Spending on Art and Antiques Will Continue to Be Strong in 2015, Chubb Survey Shows

WARREN, N.J., Feb. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- An overwhelming majority of 445 respondents (83%) to a survey at the recent Winter Antiques Show in New York plan to increase (39%) or keep their spending on arts and antiques the same (44%) in 2015. The survey, which was conducted by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, also found that only 7% plan to decrease their spend, and 10% do not intend to make an art or antique purchase this year.

"Buyers' appetites are clearly not satiated – even after 2014, when 42% of survey respondents increased their spending on art and antiques," said Melissa Lalka, vice president and worldwide fine art manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "Increased buyer activity, coupled with record-setting sales reported by the leading auction houses, can significantly impact art values – and collectors should keep in mind that their art and antiques can become alarmingly underinsured."

The survey also found that 32% of respondents believe they already have adequate coverage under their current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy for newly acquired works. Thirty-four percent would purchase new or additional coverage, and 21% said that they are unsure about their coverage and would need to check with their agent, broker or insurance company. Thirteen percent said they do not insure their art.

"It's always a good idea to check with your agent and broker," advised Lalka. "A standard homeowner's policy provides relatively little coverage for art and antiques.  Depending on the value of your purchases, there's a good chance they should be itemized on your policy, or that you may need the broader coverage provided by a valuable articles policy."

Lalka also suggested that collectors appraise their collections at least every three to five years and to have their agents or brokers adjust the level of coverage accordingly.  For rapidly appreciating works, she suggested updating appraisals every one to two years to ensure they remain fully covered by insurance in the event of a loss.

The survey also asked collectors why they purchase art and antiques. Fifty-six percent said they do so out of passion, 3% for investment opportunity and 38% for both.

Chubb was the presenting sponsor of the 61st annual Winter Antiques Show, building on its 19-year affiliation with one of the top international fine art and antiques events. The 2015 show ran from January 23 to February 1 and featured 73 exhibitors of fine and decorative art. Net proceeds of the event benefited East Side House Settlement, which provides access to quality education and technology training to students in the South Bronx and surrounding communities.

Chubb has long been a leading provider of insurance for private collectors of art, antiques, jewelry and other valuable possessions. Chubb's Masterpiece^® Valuable Articles policy provides worldwide coverage for fine art and antiques, jewelry, furs, silverware, musical instruments, stamps, coins and other collectibles. The policy includes coverage for breakage, mysterious disappearance and newly acquired items, as well as inflation protection.

The Fine Art Practice brings together Chubb's worldwide fine art resources in underwriting, loss prevention and claims. The practice's 20 fine art specialists respond to the evolving needs of personal insurance clients with large and valuable collections. With academic degrees and other training in art, they are able to help clients assess and manage risks to works in homes, offices, galleries, art warehouses and other locations.

About Chubb

Since 1882, members of the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies have provided property and casualty insurance products to customers around the globe. These products are offered through a worldwide network of independent agents and brokers. The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies is known for financial strength, underwriting and loss-control expertise, tailoring products for the needs of high-net-worth individuals and commercial customers in niche markets and select industry segments, and outstanding claim service.

The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies is the marketing term used to describe several separately incorporated insurance companies under the common ownership of The Chubb Corporation. The Chubb Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and, together with its subsidiaries, employs approximately 10,000 people throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. For more information regarding The Chubb Corporation, including a listing of the insurers in the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, visit www.chubb.com.

Contact: Mark Schussel
(908) 903-2107
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Chubb Group of Insurance Companies

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