Why Artwork Needs More Than Standard Carrier Coverage
Carriers publish their own caps for items of extraordinary value, and they often restrict or exclude artwork and antiques. Their basic liability is usually a small fraction of what a work is worth, and declared value on a label is a limit of liability, not insurance.
With full-value insurance, the declared value of the shipment is covered, up to $150,000 with Unival. Read more on our arts and collectibles industry page, or see our overview of insured high-value shipping.
Documentation does much of the work with art. An invoice, appraisal or provenance record, plus photographs of the condition before shipping, make the declared value credible and a claim easier to resolve.
What to Prepare for Each Type of Artwork
Different works carry different risks. This table shows what to focus on before you seal the package.
| Type of work | Main risk | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Framed paintings and works on paper | Glass breakage, frame and corner damage | Photos of front, back and frame, protected corners and glazing |
| Unframed canvases | Surface scuffs, creasing | Protective wrap, rigid support, photos of the surface |
| Prints and photographs | Bending, moisture | Flat or tube packing, acid-free wrap, edition and signature records |
| Small sculpture and ceramics | Breakage, loose parts | Padding on all sides, no movement in the box, note of existing damage |
| Antiques and collectibles | Fragility, hard to value | Appraisal or invoice, detailed photos, itemized list |
Photographs and a written condition note taken before shipping are the best evidence if a claim is ever needed.
Fine Art Shipping by City
Each art market ships differently. These pages have local detail on galleries, auction houses and fairs:
- Insured fine art shipping in Los Angeles
- Insured fine art shipping in New York
- Insured fine art shipping in Miami
- Insured fine art shipping in Boston
Fairs, Auctions and Exhibition Shipments
Works that travel to a fair, an auction preview or an exhibition make several journeys. Ship each leg, to the event and back, as a separate insured shipment, each with its own itemized list and declared value, so nothing is left uncovered on the way home.
Photograph each work before it leaves and again when it returns. Any difference is easier to resolve when both sets of photographs exist, and the busiest fair weeks fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Size, Weight and Cost of Insured Art Shipping
Insured shipping works best for artwork that can be packed to carrier size and weight limits, such as framed works, paintings, prints, photographs, small sculpture, ceramics and collectibles. Furniture, very large, oversized or exceptionally fragile pieces may need specialist crating or handling, so contact us before you ship.
Carriers price by dimensions as well as weight, so a large, light framed work can cost more than expected. Read our guide to dimensional weight in shipping and see shipping insurance cost for how each factor works. Get a quote with the type of work, its size, declared value, pickup location and destination.
Secure Transport for High-Value Art
The most valuable and irreplaceable works need more than insurance. Protected transport, controlled handoffs and security personnel can be arranged for shipments that call for them, and the right level depends on the value, the route and the timing.
Read more about our secure transport services and secure transportation.
Shipping Art Internationally
International art shipments need accurate customs paperwork, including a commercial invoice with the correct value and a clear description of each work. Some countries restrict the export of antiques and cultural property, so check the rules before you ship.
Works sent to a fair abroad and brought back may qualify for temporary entry, and an ATA Carnet can simplify this in participating countries. Some destinations are restricted under US export and sanctions rules, so tell us the destination when you request a quote.
How to Document and Pack Artwork for Shipping
Good records prevent most claim disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Keep the invoice, appraisal or provenance record for the work.
- Photograph the front, back, frame, signatures and any existing damage.
- Write a short condition note and keep a copy.
- Protect corners, glass and surfaces, and fill the box so the work cannot move.
- Use a plain outer box with no mention of art or the contents.
- Declare the full, accurate value and make sure the recipient can sign for the delivery.
