Where insurance questions usually arise
Insurance becomes important when work leaves the studio, enters an exhibition, is transported by courier, is stored off-site, is handled by volunteers or is displayed in a public venue. It also matters when visitors attend your studio, workshop or opening event.
Artists should ask who is responsible for the work at each stage: packing, freight, delivery, installation, exhibition, sale, deinstall and return. Assumptions cause most insurance gaps.
Questions to ask before an exhibition
Ask whether the venue insures artworks on the wall, during install, during storage and during opening events. Ask whether cover is based on sale price, insured value, cost of materials or a nominated value. Ask whether the artist must provide a valuation or artwork list.
If the venue does not insure works, artists need to decide whether to accept that risk, arrange their own cover or avoid sending high-value works.
Collectors and private owners
Collectors should keep invoices, provenance, condition photos, certificates and current valuations. Insurance becomes difficult when a work cannot be identified or its value cannot be supported.
Home insurance may not automatically cover higher-value artworks or works on loan. Check limits, exclusions, flood/fire/theft provisions and whether professional installation is required.
