Art appraisal for insurance and estates
Written appraisals by a qualified, licensed appraiser for insurance and estate purposes: paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and whole collections. Send a few details and photos; we reply with the scope and fees before any work begins.
When you need a written appraisal
- Insurance: to schedule valuable art on a homeowner’s or fine-art policy, update coverage, or support a claim.
- Estate and probate: to document a collection for an estate, or to divide property among heirs.
- Charitable donation: to support the value of a work given to a museum or charity.
How it works
- Send the request. The artist, a description, size, photos and anything you know about how the work was acquired.
- Scope and fees. We reply by email with what the appraisal will cover, whether an inspection is needed, the timeline and the fees.
- Research and report. Once you agree, the appraiser researches comparable sales and prepares a written report for the stated purpose.
What to have ready
- Photos of the front, back, signature and any labels
- Measurements and the medium, if known
- Receipts, gallery invoices, previous appraisals or insurance schedules
- What your insurer or attorney has asked for, and any deadline
Thinking of selling instead? Get a free auction estimate or read appraisal vs. auction estimate.
Request a written appraisal
Appraisal questions
What is an art appraisal for insurance?
A written report that identifies and describes each work and states its value for insurance, usually replacement value: what it would cost to buy a comparable work on the retail market. Insurers use it to schedule art on a policy and to settle claims.
How is an appraisal different from a free auction estimate?
A free auction estimate is an opinion of what a work could bring if you sell it at auction. A written appraisal is a formal, signed report for insurance, estate, probate or donation purposes, and the value it states depends on its purpose.
Can you appraise a painting from photos?
Photos, measurements and documents let us scope the work and quote. Depending on the purpose and the items, an appraisal may also require an in-person inspection.
Do you appraise whole collections and estates?
Yes. Tell us roughly how many items there are and where they are located, and we’ll propose a scope.
What does an appraisal cost?
Fees depend on the number of items, the research involved and whether an inspection is needed. We quote before any work begins, and nothing is charged until you agree.