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Marsh and Appraisal Bureau Safeguard Art Lovers’ Collections Amid Market Volatility

Insuring art collections against market volatility, detailing tailored coverage, risk assessment, and claims support from Marsh and Appraisal Bureau.

22/10/2025 · 3 minute read

The contemporary art market is looking forward to a busy season of art fairs around the world including Frieze Abu Dhabi, Art Basel Miami and most recently Frieze London and the Sydney Contemporary.

Although the high-end art market has cooled for now, a victim of the global economic headwinds, the lower and mid-value market in emerging and contemporary art is robust. There are encouraging signs the market is recovering, including the white glove sale of the Karpidas collection, when every lot in the auction sold at Sotheby’s in London in September. The sale made $100 million, with most lots selling for more than their estimate. 

Whereas the number of artworks which fetched more than $1 million at auction were down 31% in 2024, the volume of contemporary works which sold for less than $50,000 was up 20%, according to the Hiscox Artist Top 100.

This trend is being driven by a new, younger generation of collectors buying pieces by up-and-coming artists. Gen Z high net worth individuals spent 55% of their art budgets on works by new artists, according to the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting in 2024.

Most of the galleries and over 70% of collectors surveyed for Artsy’s Art Market Trends 2025 report are drawn to emerging artists, largely because of the more affordable prices their work commands.

As artists gain recognition, the value of their work can climb rapidly. What began as an accessible purchase may become a valuable asset. Regular valuations ensure these increases are accurately reflected in insurance coverage. Having a specialist art and collectibles policy, which provides the opportunity for regular valuations is vital.

Important to know the current value of your collection

It’s a good idea for collectors to take out a bespoke art and specie insurance policy rather than rely on their property insurance. Items included in a tailored collectibles policy will be valued according to either their agreed value or market value, whichever is higher. Whereas, under a property policy, their insured worth is likely to be lower, as it will be based on the original acquisition cost or market value.

It’s important that even specialist art and specie policies include up-to-date valuations, otherwise market fluctuations could mean a collection might be underinsured.

New technology enables up-to-date valuation 

Marsh’s Fine Art team collaborates with Appraisal Bureau — the universal platform for art owners and stakeholders — to combine cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise. The platform is designed for today’s collectors, especially the new generation of digital-first buyers. From paintings and pottery to NFTs, collectors can easily upload their works to create a secure, comprehensive digital inventory that includes images, location, condition, provenance, and both fair market and replacement values.

Valuations are refreshed every six to twelve months, ensuring coverage always reflects current market conditions. These updates are shared with Marsh brokers and insurers, providing them with the most accurate view of a collection’s worth.

Together, Marsh and Appraisal Bureau offer collectors — whether just beginning or well established — a tailored, hassle-free solution that keeps collections properly valued and confidently protected.

Our people

Olivia Eccleston

Assistant Vice President, FINPRO - Specie

  • United Kingdom

Charlie Horrell

Managing Director - Fine Art, Luxury Brands & Specie, FINPRO - Specie

  • United Kingdom

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