether privately owned or displayed in public galleries, face various risks. “They are exposed to burglary, fire, water damage, accidental damage, terrorism, and so on,” says Gaurav Arora, chief of underwriting, claims, property and casualty, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company. Natural disasters can also affect them. Additionally, they may suffer on account of vandalism, or mishandling during transportation or exhibition.
Art insurance offers protection against most of the risks mentioned above. “Buyers of art insurance must carefully read the policy
document to understand what is covered,” says Parthanil Ghosh, director and chief business officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance. Several private and public sector insurers offer art insurance.
Major exclusions
Art insurance policies do not cover certain issues. “Major exclusions include natural ageing, normal wear and tear, confiscation by authorities, consequential losses (losses due to secondary effects), and so on,” says Arora. Wilful destruction and mysterious or unexplained losses are also not covered.
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“Damage resulting from repairing, restoring, and retouching is another exclusion,” says Ghosh. He adds that rust, oxidisation, damage by moths or vermin, warping, and shrinkage are also excluded. “Inherent defects, improper storage, handling and maintenance, price depreciation due to market fluctuations, political risks and damage are excluded,” says Ramit Goyal, chief distribution officer, Future Generali India Insurance.
Determining value and sum insured
Cost of insurance
Ghosh states that premium rates range from 0.25 per cent to 0.50 per cent of the sum insured, with actual rates depending on the collection size, security measures, and past loss history.
Goyal adds that the artwork’s type, condition, age, location, and claims history all influence the premium.
Points to heed when making a claim
- Inform the insurer promptly whenever there is physical loss or damage
- Provide details of the incident – how the damage occurred, when it was discovered, and so on
- Submit documentation proving ownership of the artwork
- Submit a copy of the valuation report
- Do not send the painting for restoration without assessment of the loss by a certified valuer/appraiser
- In case the artwork has to be restored, then restoration bills will be required
- In case of burglary, file an FIR promptly