Global collections insurance for internationally mobile collectors — museum conservation, title protection, worldwide transit.
AIG Private Client Group is the personal lines division of AIG, one of the world's largest commercial insurers. The Private Client collections program is designed for sophisticated collectors with multi-jurisdictional holdings — those whose works cross borders regularly, are placed on museum loan, or are maintained at multiple residences across different countries. AIG's global infrastructure gives it a genuine operational advantage for this client profile that domestic-focused carriers simply cannot match: when a loss occurs in Geneva or Hong Kong, AIG has claims professionals on the ground who understand local regulations, tax implications, and replacement markets.
A distinguishing feature of AIG Private Client's policy language is the museum-quality conservation clause. In the event of damage, the policy explicitly mandates the use of qualified fine art conservators working to museum standards, and covers the full cost of that restoration. This is materially different from policies that simply pay cash value after a loss. For collectors of significant works — where the integrity of an artist's original surface matters as much as the monetary value — the ability to restore rather than simply receive a settlement is often the preferred outcome, and AIG's policy language supports that preference.
AIG Private Client also offers title dispute protection, a relatively rare coverage that addresses the risk of a third party asserting ownership of a work after purchase. Given the increasing scrutiny of provenance in the international art market, and the complexities of tracing ownership for works that passed through Europe during the mid-20th century, this coverage has become meaningfully relevant for collectors who buy at international auction or from dealers whose holdings have complex histories. It is not standard language on most art policies.
Paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, and mixed media. Agreed value with worldwide all-risk coverage — works on loan to museums, at secondary residences, or traveling internationally are all included.
High jewelry and gemstones. Per-item scheduled coverage with agreed appraisal values. Global coverage follows the collector — no geographic restrictions.
Wine and spirits at primary and secondary residences, storage facilities, and in transit. Temperature failure and breakage covered. Available as part of the Private Client package.
Works currently on institutional loan to museums, galleries, or traveling exhibitions covered without the need for separate fine art transit certificates.
Legal defense costs and potential financial loss if a third party asserts an ownership claim — particularly valuable for works with complex international provenance histories.
Newly purchased works auto-covered for 90 days from date of acquisition — essential for collectors who buy at international auctions and need coverage before scheduling is complete.
What distinguishes AIG Private Client from both generalist and domestic-only specialist carriers.
Damage claims resolved through professional conservation by qualified restorers working to museum standards — not simply cash settlement. The work is preserved, not just compensated.
Protection against ownership challenges. Coverage for legal defense costs and financial exposure when a third party claims ownership — rare in standard art policies.
All-risk worldwide transit coverage included in the base policy — no separate fine art transit certificates needed for works moving between residences or on loan.
No depreciation applied at claim. The scheduled agreed value is the settlement amount for total losses — clarity and certainty at the moment it matters most.
AIG's global claims infrastructure handles losses in virtually any country with local specialists familiar with domestic legal and insurance frameworks.
Access to AIG's network of approved appraisers for new acquisitions and periodic revaluation — ensuring scheduled values stay current with market reality.
Understanding where AIG Private Client excels — and where another carrier may serve you better.
BestArt Insurance places internationally distributed collections with AIG Private Client underwriters, working to present cross-border portfolios in the structured format their specialists expect. We understand how to document foreign-held works — including museum loan agreements, multi-currency valuations, and international storage arrangements — to ensure seamless coverage regardless of where a piece is located at any given time. For collectors whose biggest risk exposure is the moment a work is in transit between continents, or on loan to an institution that maintains its own insurance interests, BestArt navigates the complexity so coverage is never in question.
We'll compare AIG against every other specialist carrier to find the right fit for your international collection.
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