Do you need separate art insurance?
Not sure if you need specialist insurance cover? It can depend on the value of your art.
ALREADY COVERED
If it’s below your policy’s single item limit
You’ll be covered by your home contents insurance up to your policy’s single item limit, which varies by insurer.
NEEDS AN ADD-ON
If it exceeds your policy’s single item limit
You can add cover for your high-value piece to your policy, but this may also be capped depending on your level of coverage.
SPECIALIST POLICY
If it’s worth significantly more
If you have an extensive collection or one standout high-value piece, standard home insurance won’t be enough and you’ll need to take out a separate art insurance policy.
Do you have a high-value collection?
Talk to a specialist broker team to arrange a custom fine art policy tailored to your needs.
Cover limits explained
Single item limit: This is the most an insurer will pay out for any one item under your policy. It varies depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose.
Some insurers won’t pay more for any one item than 10% of the contents sum insured. Others cap individual payouts at a flat figure, which could be anything from €1,000 to €2,500.
High-value items: If you own items that exceed the single item limit, you can list them separately on your policy at an additional cost. You may be required to provide an accurate, up-to-date valuation to get this additional coverage.
What does fine art insurance cover?
A specialist art insurance policy could include:
Usually covered and not always covered
| Usually covered | Not always covered |
|---|---|
| Theft | Restoration costs |
| Fire and water damage | Value loss |
| Transit cover | Defective title |
| Accidental damage | Wear and tear |
What counts as fine art for insurance purposes?
Fine art includes much more than just paintings. Insurers generally include anything that is valued for its beauty or aesthetic value rather than its practical use.
Examples of what qualifies:
- Paintings, prints, illustrations
- Photographs
- Sculptures
- Rare books
- Porcelain, china and ceramics
- Silverware and glassware
- Valuable memorabilia
- Antiques
- Rugs and tapestries
How to value your art before insuring it
Protecting unique items requires specialist knowledge. An accurate, up-to-date valuation is the best starting point for making sure your art is properly covered, whether you have just one or two pieces, or a larger, more complex collection.
A number of professional valuation services operate in Ireland. They will appraise your artwork’s current market value, and tell you how much cover you actually need to protect your items. This way, you can avoid being underinsured or overpaying on your premium.
Top tip: Valuations can change over time. It can be wise to have your pieces assessed every few years to ensure your coverage remains accurate.
Get a free quote for art insurance today
Compare quotes from trusted providers and find the right cover for your collection.
How much does art insurance cost?
Art insurance premiums are assessed individually and the price you pay depends on several factors, including:
Value: The greater the value of your art, the higher your premium is likely to be.
Security: Having a monitored alarm or security lighting can help bring down your premium.
Claims history: Having a claims-free history tends to work in your favour, while having recent claims may push your premium up.
Who offers art insurance in Ireland?
Art insurance is a niche form of coverage, so not all major insurers offer it. Coverage can be added to your standard home or contents policy, although this often comes with certain restrictions. For higher-value pieces or larger collections, specialist art insurance offers more comprehensive protection for valuable pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s a good idea to have your fine art valued by a professional so that the sum insured accurately reflects the value of the work. With a professional valuation on file, your insurer will know exactly what the art is worth if you ever need to make a claim.
Let your insurer know as soon as possible. Depending on its value, you may need to list the new piece separately and provide a valuation. Some policies include a short grace period for newly acquired items, but this varies by insurer, so it’s worth reading your policy to confirm the details.
Policies often include coverage for your art while it’s in transit. If not, you can arrange for this protection, which is sometimes called ‘nail-to-nail cover’, to be added to your policy. Read your documents carefully as some insurers will insist that the pieces be packed and transported professionally if they are to remain fully covered.
Get a home insurance quote
Compare insurance plans from top providers and save even more today, hassle-free and fast.
Trusted by 10,000+ Users
