Benefits of valuing your estate or collection

Insurance requirements 

It makes good sense to have adequate insurance for items in your collection or care.  When items are lost, stolen or damaged, and the collection is insured, you will most likely be compensated through that insurance if you have good records.

An up-to-date valuation of your collection will help ensure you are not underinsured. Many policies have a clauses similar to the two below which can cause unexpected lack of cover. The opposite may also be true, sometimes you may be paying high insurance premium due to over valuing.

Underinsurance

Specified items 

Insurance policies often cover up to a maximum value (often $1000) for unspecified items. A valuation of your items presented to your insurance company will help guarantee you are not under insuring and are adequately covered.

Stocktaking and database

Do you know what is in your collection? Do you have a current database of objects easily accessible? Valuing your collection, stocktaking and building a computerised catalogue can be all worked together during the valuation process to get your collection management in order.

Matrimonial property division

It is a heart breaking time when a married couple separates. People are often at their most vulnerable and hostility can be a natural reaction that may generate conflict when dividing matrimonial property. Fine Antiques are considerate, discrete and willing to help out with the valuation of matrimonial property where ever appropriate.

Financial communication

Putting a monetary value on a collection enables better communication with financial controllers which is always desirable. When approaching other funders for financial assistance, financial documents are often required. An up-to-date independently valued catalogue is a strong convincing aid.

Probate or Death assurance

Private collections are generally in ones possession during the life of the owner. Upon death it is nice to be assured that our prized collections do not become easy fodder for unscrupulous secondhand dealers. Having an up-to-date estate valuation will insure you and your beneficiaries are adequately informed and aware of your asset values, reducing postmortem risk.

Death is not usually planned and can happen anytime, so a current valuation is useful at any age.