How does it work?

Shipping Protection is an optional service that can be added to Arta estimates and quotes. Sellers may make Shipping Protection included by default or leave the decision to buyers at checkout.

The total value of the object is provided by the seller to match the invoiced value of the goods. The invoiced value can include additional charges required at purchase related to the object, such as buyer’s premium and sales tax. The value should include frames, mounts, pedestals. If these additional charges are not included in the declared value of the object, they will not be paid out as part of the claim. The object(s) and shipment value must reflect the true cost paid for the objects. The covered value will be the value declared to customs for cross border shipments.

Arta Shipping Protection covers restoration for conditions which occur in transit, not just claims for total loss. Shipping Protection must be booked prior to collection and prior to any known loss or damage. Coverage cannot be added to a shipment after release.
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What’s covered?

Shipping Protection provides coverage for incidents including damage during shipping and total loss. Coverage includes the following conditions while the shipment is in transit but is not limited to; scratches, indentations, punctures, tears, pigment loss, water stains, cracks, shattered materials. Conditions will be compared to documentation performed at release. Loss or non-delivery are considered total loss.

Shipping Protection covers restoration to the condition of the object at collection, provided that the cost of restoration does not exceed the value of the object. Conditions that cannot be restored or repaired, or when the value of repair exceeds the cost of the item, will be considered for total loss. Costs related to the claim, including transportation to or from an appraiser, restorer or disposal company may be covered by Shipping Protection.

There is a special maximum coverage limit of $200 for damages caused by slipped hinges.

Shipments are covered from the time a carrier takes possession through the duration of the shipment until signature is confirmed.
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What’s excluded?

Duties and taxes paid to customs. Arta can provide documentation regarding the shipment and loss as required.
‍Pre-existing conditions. Arta reserves the right to inspect for condition at release. Condition checks can include photographs and written descriptions, and may require removing packaging.
‍Insufficient packaging. Arta contracted carriers who provide packaging services are covered. Arta will provide sellers who package objects for shipping with explicit packaging instructions that must be followed for coverage.
‍Unstable objects. Material or structural conditions that cannot withstand transport. This includes but is not limited to loose joints, cracked or flaking pigments, poorly hinged prints and other issues of structural integrity.
Costs resulting from customer-initiated delayed or held shipments. This includes transit, storage and handling fees resulting from delinquent payment to customs authorities.
‍Shipper requested modifications.  Modifications such as removing items from frames, rolling for tube packaging, folding stretchers and re-hinging works.
‍Rerouted shipments. Shipments rerouted by receiver to alternative pick locations, including but not limited to branded facilities such as UPS Stores, post offices.
‍‍Inaccurate data. Data provided by the seller on the request can forfeit insurance coverage, this includes but is not limited to: object types, descriptions, dimensions and values.
‍Theft or loss after delivery. Arta will require a signature on all shipments covered by Shipping Protection. If the investigation determines a signature was forged or not procured by the carrier, the shipment is covered as non-delivery. If a signature is waived, or the client has a signature on file with the carrier, Arta does not cover theft or loss after delivery. Customers are responsible for cooperating with Arta's and/or the applicable insurer’s claims investigation.

‍Additional Exclusions. Certain losses or damage, including without limitation, loss or damage caused by or resulting from:
1. Natural aging, gradual deterioration, inherent defect, rust or oxidation, moth or vermin, warping or shrinkage. Directly or indirectly by acts of conflict and natural disasters; force majeure.
2. By or resulting from confiscation, nationalization, requisition or destruction of or damage to property by or under the order of any government or public or local authority.
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How do I file a claim?

Claims should be reported as soon as possible, and in any event, no more than seven (7) days of delivery.

Loss or non-delivery needs to be reported within seven days of scheduled delivery. Arta and/or the applicable insurer will require photographs, documentation and potentially a site visit to evaluate the condition of the object. You will be required to submit images of the damage, the entire object, and the packaging it was received in to claims@arta.io.

Arta will determine if the work is repairable or a total loss; only dispose of the object(s) or packaging once our team has instructed you to do so. Arta may schedule a site visit or transportation to move the object(s) for restoration or disposal in the case of total loss. If the insured value of the shipment requires further validation, an appraisal may be requested.
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Additional claims information

For objects with multiple objects or sets/components restoration costs are evaluated per piece. If claiming for total loss and the object value is dependent on the entire set (ie. a diptych, a set of sculptures), components or pieces will need to be surrendered to Arta or the applicable insurer.

For claims with shipment values over one million dollars, there is a flat deductible of $10,000 paid by the recipient of the shipment. For shipments with an insured value of $2.5m - $5m, there is a flat deductible of $25,000 to be paid by the claimant.

‍Claims can take 4 to 8 weeks to resolve. During this time, there will be an investigation, documentation, possibly restoration or disposal, and payout processing.
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If you want to opt out of Shipping Protection and do not see the option please contact the seller.