Restoration of an artwork (restoration clause)

A painting is damaged during a rehang: a twelve centimeter tear in the canvas. Before anyone discusses the painting's price, someone has to repair it. The restoration clause pays for that work, done by a conservator chosen with the insurer. Fine art policies generally state that the conservator is chosen jointly with the insurer, sometimes from the insurer's panel. The estimate is submitted before anyone touches the work. They pay to return the piece to its condition before the loss, condition report in hand, and nothing beyond it. A cleaning that removes old overpaint, or a consolidation unrelated to the accident, stays with the owner. Restoration cost is capped by the insured value of the work. When it comes close, the discussion turns to total loss, with the work abandoned to the insurer if the contract so provides. A conservator who starts without prior agreement gives the insurer a reason to challenge the invoice.