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How to Insure an Artwork: Documents, Value and Coverage

Insuring an artwork means checking the value, risks, location, transport and coverage conditions with an insurer. Keep the invoice, certificate, photographs and any valuation documents together.

Why insure an artwork?

Insurance can protect an artwork against risks such as theft, accidental damage, fire, water damage or transport incidents, depending on the policy. The covered risks and exclusions must be checked with the insurer.

Transport insurance is included by Carré d’artistes, so the buyer does not bear that cost for the applicable delivery. Home or collection insurance is a separate question to discuss with your insurer.

Documents for insurance

An insurer may ask for the invoice, certificate, photographs, dimensions, artist information and an estimated value. Keep the original documents and digital copies.

Purchase invoice
Certificate of authenticity
Detailed photographs
Artwork dimensions and technique
Valuation or appraisal when requested
Delivery and framing records

What to check in a policy

Check the insured value, covered locations, exclusions, deductible, transport conditions and claim procedure. A policy designed for ordinary household contents may not cover a collection or high-value artwork in the same way.

Ask the insurer

Is the artwork covered at home and in transit?
Which damage is excluded?
Is a valuation required?

Keep updated

Update the value when appropriate.
Record moves and restoration.
Keep photographs current.

If damage occurs

If an artwork or parcel is damaged, document the condition immediately and follow the carrier and insurer procedure. Make precise reservations on the delivery document and photograph the closed parcel before opening it when the damage is visible on arrival.

Read how to preserve an artwork and the certificate guide.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the practical questions readers ask before buying, checking or caring for an artwork. Continue through the related pages for more detail.

Is transport insurance included with a Carré d’artistes purchase?

Transport insurance is included by Carré d’artistes for the applicable delivery, so the buyer does not bear that cost.

Do I need separate home insurance for an artwork?

Discuss the artwork with your insurer. Transport coverage and home or collection coverage may be separate.

What should I do if an artwork is damaged during delivery?

Photograph the closed parcel, make precise reservations on the delivery document and contact the seller and carrier according to the stated procedure.

Insurance begins with an accurate artwork file

An insurer may request the invoice, certificate, photographs, dimensions, technique, value and location of the artwork. Keep these documents together and update the photographs if the condition changes.

Ask which risks are covered, which locations are included, what exclusions apply, whether a deductible exists and how a claim should be made. Home contents insurance and transport insurance may not offer the same coverage.

Carré d’artistes includes transport insurance for the applicable delivery, so the buyer does not bear that cost. Discuss ongoing home or collection coverage with your insurer.

After your purchase

Protect what makes your artwork unique

Buying or discovering art is also a way to support artists and bring an original perspective into an everyday space.

Explore unique and certified artworks or continue through the related guides below.

Carré d’artistes

Protect what makes your artwork unique

Keep your artwork records and discover our original selection. Founded in 2001, Carré d’artistes represents more than 500 artists and follows a fair-price policy designed to reward artists fairly while keeping art accessible.

Explore the artworks