We caught up with Elaine Lockard, the VP of Sales and Marketing of ShipandInsure.com, which offers shipping and insurance solutions for fine art and other high value items.
Elaine, please tell us how the company began:
Our owners are experts in numismatics & other collectibles, establishing the North American Collectibles Association (NACA) in 1982 adopting benefits that include insurance products for dealers and collectors. They have a long history of insuring one of a kind items, with a value up to over a million. As an artist myself, I know first-hand the cost and frustration of traditional shipping and insurance methods. With ShipandInsure, one membership gives you access to our best in class insurance solutions.
What types of fine art and valuables can be shipped through ShipandInsure? Can you handle shipments outside of the United States?
ShipandInsure.com covers all fine arts, sculpture, custom crafted items such as furniture, musical instruments, handblown glass & ceramics, jewelry & loose stones as well as all items of value with the exception of perishables & contraband. Our coverage is for loss or damage. We cover various shipping options for both domestic and international shipping, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Are there limitations on which carriers can be used and do you offer any special rates?
We offer shipping insurance covering shipments through most major carriers as well as freight and company vehicle deliveries. Our special pricing saves you the high cost of shipping by offering large discounts on FedEx standard rates, up to 50% off.
Does ShipandInsure have limitations on the values of goods that can be shipped?
Each carrier has their own limitations of the value of goods that can be shipped with them. However, ShipandInsure has offerings to help you override those limits when shipping items valued $75,000 or more.
Walk us through a step by step process of shipping a piece of art with ShipandInsure.
Packaging or crating the work of art is so important because of frequent mishandling by shipping firms. A good rule of thumb is the ability to drop the package at 4ft with no damage being inflicted. Once packaged, you can select the carrier and shipping method in your ShipandInsure.com account and submit your shipment for coverage.
What happens when an insured shipment is lost or damaged?
We do not need an appraisal prior to coverage and claims can be easily filed online. For a loss, we ask for a declaration of loss by the shipping firm and a substantiation of the wholesale value or replacement cost. For damage, we would like before and after photos, a substantiation of the value and a repair estimate from a conservator. If the item cannot be repaired for less than its value, we may ask for the item to be shipped to us for salvage and the claim will be paid in full for the wholesale or replacement cost.
How easy is it to work with ShipandInsure and what sets you apart from your competition?
Setting up your account through the application process is simple and your secure login can be active within 1 business day. Your application is for a membership through NACA. ShipandInsure.com is the NACA’s exclusive benefit program for shipping insurance. Our customer support team is always here to help.
See how it works!
To begin insuring your shipments for full value, no deductible, visit ShipandInsure.com.
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