Does anyone know a place on the internet to obtain the value of art for insurance purposes?

[northoftheborder]

I have searched some, but found nothing free. This painting is not old, but the artist has died and I can find him mentioned on lots of sites, but no values given on any sales; just for-pay appraisal sites.

I asked my insurance co. where to get an appraisal, and they referred me to an appraisal company; so guess I'll have to spend money to find out.

[leftyohiolib]

1. art is worth only what someone will pay for it

[orwell]

2. If it's at all valuable...

...you must have the appraisal done by a certified appraiser or the insurance company will just tell you to pound sand if you make a claim.

[Vinca]

3. Who is the artist?

[northoftheborder]

4. Al Brouilette (not sure of spelling)

[Vinca]

5. I checked my copy of Davenport's and didn't find anything. Also nothing on the art value site I use.

It does appear his work has sold at the Langley-Scott auction house in Texas. Maybe if you send them an email with a picture of the painting and description (size, condition, etc.) they'll give you a ballpark estimate for free.

[northoftheborder]

6. Thanks for that lead, I'll try it.

[HopeHoops]

7. If you are shipping it as the result of an eBay sale, the insurance value is the sale value.

That's a policy that has been in force for several years now. You can insure it for $30,000, but if it is destroyed and the buyer only paid $100, you will only get $100.

As for fire and theft, if your insurance company won't give you a reference, ask around at various art galleries as to who they use to appraise pieces. Do not use a web site - use someone local and willing to issue a certificate of value.

[McCIoud]

8. +1