Emergency Preparedness for Personal Art Collections

Your fine art collection is more than just a display of beautiful works. It’s a reflection of your passion, vision and the countless hours you’ve invested in curating pieces that resonate with you. Whether your collection includes priceless masterpieces or personal treasures, each piece holds its own emotional and financial value.

But what would happen to your collection in the face of an unexpected disaster? From fires and floods to hurricanes and earthquakes, emergencies can strike at any time, putting your cherished artworks at risk. Consider the following emergency preparedness steps for protecting your collection and your investment.

Create and Maintain an Up-to-Date Art Collection Inventory

You and your insurer need to know precisely what you have. Record a detailed description of each item (e.g., artist, title, medium, dimensions, condition). Include pictures. Document purchase information and include invoices, certificates and your most recent appraisals. For each item, record its location, security hardware and special handling instructions. When changes occur (e.g., a new piece is purchased, an existing piece is reappraised or moved), update the inventory document. Store this information digitally and have a backup.

Compose a Prioritized Evacuation List

If your collection needs to be evacuated, know ahead of time which pieces are most valuable to you. Your prioritized evacuation list, which can be an extension of your inventory document, should include item descriptions and photos, locations (a map is helpful), and any special security or packing and handling requirements.

Develop a List of Service Providers

Knowing who to work with before an emergency arises saves time and reduces stress. This list could include a collection manager, fine art packers/shippers, art warehouses, art conservators and your insurance broker.

Create Removal and Relocation Procedures

Identify at-home and vetted off-site art handling and storage locations to serve as temporary storage and/or triage areas for collection stabilization, if necessary. Include transit plans and make prefabricated custom crates and packing available. Work with your service provider(s) to create a plan, including staff training as part of the process.

Take Preventive Measures

Check alarms (e.g., fire, theft, and water detectors) regularly to ensure they work correctly. If your home will be vacant for an extended period, consider storing valuable artwork safely off-site. If you live in a gated community, share the gate code with emergency responders (e.g., fire department, police) so they have access to your property. Discuss how they would address gates during a power outage.

Consider the common types of natural disasters where your home is located and the additional preventive steps you can take. For example, consider using professional art handlers to securely install artwork and sculptures in earthquake-prone locations. Consider fireproofing the roof and managing vegetation in wildfire-prone locations to create a defensible space around the house. Where severe windstorms or hurricanes are likely, install hurricane shutters and impact-rated windows and doors. Wherever power outages are prevalent, consider installing a generator to help maintain air quality in the home.

Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage

Finally, speak with your insurance broker regularly. Ensure that new acquisitions are added to your policy and that all listed values are current.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey, these tips will help you protect your art, giving you peace of mind no matter what challenges arise. Safeguarding your collection isn’t just about protecting art; it’s about preserving your legacy.

Contact Hylant if you have questions about properly insuring your collection.

Related Content: Listen to this episode of Wayne Baxter’s “3 Questions” wealth management podcast episode featuring Hylant client executive Amanda Martinez and focusing on high-end, valuable personal property

The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your insurance broker or trusted advisor for insurance-related questions.