The importance of reappraising fine art and collections to current value

Many types of collecting categories such as fine art have experienced strong increases in value over the last decade. While some collectors enjoy closely tracking their ‘passion assets’ along with other investments in their portfolio, many others are not attuned to fluctuations in desirability and market value, preferring simply to enjoy these objects.

For insurance purposes, it is essential that up-to-date values be reflected in insurance policies. Collecting categories in need of specific valuations include, but are not limited to:

• Fine art
• Jewellery and watches
• Wine and spirits
• Football cards and sports memorabilia
• Stamps and coins
• Classic cars
• Luxury handbag collections and other similar collectibles
• Rare books and manuscripts

Chubb recommends obtaining reappraisals more often for collecting categories experiencing higher volatility. Keep in mind that policy provisions and premiums will differ depending on value and the collecting category. Some fine art policies, for example, will pay over a scheduled amount to accommodate rapid appreciation in value.

Chubb’s Risk Consultant team may be able to provide guidance on when to seek a reappraisal, depending on the type of asset and the pace of its market. This best practice helps ensure that a collector receives the appropriate replacement cost (if applicable) for an item in the event of an unforeseen covered loss such as theft or accidental damage.

There are many nuances to the fine art and luxury collectible markets, including changing trends in taste. Given the complexity of these markets, it is essential to identify a skilled appraiser who can accurately value the unique nature of an asset in the context of its category. Generally, the best appraisers possess a combination of education and experience in their area of professional focus.

Depending on the nature of an object being assessed, an appraiser with highly specific expertise may be necessary. For example, an appraiser specialising in Old Master paintings may not be an appropriate choice for valuing an artistically significant modernist sculpture. 

Collectors can search for qualified appraisers via the membership databases of appraisal organisations focusing on tangible personal property: 

Auctioneers Association of New Zealand

Each organisation has different levels of accreditation and certification that reflect an appraiser’s knowledge and experience.

There are several types of value an appraiser may employ depending on the purpose of the assignment. 

For insurance scheduling, retail replacement value (RRV) should generally be relied upon because it accounts for the urgency of procuring a similar item in the event of a loss. When a claim occurs, an item should be replaced promptly, generally by sourcing it from a retail setting rather than through a secondary market venue, such as an auction. RRV also accounts for fees, taxes, and associated services such as framing. 

By contrast, fair market value (FMV) or secondary market value is subjective and can depend on a variety of conditions, as well as how much it would sell in today’s market.

Due to these factors, RRV is often higher than FMV. However, there are instances, particularly pertaining to the markets for pre-owned timepieces and Ultra-Contemporary Art¹, where the retail value may be lower than the secondary market value due to market availability. Clients with exclusive access to a limited-edition luxury collectible may find that their original purchase price is significantly less than the resale value on the secondary market, where a wider audience could vie for the item. In these cases, the appraiser will evaluate the appropriate marketplace for determining the right replacement cost for the object.