Art insurance refers to insurance cover for artworks. Such insurance can come in handy if your art collection is stolen or damaged. In this article, we’ll get to know about the process of filing a claim under Art Insurance.
Art insurance is becoming increasingly popular among collectors due to several reasons. First, the value of art is constantly increasing, making it an attractive target for theft, damage, or loss. Second, the unpredictability of natural disasters, such as floods, fires, or hurricanes, can pose a significant threat to artwork. Third, art collectors often lend their pieces to museums or galleries, increasing the risk of damage or loss during transportation or display. Finally, art insurance provides peace of mind for collectors, ensuring that their valuable collections are protected in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. As a result, more and more art collectors are investing in comprehensive insurance policies to protect their valuable assets.
The process of filing an art insurance claim
To file a claim under art insurance, you can call your insurance provider’s toll-free number and share the preliminary details with the executive. You can also get in touch with the claims department by filling the claim form on the website. You can download the claim form from the insurer’s website, print it, sign it and upload it to the site.
We mentioned preliminary details earlier. This is because the process takes place over two stages. First, you file a claim with basic details. Thereafter, the insurer responds by appointing a professional team to assess and validate the claim.
Additional Read: What is covered under art insurance?
First steps
It is important that you report the claim to the insurer within the stipulated time, as delays could cause complications in reimbursement.
When you call the insurer’s contact center or fill their online claim form, you will have to provide some preliminary details. These include
- your insurance policy number
- authentication details such as date of birth
- loss description — by fire, theft, etc.
- loss location
- the estimated amount of loss.
Subsequent steps
Once the insurance company receives your claim, it will begin to initiate the next steps. First, it will appoint a loss inspector within two working days. This loss inspector or surveyor will conduct a thorough review of the damage to the insured art. Thereafter, they will present a preliminary loss document to the insurance company (usually within three working days). Next, the loss inspector will inform the insured and the insurer of the specific documents required to validate the claim.
Finally, the insured will have to photocopy the relevant documents and submit these to the loss inspector. These documents include:
- the First Information Report (FIR) filed with the police department, if applicable;
- the concluding police verification report
- bill of the lost items and the latest cost price list
- insurance cover letter or policy document
Further steps
Once you submit the required documents, the insurer usually settles the claim within 30 working days. First, as part of this process, the insurer, on authenticating the claim, sends a claim disbursement voucher to the insured. You will need to sign this voucher and send it back to the insurer. Once the insurer receives this disbursement voucher, the paycheque is delivered to the insured.
Overall, to expedite the art insurance claim process, one should report the loss or damage as soon as possible, provide detailed documentation and evidence, and work closely with the insurance company to provide any additional information or support as needed.
From buying art insurance to filing a claim, for any assistance or information you need, drop us a mail at support@securenow.in or give us a call at 96966 83999.
