Specialist insurer Beazley has launched of a suite of solutions for fine art and jewellers’ block in France, expanding its offering in mainland Europe.
The cover is available on a worldwide basis and includes all risk damage to objects, transport and exhibitions, terrorism and natural catastrophe events, and title deed default.
Ariane Roux-Pagès is Beazley’s lead underwriter for the products in France, having joined in 2019 to help develop the offering.
She has spent over 12 years as a broker in Paris, working closely with syndicates and intermediaries in Lloyd’s and other global markets.
“The fine art and jewellers’ block sector is changing significantly as galleries, dealers and collectors adapt, as other industries have, to the ease and efficiency of the online marketplace,” said Roux-Pagès.
“While digital technology has enabled many businesses to keep trading in 2020 when social distancing forced many to close their doors, it has also accelerated the globalisation of this sector and exacerbated the challenge to many, often smaller, organisations to survive.”
Roux-Pagès also noted how, with these major changes, clients face new risks in security, data sharing and privacy in addition to the traditional risks associated with transporting, storing and selling precious goods.
“Our new offering is designed to provide tailored cover that grows with the evolving needs of this diverse and specialist sector.”
Simon Aitchison, Beazley’s global head of Jewellery Fine Art and Specie, added, “There is no such thing as a typical risk in this market and it is therefore essential we build trusted, long-term relationships with both brokers and clients to really understand what cover they require.
“Our underwriters, supported by our highly skilled claims team, share a commitment to providing first-class client services combined with technical expertise for a wide variety of clients from exhibition organisers, museums and galleries through to private collectors and auction houses.”
