The Conservator View on Art Claims

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 B.R. Howard B.R. Howard Preserving the Priceless: Art Conservancy in the Insurance Industry

Not all losses are visible at first glance. For claims involving fine art, historic artifacts, or architectural features, the damage may lie beneath the surface—or require an expert eye to fully interpret. At B.R. Howard & Associates Inc., we’ve spent over 30 years working alongside museums, insurers, and institutions to deliver reliable, objective assessments and conservation treatments that preserve the integrity of culturally significant materials.

In the claims process, the conservator’s role is often underestimated—but it is critical. Our team of graduate-trained conservators and skilled technicians provides detailed reports that help claims professionals make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary disputes, and support policyholders with transparency and care. From bronze sculptures affected by fire damage to decorative interiors impacted by water leaks, we bring clarity to complexity—and help restore more than just objects.

Why Conservation Reports Matter in Claims

A conservator’s report does more than document damage—it tells the story of an object’s condition, its construction, and its treatment potential. Each report includes:

• Condition Assessments: Detailed findings on the nature, extent, and potential causes of damage
• Treatment Options: Clear explanations of feasible conservation steps, pros and cons of each, and estimated timelines
• Photographic Documentation: High-resolution images before, during, and after treatment, providing essential visual context
• Cost Estimates: Fixed-fee treatment quotes to help insurers evaluate next steps confidently

These reports support faster resolution, reinforce credibility in the claims file, and offer peace of mind to policyholders facing the loss or damage of something deeply personal or culturally meaningful.

Built for Insurance Collaboration

We understand the pace and pressure of insurance work. That’s why B.R. Howard offers:

• Flexible Site Visits: Our team can assess artwork on-site or at our 32,000 sq. ft. conservation lab in Carlisle, PA, equipped to handle both small and macro-scale pieces
• Secure Object Transport: We arrange logistics to carefully move artwork from insured properties to our facility for treatment, if needed
• Reversible Treatments: All interventions follow the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and prioritize reversibility and material integrity
• Client Education: We walk policyholders through what’s possible, what’s not, and what to expect every step of the way

Our goal is to partner with claims professionals—not just to fix what’s broken, but to explain, preserve, and advocate for cultural value in every case.

More Than a Vendor—A Long-Term Resource

From sculptures and paintings to textiles and historic vehicles, our multidisciplinary team brings specialized experience to a wide range of materials. Many of our institutional clients—museums, universities, and municipalities—also use our custom maintenance plans and staff training programs to prevent future losses and empower their teams to care for collections over time.

Insurance claims may begin with damage—but they can end with restoration. And with the right conservation partner, they can also reinforce trust and value for all parties involved.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re handling a claim involving art, historic artifacts, or architectural details, don’t guess—ask a conservator. B.R. Howard & Associates Inc. is ready to assist with assessments, documentation, treatment, and long-term care plans. We’re not just here for one claim—we’re here for the full conservation lifecycle.