You collect art because it moves you, not because you want paperwork. Still, your pieces need practical protection that matches their value and risks. Hiscox brings decades of art-market experience and specialist service to guard paintings, sculptures, prints, and other objects you keep at home or move for shows.

Unlike a basic homeowners plan, a dedicated policy can offer agreed value, worldwide all-risks cover for transit, and market-value payouts if loss or theft occurs. You also get access to a dedicated claims handler and professional restorers to speed recovery and limit loss in value after repair.

This section explains how Hiscox can help you set the right cover, protect new acquisitions, and scale your policy as your collections grow. It shows when a specialist policy closes common gaps in a standard home contract and how to document items so claims move faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You get specialist cover built for collectors, not a one-size-fits-all homeowners plan.
  • Options include agreed value, worldwide transit cover, and market-value settlements.
  • Dedicated claims handlers and expert restorers help protect value after damage.
  • Specify high-value items and use new acquisitions cover to keep limits current.
  • Clear documentation and valuations speed claims and prove ownership.

Specialized protection for your fine art and collections in your home and beyond

High-value pieces often fall outside standard home cover, leaving meaningful gaps in protection. You should check how your current home insurance treats art so you don’t face unexpected exclusions for breakage, transit, or theft.

Many homeowners policies rely on sub-limits, list-only thresholds, or blanket caps that suit general valuables but not an active collector. A specialist policy lets you set a sensible total cover and specify only items above a chosen threshold. That reduces admin while targeting protection where it matters most.

“A specialist approach helps you enjoy displayed works without constantly worrying about uncovered risks.”

Coverage commonly extends beyond paintings to drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, antique furniture, clocks, books, stamps, dolls, and militaria. You can choose market value settlements and loss-in-value provisions after repair. Clear records — receipts, provenance, condition reports, and photos — make claims faster and settlements smoother.

  • Review sub-limits and transit exclusions on your home policy.
  • Decide which items to schedule individually and which stay under blanket cover.
  • Keep valuations current to avoid underinsurance and speed up claims.

fine-art-and-collections-insurance-hiscox: tailored cover for your unique collection

Protecting prized works requires cover that travels with them — from gallery loans to long moves.

fine art

Your policy can provide worldwide all‑risks protection so your pieces stay insured at home, in transit, on loan, or while stored off‑site.

Choose agreed value on a major item to know the payable amount if it is lost or stolen. For other works, market value settlements apply so you get a fair outcome after a covered loss.

  • New acquisitions cover often adds temporary headroom—commonly up to 25% of the total insured amount—so recent purchases are protected until you update your policy.
  • For partial damage you can opt to repair, replace, or accept a payment, and any loss in value after repair is covered.
  • Options to repurchase recovered property help when a recovered work matters to your collection.

“A tailored approach balances scheduled marquee items with blanket cover for routine pieces.”

Clear valuations, careful transit arrangements, and scheduled items help reduce risks and keep insured amounts aligned with market value as your collection grows.

Effortless claims experience and flexible policy management

When a loss happens, a specialist claims team can act quickly to protect your pieces and guide next steps.

Fast, discreet claims with a dedicated handler and access to expert restorers

You get a fast, discreet claims process led by a dedicated handler who coordinates estimates, restoration, and settlement. This reduces disruption to your home and preserves the condition and provenance of items.

The insurer’s award‑winning service includes UK-based teams in some regions and high customer satisfaction—99% of surveyed customers who made a claim said they would recommend the company.

  • Access recognized restorers so repairs meet gallery standards.
  • Streamline policy updates in real time—add acquisitions or adjust an agreed value.
  • Follow clear steps at the moment of loss: secure the scene, document damage, and contact the claims team promptly.

“You’ll benefit from end-to-end case management that protects integrity and speeds recovery.”

Align your specialist cover with home insurance and coordinate with household staff or advisors to keep valuations and inventories current. This helps validate any claim and achieve fair value outcomes, whether works are in your house or traveling elsewhere in the world.

Conclusion

The right policy keeps your most important items insured at home, on loan, and in transit with agreed sums and swift claims support.

With more than 40 years of market expertise, you can rely on worldwide all‑risks cover, agreed value for specified works, and new acquisitions protection so recent buys are not left exposed.

Combine blanket cover with scheduled treatment for marquee items. Keep limits current so an accidental loss or theft does not leave parts of your collection underinsured.

