How To Have Inherited Artwork Properly Insured

When you inherit artwork from a loved one, it is important to add it to your insurance policy as soon as possible. When you add a piece of artwork to your insurance coverage, you need to know how much the artwork is worth and how to keep it safe. The following guide walks you through the ins and outs of insuring inherited artwork.

Have the Artwork Authenticated

There are some pieces of artwork that are designed to look identical to true masterpieces. It can be hard for someone with an untrained eye to be able to tell if a piece of artwork is authentic or not. There are professional authentication companies that know what to look for to determine if a piece of artwork is authentic or not. The company will provide you with documentation that proves who the artist was that created the piece and when it was created.

Have the Artwork Appraised

After you authenticate the artwork, take it to be appraised. Some pieces of artwork are more valuable than others based on the age and rarity of the piece and who created it. When you have the piece appraised, the appraiser will give you two values for the piece. One value will be the value that the appraiser predicts the piece would sell for if you sold it at auction. The second value is the value that the appraiser feels the piece should be insured at.

Have the Artwork Stored Properly

Finally, you need to decide whether you want to display or store the piece. If you want to display it, be sure that it is mounted properly. Acid-free mounting is important when mounting artwork because it will keep the materials that create the piece from deteriorating or becoming faded over time.

Once you have taken the time to have the artwork authenticated and appraised, you can provide your insurance company with the information they need in order to add the piece to your policy. Be sure that you provide the company with a copy of the authentication and appraisal for them to keep on file. If an accident happens in your home or the piece is stolen, the insurance company will cover the cost of the items up to the value they were appraised at. If you do not get the items appraised and they are lost, the company will not have to pay you anything more than they value the piece at, which could be much less than its true value.