The Smart Collector’s Guide to Specialty Storage for Collectibles
Individuals are passionate about their collectibles, spending a lot of time and money adding to their collections, whether it’s fine art, sculptures, antiques, wine, or other valuables. Protecting them requires special storage facilities with key characteristics.
Climate Control Is Critical
One of the critical characteristics of specialty warehousing facilities is climate control. “These facilities have excellent HVAC systems,” explained Erika Witler, Senior Vice President, Distinguished Fine Art & Collectibles. “With climate-controlled storage, both temperature and humidity levels are regulated. This is especially critical for fine art, photography, furniture, wine, and any other collectibles susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Extreme changes in either of these factors can contribute to or hasten material deterioration. Also, typically, there is a backup generator.”
Of course, these facilities also have alarm systems connected to the fire department and are equipped with fire suppression systems to minimize the potential for fire damage.
High on Security
Storage facilities designed explicitly for collectibles provide the type of security you expect with valuables. “There is a CCTV monitoring system, a central alarm system, on-site staff during all access hours, access passes, and even personal escort protocols with some facilities,” said Erika.
Clients are usually requested to verify their identity upon entering a specialty storage facility. If a client or an art consultant is accessing a third party’s collection, as may happen in view of a sale, they will be accompanied by a storage supervisor at all times.
Added Services
Many specialty warehouses also offer a full line of additional services, from inventory management to viewing rooms, delivery and transportation, and more.
Inventory Management
Clients can store their collectibles with others in a general or group storage area. Their items are catalogued and tracked, and when a piece is needed, it is pulled. “It’s almost set up like an art library. Clients can also opt to lease their own space, a private room, with special access to the client and a curator,” Erika said.
Viewing Rooms
Specialty warehouses have viewing rooms for dealers and art consultants to rent. These rooms allow them to showcase pieces to potential buyers and tailor each presentation to specific works on display.
Delivery and Transportation Services
Most specialty facilities also offer packing, crating, and transportation services locally and out of state and have air and sea freight services with sister companies. “If, for example, a client has an unusually shaped sculpture that requires a custom crate and then shipping, the storage facility can accommodate the request,” said Erika. These companies have people working with them with years of experience and are exceptional at what they do.
In addition, some specialty facilities are in free-trade zones, offering clients a tax advantage. They don’t have to pay import taxes until the items leave the facility in the free-trade zone.
TSA-Approved
Some facilities are considered TSA-approved locations. “Instead of the item being inspected at the airport, the specialty storage is approved to check and validate the item so that, when it arrives at the airport, the item goes right through,” Erika explained.
Who Uses Specialty Storage Facilities?
Investors acquiring art and other collectibles as assets use specialty storage facilities. “Typically, their items go directly into storage, as this is the best place for them. The pieces will be exhibited and sold when they age out of the investment portfolio in five, 10, 20, or 30 years,” according to Erika.
Individuals who are moving and don’t want their artwork or other collectibles to get damaged will use a specialty storage facility. When their new home is ready, they will reinstall their collection. “Others go abroad for several months and put their highest-value or most susceptible pieces in storage. When they return, they will put them in their home.”
Wine collectors also use specialty warehouses that focus on providing climate-controlled and secure storage. “When clients want one of their bottles, they will call for the warehouse to pull it, or the facility can deliver it to their homes.”
Partner with Distinguished for Your Collector Clients
At Distinguished Programs, we specialize in serving the insurance needs of fine art and collectibles clients. Our team combines deep expertise across collection categories with flexibility in underwriting and customizing coverage.
Register your agency with us to get your clients access to our exclusive private collections policies (if you haven’t done so already). Then, complete an application form and submit it through our online portal.
Please include all relevant details and documents with your application, including a schedule of insured items, security measures, valuations, and a list of covered locations.
If you have any questions about this process, feel free to contact our team.
About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Fine Art and Collectibles, Environmental and Construction Professional, Executive Lines, Inland Marine, Real Estate & Builder’s Risk, Community Associations, Surety, Hotels, and Restaurants. Property and Liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished’s high-limit Umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its area of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1995, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees.
View a full list of our programs and submit business with Distinguished.
‣ Register Your Agency
‣ Learn More
‣ Contact Us
