High Net Worth Household Insurance.
Building, Contents & Antiques.

Unless you are a keen follower of art market trends, you might not be aware that recent auction house sales have produced high prices say for Arts & Crafts furniture that you have collected for years or that a West End dealer is promoting a painter, work by whom you inherited.

Often, people are equally reluctant to consult a valuer because they think that they will charge a percentage of the value which is not the case or because they think that what they have doesn’t justify it.

Valuers do in fact charge a fee based on time spent and will be happy to give an estimate of this on their first visit.

The costly part for them is identifying and cataloguing the collection so if there are receipts available or good workable descriptions, these will help to keep the cost down.

The valuation process is not a scientific practice but is rather based on a series of criteria such as artist or maker, quality, condition, size and market desirability or fashion.

The major advantage is that an agreed value schedule not only gives the owner peace of mind but means that if there is a claim and a prized possession is lost, damaged or destroyed, they will receive the correct amount of compensation quickly and amicably.

In the realm of art insurance, your choice of broker is pivotal. While larger multinational firms have their merits, discover why selecting a small, specialised broker like Hallett Independent can redefine your insurance experience.
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1.  Approach To Claims: Say goodbye to bureaucracy. Our in-house team, dedicated to your claims, navigates negotiations with precision and fights for your interests. As an independent entity, we prioritise your needs without external pressures.
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2. Specialisation In Art Insurance: Hallett Independent focuses exclusively on art insurance, bringing a depth of understanding to the unique risks and requirements of the art world. Your art deserves specialised attention, and that’s exactly what you get.

3.  Personalised Service: Ever felt like just another number in a big system? With Hallett, it’s personal. Our boutique status ensures a level of personalised service that larger firms often struggle to match. Direct access to decision-makers means your needs are heard and addressed promptly.

4.  Flexibility And Customisation: Your art insurance requirements will be unique, and so should be your insurance. Hallett Independent offers flexibility and customisation that may be hard to find in more standardised, one-size-fits-all approaches.
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5.  In-Depth Industry Knowledge: Navigating the art world’s complexities requires expertise. Hallett Independent’s in-depth knowledge of the art industry ensures that they understand the nuances of valuation, market fluctuations, and other unique challenges. Expertise that translates to tailored solutions for you.
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5.  Quick Decision-Making: In the fast-paced art world, time matters. Hallett Independent’s streamlined decision-making process allows for quick responses to your needs, efficient claims handling, and a level of agility that larger firms may struggle to match.
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6. Client-Centric Approach: At Hallett, clients aren’t just clients; they’re partners. The client-centric approach means a commitment to your satisfaction and going the extra mile to meet your expectations. Because your peace of mind matters.
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7.  Local Expertise: Art is a global language, but understanding local nuances is key. Hallett Independent’s local expertise provides an advantage in navigating the intricacies of the art market, ensuring you have the right support on a global scale.
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Choosing an art insurance broker is an investment in the protection and longevity of your art. Consider the boutique advantage with Hallett Independent Specialist Art Insurance Brokers. Your art deserves more than just coverage—it deserves the expertise and personalised service that sets Hallett apart.
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Ready to safeguard your assets? Reach out to Hallett Independent for a consultation tailored to your insurance needs.

Navigating your way through the thicket of insurance companies is not easy particularly as the specialists do not customarily deal directly. Again, many people equate the idea of specialist with more expense, but the most important element is expertise and understanding. Insurance brokers are there to guide you through this process and their role is to marry the profile of the client to the right insurer at the right price.

It is not always appreciated but the price and the terms of your insurance will also be influenced by what underwriters refer to as good risk management and housekeeping, by which they mean, how the collection is hung or displayed and generally taken care of.

It is therefore worthwhile to ensure that you check pictures periodically to ensure that they are secure. Often older pictures for instance are hung with string or even thin wire which can deteriorate over the years. Frames can loosen and often old mounts are not acid free and can diminish the value of a work on paper.

Both pictures and furniture are vulnerable to light and heat and in particular, dramatic variations in either. It is therefore wise to avoid hanging pictures in direct sunlight or over radiators for instance. While humidity and light levels are assiduously controlled in museums, it is not possible or desirable to do this in a home but simple tricks like keeping blinds down when a room is not in use and putting out bowls of water if you are aware that a room is particularly dry, are worthwhile measures.

The proof of any insurance is its response to a claim, and we only arrange insurances that can be relied upon to pay.

We work with underwriters who understand the nature of what they are insuring, the particular risks, and how to make good in the event of a loss.

For our part, we oversee all claims from start to finish, using our considerable experience and contacts to achieve the best possible claim settlements.We are proud of our ability to settle the most complex claims for fine art, especially those involving damage, restoration and subsequent loss of value.

We are equally well equipped to help in the aftermath of a fire or flood, from arranging appropriate disaster recovery, to negotiating the right form of settlement.  The majority of claims are, however, straightforward, and we aim to settle  quickly and cleanly.