Page 1 of 1
Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Fri 10 Oct, 2025 11:22 am
by SGGT24
Hello all,
I'm interested in taking my business further and researching into Picture Framing insurance.
I'm currently framing my own stuff and a few friends’ artwork. So, if there were any complications, we are comfortable enough to deal with situations between ourselves.
It would be great to see/ hear of some personal suggestions & experience with the companies they’re with.
And any suggestions of what to ask for & 'dont do's as well. (I’m also based in the UK, London)
Many thanks, Stefan
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Fri 10 Oct, 2025 12:54 pm
by JKX
Here’s a load of topics on the subject.
https://www.theframersforum.com/search. ... mit=Search
Welcome to the forum
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 11:11 am
by Justintime
I think a fair few of us are with Hiscox. They're fine, in that they take direct debits regularly without issue! I tried Besso (?) which gives a discount to Guild members but I didn't like their T&C's.
I think it's called "Goods in Trust", which insures the work and anything that happens to it while it's in your care, that's important.
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 11:53 am
by vintage frames
This 'Goods in Trust' thing..
Who decides what the mutually agreed, insurable value of an item is?
And how is this value verified?
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 11:59 am
by Justintime
I believe that if a claim is required then the onus is on the owner of the artwork to submit proof of valuation. That is my understanding, otherwise they might only cover the value the paper/canvas and paints...
How is the value verified? A previous auction/sale price I assume.
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 12:22 pm
by vintage frames
Thanks for that.
An interesting mine-field.
I'm thinking of two scenarios.
One, an 'old master' painting or print. It would have a long historic provenance. The value is easily verified by as you say, its most recent sale receipt.
The other a modern painting with no provenance save for the gallery receipt from when it was sold.
Would the insurance co honor that value if the Artists work was later devalued and considered to be - a bit crap?
Or does the insurance cover the value at time of sale, regardless of later re-valuation?
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 3:58 pm
by JKX
Both an old master and a more modern high value piece bought years ago could both have increased in value and it’s in the interest of the owner to make sure that any place it is left is covered. They may also have it covered themselves off their own premises. Temporary cover can be arranged for items above your insurance limit.
The vast majority of things brought to the average high street framer would fall under the insurance excess! Say that was £500 and you lose/damage something worth £800, the insurer is unlikely to blink. If it gets serious there will be a loss adjuster.
We always used a broker, as well as setting it all up and keeping on top of the best deals, they deal with claims too.
Many things that are worthless on paper are priceless to their owners and there is no cover for that.
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 4:14 pm
by Justintime
I think it's worth considering too that many framers may have 20-40 or more pieces in their care at any one time.
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 4:29 pm
by vintage frames
Frightening!
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 6:40 pm
by JKX
Justintime wrote: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 4:14 pm
I think it's worth considering too that many framers may have 20-40 or more pieces in their care at any one time.
If the whole lot were stolen/destroyed, I think you’d find your excess applies to individual items, not a combined total.
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Fri 17 Oct, 2025 11:25 am
by bang
JKX wrote: Sat 11 Oct, 2025 3:58 pm
Both an old master and a more modern high value piece bought years ago could both have increased in value and it’s in the interest of the owner to make sure that any place it is left is covered. They may also have it covered themselves off their own premises. Temporary cover can be arranged for items above your insurance limit.
The vast majority of things brought to the average high street framer would fall under the insurance excess! Say that was £500 and you lose/damage something worth £800, the insurer is unlikely to blink. If it gets serious there will be a loss adjuster.
We always used a broker, as well as setting it all up and keeping on top of the best deals, they deal with claims too.
Many things that are worthless on paper are priceless to their owners and there is no cover for that.
When I take artwork in from customers, I fill out a job sheet. After reading through this thread, I think I'd be better off making a tear off section with t's and c's on it. "I leave the work with B A Scott Picture framing, understanding that it is my responsibility to insure the work I have left in his care".
Re: Picture Framer Insurance? (UK)
Posted: Fri 17 Oct, 2025 1:07 pm
by Justintime
@bang
Fair enough, but just as we're expected to have public liability insurance to cover the general public while on our business premises, I think it's also expected that we have insurance cover for accidental damage that we may cause. I wouldn't expect their insurance to offer them cover for that.