Looking for Art Restoration Insurance?
Protect your restoration business from damage to client artwork, treatment-related errors, theft, and liability claims. Harper provides insurance for conservators, framers, and fine art restorers handling high-value and irreplaceable pieces, with fast certificates for museums and collectors.
What is Art Restoration Insurance?
Art restoration insurance protects professionals who work on valuable artwork from accidental damage, restoration errors, theft, and third-party liability claims. Coverage often includes protection for items in your care, professional liability for treatment work, and general liability for studio operations. Museums, galleries, and private collectors typically require proof of insurance before releasing artwork.
Bailee’s Coverage
Protection for artwork while it is in your care, custody, or control during restoration, storage, or handling.
Professional Liability
Coverage for claims related to restoration errors, treatment damage, or alleged mistakes in conservation work.
Studio Protection
Covers your workspace, tools, supplies, and restoration equipment.
Certificates
Fast proof of insurance for museums, galleries, collectors, and institutions.
Who Needs Art Restoration Insurance?
- Fine art conservators : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Antique and furniture restorers : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Custom framers : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Museum and institutional conservators : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
Art Restoration Expertise
Handling fine art and antiques involves risks that standard business insurance does not address. Harper understands the exposure involved in working with irreplaceable pieces and places coverage built for professional conservation and restoration work.
Fast Proof for Institutions
Museums and galleries often require proof of insurance before releasing artwork. Harper delivers accurate certificates quickly and assists with additional-insured or loss-payee requests to keep projects moving.
Clear, Practical Guidance
We explain bailee’s coverage, professional liability, inland marine, and general liability in straightforward terms so you understand what protects your work and the pieces entrusted to you.
Coverage Matched to Your Specialization
Whether you restore oil paintings, works on paper, antiques, furniture, frames, or textiles, Harper helps align coverage with your specific restoration services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do art restorers need?
Most restorers need bailee’s coverage for artwork in their care, professional liability for treatment-related claims, and general liability for studio operations. Inland marine coverage may apply for transporting artwork.
Is art restoration insurance required?
Yes. Museums, galleries, and private collectors typically require proof of bailee’s and liability insurance before entrusting valuable pieces.
How much does art restoration insurance cost?
Costs vary based on artwork values and services. Small studios may pay $1,500–$3,000 annually, while conservators handling museum-quality work may charge $5,000-$15,000 or more.
Does insurance cover accidental damage?
Yes. Bailee’s coverage applies if the artwork is accidentally damaged during examination, treatment, or storage, subject to the policy's terms and reasonable care.
Does insurance cover artwork during transport?
Inland marine or bailee’s coverage may apply to artwork while being transported to or from your studio, depending on the policy.
Can I add galleries or museums as additional insureds?
Yes. Harper assists with adding institutions as additional insureds or loss payees to meet project or contract requirements.