For centuries, art has touched the hearts and minds of people around the world. It inspires generations and is an image of the society in which it is created. There have always been people who possess art, understand it and wish to enjoy it every day. People for whom art is not only a hobby, but a genuine passion: private art collectors.
We are committed to protecting the passion of these people. No matter whether theft, water damage or negligence, every art collection is exposed to a wide variety of risks. This is precisely why insurance is required that covers every risk: ERGO Kunstversicherung Privat.
Life is
unpredictable
Loss examples from our daily insurance business
Light-fingered guests
A work of art is stolen during a party. The thief has disappeared without trace. ERGO Art & Values reimburses the agreed value and reports the stolen work to the Art Loss Register. With a bit of luck, the artwork will be located quickly and the brazen thief perhaps apprehended.
Beware of fire
The surface of a photograph is damaged by soot from a smouldering fire. The picture is one of a group of three works. ERGO Art & Values not only pays for the restoration of the work, but also makes up the loss of value sustained.
Accidents happen
A household member accidentally knocks a valuable Ming vase off its pedestal. The vase is cracked and needs to be restored. After restoration, its value has depreciated by 40%. The owner opts for the agreed cash option. In exchange for the vase, they receive the agreed amount insured and use it to purchase a comparable vase.
Paintings are not household items
Why your collection is not adequately covered by a home contents insurance
All-risks insurance
ERGO Art & Values protects private art collections from all manner of risks – unlike a classic home contents insurance, which only covers individual risks such as fire or theft.
Worldwide insurance cover
ERGO Art & Values also covers art and collection objects when they are not in their predetermined location. Unlike a home contents insurance, ERGO Art & Values protects your collection anywhere in the world – for up to six months.
Transit insurance
With ERGO Art & Values, worldwide shipments of art entrusted to you or to a specialised art shipper are insured up to the agreed amount. By contrast, a conventional home contents insurance does not cover art in transit.
Art calls for first-class services
The highlights of ERGO art insurance for private collectors
- Protection of valuables such as paintings, sculptures, antiques, photographs, object art and collection pieces (collectables)
- Protection against all manner of damage, destruction and loss based on all-risks cover, including loss through theft or fire
- Professional valuation of your collection and drawing up of a bespoke coverage proposal
- Worldwide insurance coverage – your artworks are not only insured at the specified location, but anywhere in the world for up to six months
- Insurance coverage for worldwide shipping
- Optional add-ons, such as meeting the costs of an invalid acquisition of ownership or damage by restorers
- Expert advice on storage, preservation, security and shipping
- Sourcing of experts such as restorers, auction houses or specialists in various fields
- Discretion in the handling of your art objects and security details
Collectables: the collecting universe
Some people collect valuable paintings, others rare records or historical toys. Below is a list of collectables that can be insured with ERGO Art & Values.
Toy figures and dolls
For instance, Käthe Kruse dolls, Star Wars action figures, comic figures, limited-edition Barbie dolls.
Asian artefacts
For instance, Japanese netsuke figurines or artistically decorated Chinese snuff bottles.
Vases, bonbonnières and perfume bottles
For instance, crystal vases by the French manufacturer Daum from Nancy or Lalique perfume bottles.
Toys
For instance, antique tin toys, Steiff cuddly toys, Matchbox cars in original packaging and Märklin train sets.
Designer objects
For instance, design classics by Le Corbusier as items of furniture or miniature models, old cameras and old office equipment as examples of historical industrial design.
Handbags
For instance, handbags by the French luxury label Hermès (e.g. Kelly or Birkin bag) or exclusive vintage handbags.
Sneakers
For instance, unworn Nike or Adidas special editions, which are highly coveted and quickly sold-out.
Whisky and wine
For instance, vintage Macallan or Dalmore, vintage Château Lafite and Château Margaux.
Records
For instance, rare 1960s or 1970s pressings or rare Miles Davis, Elvis Presley or the Beatles vinyls.
Memorabilia of screen and sport celebrities
For instance, cups and trophies, autographed balls, clothes or memorabilia from famous films or special sports events.
Postcards and signs
For instance, old nineteenth-century postcards and enamel advertising signs.
Great services – also for small formats
We also offer optimum insurance solutions for smaller collections of young art collectors or heirs to collections. Ask for advice – or calculate your premium here with no ties attached:
Special services for special needs
Making more possible – ERGO knows how to do it. Find out all the details of our exclusive services.
More information
All our expertise for your collection
Do you have questions about products, services or bespoke insurance? We will be happy to advise you:
Write us!