Fine Art

Fine Art Insurance is a property coverage for direct physical loss or damage that occurs to fine art and collectible objects, including but not limited to paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, tapestries, rare books and manuscripts.  The insurance covers OSU fine art while in a permanent location, as well as in storage, transit or while loaned to others. The insurance can also extend to fine art of others on loan to OSU, when required by an agreement.  Please contact OSU Contract Services for the appropriate agreement for art of others on loan to OSU.

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To learn more about the Fine Art insurance coverage, exclusions, claims and deductibles, as well as how to protect fine art while on display, in storage and in transit, please expand on the information below.

If evidence of insurance is needed for fine art, please see the Certificates of Insurance webpage.

Insurance Coverage

The policy covers fine art and collectible objects on a "wall to wall" basis that are:

  • Property of the University.
  • Property of others on loan to the University, when required by an agreement.

For OSU property, fine art insurance is valued at the higher of the price paid for the Property or the current market value of the property at the time any loss or damage occurs.

Exclusions

The policy does not insure against loss or damage caused by:

  • Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or inherent vice
  • War risks
  • Nuclear reaction or nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination.

The policy has a sublimit for loss or damage to or resulting from any repairing, restoration, or retouching process.

The policy does not provide coverage for personal property of employees or students.

Claims

If direct physical loss or damage occurs, please contact Insurance and Risk Management Services as soon as possible to initiate a claim. It is very important to take pictures of the damaged art or objects, including any packaging.  Claims will be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy.

Deductible

There is a $1,000 deductible per occurrence, which will be accessed to the unit/department.

Maintenance and Protection Recommendations
  • To ensure safety and security, two-dimensional artworks should be hung with T-lock security hardware.
  • Consider protection methods like security alarms, smoke alarms, fire suppression, humidity and temperature controls, and cameras based on art type and location.
  • Establish a maintenance/conservation schedule can help keep the art in good condition and reduce losses from surface dust and scratching.
  • As possible, hire professional conservators and framers to treat and reframe artworks with condition issues.
  • Secure sculptures to reduce risk for theft, accidental bumping, falling.
  • Consider the environment that the art is in – impact of weather or direct sunlight; location of garbage cans that could attract bugs; location of fireplaces or other sources of heat or fire; proximity to water-using appliances.

Packing and Securing Property

 It is a condition of the insurance policy that the University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that property insured under the policy will be packed by competent packers and in such a manner as to withstand the normal hazards associated with transit or storage.

Recommendations

 It is recommended that employees use University vehicles if transporting fine art, or a third party vendor experienced in art transport.