Art Transit Insurance Guide: Nail‑to‑Nail Protection for Fine Art & Collectibles

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Art Transit Insurance Guide: Nail‑to‑Nail Protection for Fine Art & Collectibles

Insurance, Luxury Assets & Collectibles

Published on: Oct 31, 2025

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Artworks face their highest risk during transit. Standard shipping insurance bases reimbursement on weight; a $100,000 painting could yield only a few hundred dollars. WAX’s transit insurance ensures full coverage of the piece’s insured value.

“Transport is when art is most vulnerable. Our team designed transit coverage that follows your work from nail to nail, drawing on our deep appreciation for art logistics and collector peace of mind.”
Steven Bass, COO


Who Needs Art Transit Coverage

Private collectors, galleries, museums, auction houses, corporate collections, public institutions and artists transporting their work. Coverage applies to paintings, prints, sculptures, antiques, vintage instruments, historical artifacts and custom works.


What’s Covered

  • Loss or damage during transit: Theft, accidental breakage and mishandling.

  • New acquisitions: Items purchased during transit are covered automatically up to 25% of your limit.

  • Storage and exhibitions: Works are protected in storage, on loan, in transit to fairs or exhibitions and while displayed.


Additional Benefits

  • Full insured value: WAX pays based on the item’s insured value, not weight or declared value.

  • Quick endorsements: We can add coverage for a shipment on short notice.

  • Expert connections: WAX partners with specialized art handlers and climate‑controlled transport providers to mitigate risk.

Secure your collection’s journeys with the same diligence you use to secure their display.


Real‑World Case Study

A gallery shipped a sculpture to an international art fair. Rough handling cracked the base. WAX transit coverage paid for restoration and covered the depreciation. Without proper transit insurance, the gallery would have recovered only pennies per pound from the carrier. Another dealer cut corners on packaging, and a painting arrived punctured—underscoring the value of professional handling and comprehensive coverage.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add transit coverage to my existing WAX policy?
A: Yes. Transit can be added as an endorsement or as part of a comprehensive policy.

Q: Does WAX work with specific carriers?
A: We recommend specialized art shippers and packers but will cover shipments through carriers that meet our packing and documentation standards.

Q: Are items covered while on loan?
A: Yes. Works on loan are protected under transit and exhibition coverage.


Ready to protect your collection?

Collectors can request a quote in minutes through WAX’s digital platform, and brokers can contact us for transit endorsements.

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved

About Collector Intelligence

Collector Intelligence is the cultural extension of WAX Collect — built for collectors, by collectors. It reflects our belief that protecting what you love starts with understanding what it means to own it. More than content, it’s a trusted source of insight and discovery that proves WAX isn’t just an InsurTech company — we speak the language of modern collectors and share their values.

© 2025

All Rights Reserved