Transit insurance is intended to cover conditions acquired during packaging, transportation and handling.

Coverage is an “all risks” policy built for the transportation of unique and high-value objects moved with Arta. An “all risks” policy covers restoration and repair, not just claims for total loss, intending to preserve these one-of-a-kind items. Transit Insurance covers the object from the moment Arta takes possession through delivery, including any on-site services.

Critical notices

The insured value must match the invoiced value of the goods.

The invoiced value can include additional charges required at purchase related to the object, such as buyer’s premium and sales tax. The value should include frames, mounts, pedestals. If these additional charges are not included in the declared value of the object, they will not be paid out as part of the claim.

Insurance does not include coverage for duties and taxes paid to customs.

Conditions that cannot be restored or repaired, or when the value of repair exceeds the cost of the item, will be considered for total loss.

Some notable exclusions

Artworks that slip their hinges are excluded from full coverage. There is a special maximum coverage limit for slipped hinges and ensuing damage from slipped hinges of $200.

Pre-existing conditions including cracks, repaired joints, or unstable materials that worsen in transit are excluded. Deterioration is an inherent risk of transportation.

Artwork frames, cases, mounts, pedestals or other display materials are covered for restoration only. This excludes filing for total loss.

For purchases with multiple objects or sets/components restoration costs are evaluated per piece. If claiming for total loss and the object value is dependent on the entire set (ie. a diptych, a set of sculptures), components or pieces will need to be surrendered to Arta or the applicable insurer.

Arta can cancel insurance on behalf of the Customer at collection if the object is damaged or unstable and is likely to worsen in transit. “Unstable” objects are material or structural conditions that prevent the object from being moved without deterioration. This includes but is not limited to loose joints, cracked or flaking pigments, poorly hinged prints and other issues of structural integrity.