Collections

5 essential strategies for managing your art collection

couple looking at paintings in art gallery

You’ve worked hard to assemble an art collection you can be proud of. To help ensure that it stays in top condition, year after year, we’ve put together five essential strategies for you to follow regularly.

1. Make sure your disaster preparedness plan is up to date.

Update contact information for your emergency response team, including art handlers, storage facilities, and conservators. You may want to contract with a specialized storage facility that can allocate handlers, vehicles, and storage space for your collection in the event of a disaster. Update any special considerations for moving items, such as unique tools required, the location of crates, or instructions for unlocking display cases, and make sure your household is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently.

2. Update your inventory.

If you don’t keep a detailed inventory, consider hiring an appraiser to complete a thorough inventory then upload the inventory to a cloud-based or online asset management system. Store a back-up version in a secure secondary location.

3. Get updated appraisals.

To locate a qualified appraiser, consult the member databases of AAA (American Association of Appraisers), ASA (American Society of Appraisers), or ISA (International Association of Appraisers). Confirm with the appraiser that their reports are USPAP compliant, and let them know how the appraisal will be used, so they can provide the appropriate report.

4. Inspect frame hardware.

Over time, nails can become brittle and nails used for hooks can loosen in the wall, causing the painting to fall. Consult with a professional art handler to inspect your collection’s hardware and make any necessary updates.

5. Consult a conservator for outdoor sculptures and works on paper.

Consider getting an annual or seasonal inspection of your delicate paper works of art and any outdoor pieces that are exposed to weather, to keep them in good shape. To locate a quality conservator, consult the AIC member database.

Insights and expertise

We help you stay ahead and informed with these helpful tips and tricks for protecting your home, car, and more.
emergency plan
How to create a disaster plan for your valuables
Learn how disaster planning can help protect your valuables from wildfire, flood, or hurricane with expert tips on storage, inventory, and professional support.
antique paintings
Inherited art collections: Five steps now to help preserve value for years
The next 20 to 30 years will see an unprecedented transfer of intergenerational wealth. Learn more about how to help preserve value in your inherited art collections.
person-with-a-checklist-on-home-inventory
Protecting what tells your story: A conversation about why home inventories matter
By creating and maintaining an accurate, detailed home inventory, you can feel confident that you have the right coverage and have the documentation needed to recover from a loss.
art gallery
Tips for protecting and preserving your art collection
Protecting your art is essential to ensuring it can be enjoyed for years to come. Some risks may be incomprehensible. Be thorough in your preservation with these steps.
woman hanging painting at gallery
A collector’s guide to appraisals
An appraisal provides documentation to substantiate the existence, condition, and value of your collection.
winerack wine bottles
5 things that can go wrong when cellaring wine and how to prevent them
Wine is an organic asset with a limited lifespan and a peak drinking time window. Whether you own one bottle of wine or over a thousand, make sure you understand what can go wrong with your wine – and what you can do to help protect it.
stamp collection
8 things to consider when collecting stamps
Today, more than 5 million people in the U.S. alone collect, preserve, and trade or sell stamps. If you are considering becoming a “philatelist,” A.K.A. a stamp collector, as a hobby or an investment, there are a few things you should consider before you get started.
house with valuable goods
How to create a home inventory
Could you recall every valuable item you have, if your home was damaged or destroyed? Most of us couldn’t. That’s why a complete home inventory is so important, not only to you, but to your insurance company as well.

Get a personal insurance quote

Work with an independent agent to get personalized insurance solutions.