Insurance
Having adequate insurance means that your work, studio, equipment or materials can be replaced if they are stolen or damaged, and protects you if an accident occurs while you are leading workshops or working with the public.
There are two main types of insurance an artist might need specifically in relation to his or her career:
Public Liability Insurance covers the policyholder against any claims made by third parties (e.g. members of the public) if they are injured during a visit to a venue or project. If you are working freelance in gallery education, run your own artist-led gallery space or studio, or do projects involving members of the public, it is a good idea to have some sort of public liability insurance.
There are a number of specialist insurance companies, listed below, that provide public liability insurance for artists, and it is also a benefit to members of the Society for All Artists and AIR membership.
If you are making events that take place in your home, your home insurance policy may cover you for some public liability insurance (which is a standard inclusion on most house insurance policies). It’s best to check with your insurer first to make sure you’d be covered for public or private events before seeking alternative insurance.
Property insurance (studios; artworks; works in transit) can cover objects and buildings against theft, fire or other damage, either by people or accidentally depending on the policy.
As with any insurance policy, make sure you check carefully to see what is covered and what is excluded. Many policies will charge an ‘excess’ (which is a maximum amount you have to pay for any claim, before the insurance company will pay the rest), and claims on a policy can increase future policy payments.
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29 September
AIR Insurance
contacttelephone0191 241 8000email
The a-n Artist subscription and AIR membership provides free limited £5m public liability insurance cover tailored to visual and applied artists. The AIR Artists' Insurance Policy provides low-cost options for studio, contents, artwork, exhibition or a personalised quote against specific needs.
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29 September
Artscope Insurance
addressAon Private Clients, 6 Devonshire Square, Cutler Gardens, London EC2M 4PLtelephone0207 882 0470
Artscope is specialist insurance service from Aon, for art collectors, dealers and consultants. They arrange insurance solutions for private, corporate and public collections of art and antiques, jewellery and other valuable property, whether at one or more locations, on exhibition or in transit.
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29 September
Pop Up Insurance
Pop Up Insurance is tailored to the needs of the growing 'temporary tenant' market and offers cover for Public Liability, Products Liability, Employer's Liability, Trade contents, Material damage and Theft to those occupying business premises on short lease terms. Premiums start very low and the insurance is underwritten by WB Baxter ltd.
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29 September
AXA Art
addressMarlow House, 1A Lloyd’s Avenue, London EC3N 3AAtelephone+44 20 3217 1200emailwebsite
AXA Art Insurance Limited has been insuring private collectors, dealers, museums and exhibitions in the UK since 1982. Specialities include insurance for Fine Art, Antique Furniture, Ceramics, Silver, Antiquarian Books, Wine, Collectables, Household Contents and Buildings.
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29 September
Macbeth Fine Art
emailcontacttelephone0207 036 8767address5th Floor 70-71 New Bond Street, London W1S 1DE
Worldwide ‘all risks' cover for individual collectors, dealers and exhibitors, as well as museums and galleries.
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29 September
Pro Active Resolutions
telephone0116 2247122address2-4 Frog Island, Leicester LE3 5AGcontact
They have a freelancers guide, financial fact sheets, guides and overviews for creative individuals, co-operatives & charitable organisations. All free to download from their website.
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29 September
ContractStore Legal Documents
websitetelephone020 8783 9629contact
ContractStore.com has a huge number of legally binding contract templates, including Artist / Gallery Agreements, Intellectual Property, Photographer's Model Release and more. All contracts prices are around 40 pounds + VAT.
The article is for information only, and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.
Readers should consult a solicitor for legal advice on specific matters, and artists in London can get free online legal advice from Artquest