What To Do If Your Artwork and Personal Property is Damaged in a Hurricane, Flood, or Fire?

Personal Property Loss / Damage cases have been executed by Anubis Appraisal and Estate Services, Inc. since the early 1990’s.

Anubis Appraisal and Estate Services can be hired for a loss and damage appraisal by the owner of the property, the insurance broker, or the insurance carrier.

We have appraised French furniture antiques damaged in a fire, residential contents exposed to natural disaster hurricane damage, and mold infestation.

What to do if you have personal tangibles, antiques or paintings damaged in a hurricane, flood or fire?

Actions to Take:
• Immediately record in writing and by photograph the date, time and type of incident that caused the damage.
• Contact your insurance company with all the incident details.
-Your insurance provider may tell you that they will send out an appraiser to evaluate the damage, or they may also ask you to contact an accredited and certified appraiser.
• Check with friends and family for referrals or you can check the two national appraisal societies websites for appraisers near you.
-www.appraisersassociation.org
-www.isa-appraisers.org

• Once you have found your appraiser, make an appointment to schedule an on-site visit. Gather all paperwork regarding the damage or loss item such as invoices, old appraisals, photographs, and give copies of those documents to the appraiser.
• While on-site the appraiser will:
-Document, photograph and fully describe the damaged item, exact measurements and specific notes are taken.
• While at the office, the appraiser will:
-Conduct market research, record all provenance on damaged or lost items, and establish replacement cost pre-damage.
-The appraiser may suggest a restorer or conservator to provide the cost of restoration if applicable.
-Depreciation Values. The values are supported by appropriate market comparables.
• Value if a Total Loss:
-The appraiser will submit an accurate detailed appraisal to be submitted to the insurance company, which will be used as a basis for settlement or restoration.
-The final accurate comprehensive appraisal report is your best asset when coming to a fair dollar value for a loss or a disputed loss.
• Costs:
-Appraisers’ charge an hourly rate for on-site and office preparation time. Rates are depending on your geographic location.
-Restorers and Conservators rates are on a case-by-case basis and based on your geographic location.