Fire proof portfolios/tubes?

Kendow · Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:31 pm

So i've been thinking about my collection and a growing paranoia has been on my mind. Does anyone have a backup plan in case of an apartment/house fire or any other catastrophe that could destroy your collection? I want to get a fire proof storage (portfolio/flat file) but couldn't find anything reasonably priced. People have said to get insurance but I'm not sure if that's the best way to go since I'm not sure if it would cover prints/artwork.

FantasyBrad · Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:34 pm

You can contact local galleries to find an art-specific insurance policy. While I'm not suggesting that a local gallery would offer this kind of coverage, they will likely be able to refer you to a company that they recommend. The policy won't be cheap, but it's the only way to get any kind of adequate coverage (most homeowner's insurance policies limit artwork coverage to $1,000 or less).

soam24 · Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:38 pm

http://www.collectinsure.com/

rubberneck · Wed Feb 26, 2014 12:38 pm

Kendow wrote:So i've been thinking about my collection and a growing paranoia has been on my mind. Does anyone have a backup plan in case of an apartment/house fire or any other catastrophe that could destroy your collection? I want to get a fire proof storage (portfolio/flat file) but couldn't find anything reasonably priced. People have said to get insurance but I'm not sure if that's the best way to go since I'm not sure if it would cover prints/artwork.

Intense heat in a fire would affect the paper unless you had an insulated and actively cooled system. Insurance is the only practical recourse...

sixstringer · Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:08 pm

Last time I met with my insurance agent I told him that I had a "poster" collection that was worth more than a new car. You should have seen the look on his face. Priceless.

finneganm · Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:12 pm

I store and hang all of my artwork in my panic room.

relentlesskevin · Wed Feb 26, 2014 1:15 pm

Even a 'fire rated' gun safe will not protect your art form damage in house fire. The internal temperature will be too high for paper..

Kendow · Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:08 pm

Thanks for the feedback. Guess the technology doesn't exist yet for complete fireproof cases. Someone needs to get on that!

I'll have to look into getting insurance or just accept the loss if/when a fire occurs.

Jesusmalverde · Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:11 pm

sixstringer wrote:Last time I met with my insurance agent I told him that I had a "poster" collection that was worth more than a new car. You should have seen the look on his face. Priceless.

Epic. Told that to my wife. Shoulda seen the look on her face. She drives a 2002 Honda.

FantasyBrad · Wed Feb 26, 2014 2:42 pm

soam24 wrote:http://www.collectinsure.com/

I went and got a quote from here when I saw Soam's post, and it seems really solid. $114 a year for $20k in coverage including theft protection... Based on how expensive jewelry is to insure ( 2.5-5% of the value of the item) this seems like a great deal.