Why Artwork Needs More Than Standard Carrier Coverage
Carriers usually limit their liability for artwork and antiques well below market value, and they often restrict or exclude certain items. A standard shipping label can leave a significant gap between what a piece is worth and what you would be paid.
A declared value is not the same thing as insurance. It states what you say the work is worth, but the carrier's own limit can still decide what is paid. With full-value insurance, the declared value of the shipment is covered, up to $150,000 with Unival.
With art, documentation does much of the work. 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.
Shipping Art From Los Angeles Gallery Districts
Los Angeles has a large and active art scene, with galleries spread across Culver City, the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Works move constantly between these spaces, private collections, studios and fairs such as Frieze Los Angeles, which typically takes place each February at the Santa Monica Airport.
Typical shipments from the Los Angeles art trade include:
- Works sold to collectors in other cities and countries
- Consignments sent to galleries, advisors and exhibitions
- Works returned after fairs and exhibitions
- Antiques and collectibles sold to dealers
Unival is headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, so pickups and questions are handled by a team based in the city. Read more about our secure transportation, or see our overview of insured shipping in Los Angeles for other valuables.
What Size and Type of Artwork Can You Ship?
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.
Very large, oversized or exceptionally fragile pieces may need specialist crating or handling. Contact us before you ship so we can confirm that your work is suitable and what to expect.
What Affects the Cost of Insured Art Shipping?
The price has two parts: the shipping and the insurance on the declared value. These factors change the total:
- Declared value: the higher the value, the more coverage is needed.
- Size and weight: carriers price by dimensions as well as weight, so a large, light framed work can cost more than expected.
- Destination and speed: local, domestic and international deliveries are priced differently.
- Handling requirements: signature rules, packaging and pickup arrangements are part of the service.
We quote each shipment before it moves. Get a quote with the type of work, its size, declared value and destination.
How to Pack and Document 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.
