The quotes are free of charge, and the estimated value is net to the owner. It is possible to have a global quote on the basis of a photograph, a definitive value can be given after direct inspection of the item.

The valuations for heritage divisions are free of charge when the client would, eventually, consider to sell some items. If a sale is not foreseen, the cost follows those of the insurance quotes.

An accurate evaluation is fundamental in ensuring the correct level of insurance cover.

Bigli Art Broker, through its affiliate Vasaris S.a.s (www.vasaris.com) conducts valuations for insurance purposes accepted by all the major international insurance companies.

Estimates can be either for insurance contracts of “maximum foreseeable loss” (requiring an estimation of the value of goods),
or after an accident or mishap has taken place, in order to evaluate the claim for damages.

Estimates for contracts of “maximum foreseeable loss” are a real indemnity which the insurance company is obliged to pay out in the event of an accident. It is therefore vital that such estimate is carried out by a recognised expert in the field.

If you need to insure artistic property or furniture in Italy or Switzerland, Bigli Art Broker has the experience and the know-how to provide reliable quotes.
An insurance quote is also a good occasion to reconsider the value of the property and to check and update the art historical information and descriptions.

The cost is calculated on a time-basis (travel, inspection, research) or otherwise a global fee to be agreed beforehand.

An expertise is the result of a detailed study of the artwork. Differing from the insurance quote, the valuation for a inventory, a heritage division or a sale, the expertise focuses on the correct attribution and description, rather than the economical valuation.

The cost
The cost depends on the complexity of the research and the time needed, and not on the value of the work of art. Often the expense is contained in a range of € 500 - € 1500.