What to consider and where to begin

Recently, one of our collectors asked how to properly insure the works they’ve acquired. A practical yet essential question we hear more often than you'd expect. Whether it’s your first artwork or a growing selection of contemporary pieces, protecting your collection with the right insurance gives peace of mind.

This guide offers a few key considerations tailored to private collectors in the Netherlands, simple, relevant, and rooted in real-world experience.

Why insure art?

Because accidents happen. A dropped frame, water damage, a move gone wrong. The things we don’t plan for often cause the most harm. Insurance isn’t just for worst-case scenarios; it’s about feeling secure in daily life.

For most collectors, the biggest risks are fire, water, theft, and accidental damages, especially during transport. A good policy helps you recover financially and, when possible, supports restoration or replacement.

Is your home insurance enough?

Most home contents policies (inboedelverzekering) only offer limited coverage for art, often capped at a few thousand euros per claim. This may be sufficient for a single, modestly priced work. But if your collection includes several pieces or works of higher value, you’ll quickly reach that ceiling.

As a general rule:
If the total value of your collection exceeds €15.000 to €20.000, it’s worth exploring specialised insurance.

Some providers active in the Netherlands with policies for private collectors include:

Hiscox
AON Artscope
Nationale Nederlanden (via independent brokers)
kunstverzekeringen.nl (part of Sarelse insurance)

These insurers offer policies that include:

Full risk coverage (incl. accidental damage, transport, and storage)
Valuation-based flexibility
Coverage for works on loan or in temporary locations

Artworks by Lisette Schumacher, Said Kinos, Quinda Verheul and Sophie de Vos at PAN Amsterdam 2024 - Booth Root Gallery — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

Know what it’s worth

To insure an artwork, you need to know its value. For recent acquisitions, the gallery invoice usually suffices. For older or inherited pieces, a professional valuation may be needed.

Most fine art policies require updated valuations every 3 to 5 years, especially relevant for emerging artists whose value may grow over time.

Keep your records in order

Essential documentation includes:

Purchase invoices
Certificates of authenticity
High-resolution photos
Artist names, medium, dimensions, and year

An Excel sheet is often enough to start with, or consider collection management tools like Art Galleria, ArtBinder, or Collecteurs.

Booth Root Gallery at PAN Amsterdam 2024 - Artworks by Quinda Verheul and Sophie de Vos — Photography by Jacqueline Fuijkschot

Special cases: storage, loans, or transport

Artworks aren’t always on display. If you store works elsewhere or lend them (to friends, exhibitions, or museums), check that your policy covers:

Off-site storage
Loans to third parties
Domestic and international transport

Keep your insurer informed about location changes, especially for high-value works.

Planning a move? Read more about it here.

And yes, how it’s displayed matters

Even with insurance, prevention is key. Avoid hanging works above radiators, in direct sunlight, or in damp spaces like bathrooms. If in doubt, ask us: we regularly advise clients on placement, framing, and conservation.
Read more tips about how to take care of the artworks in your home or office.

Final thoughts

You don’t need a vast collection to take insurance seriously. If a work holds emotional or financial value, it's worth protecting. And when your collection grows beyond what a standard policy covers, there are professional options available, no matter your experience level.