You also get a dedicated team and access to expert restorers to move quickly from first notice of claim to resolution. Request a tailored quote today to match cover to the amount and type of valuables you own.

FAQ

What makes Hiscox coverage different from standard home insurance for valuable art and collectibles?

Hiscox offers specialized protection tailored to high-value items that typical home policies may exclude or limit. You get agreed value options for specified works, worldwide all-risks cover during transit and exhibitions, and access to expert claims handlers and restorers. This reduces the chance of surprise limits or exclusions when you need a payout.

Can I insure paintings, sculptures, prints, and other types of art under one policy?

Yes. Hiscox policies are designed to cover a wide range of items including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, limited-edition prints, and mixed-media pieces. You can specify individual items or insure a scheduled collection, and the policy will reflect the agreed values and specific risks for each piece.

Does the policy cover my collection while it’s being moved or shown at an exhibition abroad?

Hiscox provides worldwide transit and exhibition cover as part of its all-risks protection. That means your items are insured during professional packing, shipping, temporary display, and while in storage, subject to the terms you select. You should list the transit and exhibition details so cover matches the activity.

How does agreed value work and why is it important for rare items?

Agreed value means you and the insurer set the value of an item at the start of the policy. In the event of a total loss, you receive that agreed amount without depreciation. This is crucial for rare or irreplaceable works where market value can be volatile or replacement is impractical.

What happens if an item is damaged and its value drops after restoration?

Hiscox policies can include cover for loss in value after repair. If a restoration alters the market worth of a piece, the policy may pay the difference between the pre-loss agreed value and the post-repair market value, subject to your selected cover options and limits.

Are new acquisitions automatically covered when I buy a new work for my collection?

Many policies offer a new acquisitions clause that provides temporary cover for recent purchases, giving you time to declare and agree values with the insurer. Check your policy’s time limit and declare new items promptly to ensure long-term protection.

How do claims work and how quickly can I expect resolution?

Hiscox assigns a dedicated claims handler to manage your case discreetly and efficiently. You’ll have access to specialist conservators and restorers when needed. Resolution time varies by case complexity, but the process emphasizes speed, clear communication, and professional advice to minimize disruption.

Can I insure a collection that’s kept partly at home and partly in professional storage?

Yes. Policies can be structured to cover items across multiple locations, including private residences, freeports, and professional storage facilities. Make sure you declare each storage location and any security measures to get appropriate terms and premium calculations.

Will Hiscox cover theft, accidental damage, and natural disasters?

Hiscox typically offers all-risks protection, which covers accidental loss or damage and theft, subject to policy terms and exclusions. Cover for natural perils like fire or flood is usually included, but you should review specific exclusions and consider additional protections for high-risk scenarios.

How do I determine the correct amount of cover for my collection?

Work with qualified valuers, auction records, and appraisal services to establish current market values. For irreplaceable items, consider agreed value cover. Regularly review and update values, especially after significant market changes or new acquisitions, to avoid underinsurance.

Are there limits on how many items I can list or the total insured value?

Policies can accommodate large collections, but there may be underwriting limits or endorsements for exceptionally high totals or unique risks. Discuss your full collection and any single-item high values with an underwriting team to create a suitable program.

Do I need provenance and documentation to insure my artworks?

Yes. Provenance, invoices, condition reports, and tax or export paperwork help establish value and authenticity, and they speed up the underwriting and claims process. Keep high-quality records and update condition reports after loans, exhibitions, or restorations.

How does Hiscox handle recovered property that has been stolen and later found?

If stolen property is recovered, Hiscox offers options including returning the item to you, facilitating repairs, or allowing you to repurchase if the insurer has paid a total loss. Terms vary, so confirm procedures and any timeframes for repurchase or disposition in your policy.

Can I get bespoke advice for insuring a mixed collection of contemporary and historic works?

Yes. Hiscox and specialist brokers can provide tailored advice for mixed collections. They assess risks such as light sensitivity, environmental controls, and display methods, and recommend specific cover, storage, and conservation practices to protect value over time.

How does policy pricing work for art and high-value collections?

Premiums reflect the total insured value, agreed values, location, security measures, transit needs, and the loss history of the collection. Specialized underwriting considers the items’ market risk and any unique exposures. Providing accurate documentation and strong security details can lower your premium.