Insurance appraisal assignments establish replacement value, not fair market value. The report is prepared so your insurer has a clear, supportable basis for scheduling and replacement coverage. Replacement value is often higher than fair market value because it accounts for the time and cost required to replace the work, not just likely resale price.
In many cases, standard home insurance policies already cover artwork up to about $5,000. A formal insurance appraisal often makes the most financial sense when the collection value is above that level or when a specific rider/schedule is required. I flag this in the initial no-charge discussion so you can decide whether to proceed.
Please provide clear photos of each work (front, back, signature, labels), dimensions, medium, and any available provenance or purchase records. If needed, I can guide image capture on Zoom/FaceTime/Skype or arrange an onsite visit. You can email images to info@blouinappraisals.ca or use the secure Dropbox upload form.
I review artist market levels, comparable sales, medium, scale, condition factors, and current replacement context. Research time is typically between 30 minutes and 4 hours per piece depending on market data availability. Values are documented with concise rationale so the file is useful for broker or insurer review.
You receive an itemized report with images, object descriptions, valuation method, final replacement value conclusions, and assignment details suitable for insurance documentation. For items valued over $1,000, the report includes a comprehensive list and analysis of relevant comparables, consistent with ISA standards.
Typical turnaround for smaller files is 4-7 business days once complete documentation is received. Insurance appraisal work is billed at $225 / hr with a 1-hour minimum.