I reviewed a case where a professional art hanger was installing a heavy glass chandelier. The anchor gave way, and the piece shattered, damaging the hardwood floor and a coffee table below. The installer shrugged, “Sorry, I don’t have insurance.” The homeowner’s policy denied the claim under the “Workmanship” exclusion.
Key Takeaways
- The “Workmanship” Exclusion: Damage caused by a contractor performing work on the item is often excluded.
- Subrogation is Your Friend: If your policy pays you, they will sue the installer. But you must ensure the installer has assets or insurance to sue.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Never let a hammer touch a nail until you have a COI from the installer naming you as Additional Insured.
- General Liability vs. Care, Custody, Control: General Liability covers the installer damaging your floor. It often excludes the art they are holding.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Contractor Clause
Standard policies exclude: “Loss caused by faulty, inadequate or defective… design, specifications, workmanship, repair, construction, renovation, grading, compaction.”
If the installer uses the wrong hook and the art falls, the insurer calls this “faulty workmanship” and denies the claim. You are left suing the handyman who has no money.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a COI highlighting the “General Liability” and “Professional Liability” sections]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked insurers who pays when the contractor fails.
1. The Installer’s Insurance
- The Reality: Many “TaskRabbit” or local handymen have basic liability that excludes “damage to property being worked upon.”
- The Gap: If they drop the art, their policy denies it. If they drop the art on your foot, their policy pays for your foot.
2. High-Net-Worth Policies (Pure/Chubb)
- The Protection: They typically cover “accidental breakage” even during installation.
- The Catch: They will pay you, but they will aggressively pursue the installer for reimbursement (Subrogation).
3. Construction / Renovation Builders Risk
- The Context: If you are hanging art during a major renovation.
- The Warning: Standard art policies might suspend coverage if the home is considered a “construction site.” You need to notify them.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Handyman’s Liability Policy | Your Fine Art Policy |
| Drills into pipe (Water damage) | Covered | Covered |
| Drops the painting (Art breaks) | Often Excluded (Care/Custody) | Covered (Breakage) |
| Uses wrong hook (Falls later) | Excluded (Workmanship) | Covered (Usually) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Demand the COI: Ask specifically: “Does your policy cover the item you are hanging, or just the property around it?”
- Use Specialized Handlers: Do not use a general contractor to hang art. Use a dedicated Art Installer. Their insurance is tailored for this.
- Clear the Area: Move rugs, vases, and furniture away from the installation zone. If the installer trips over your rug, it complicates liability.
- ** supervise:** Watch them. If they look shaky or are using undersized hardware, stop them. “Trust your gut” is your last line of defense.
FAQ Section
Can I hang the art myself?
Yes. If you drop it, a “Breakage” policy covers it. If you hire someone and they drop it, it gets complicated due to the workmanship exclusion in standard policies.
What is a “Waiver of Subrogation”?
Contractors often ask you to sign this. It means your insurance company cannot sue them if they break it. Do not sign this without your insurer’s permission, or you might void your own coverage.
Is the hook considered part of the house or the art?
The hook is the house. If the hook fails, it’s a house issue. If the wire on the painting snaps, it’s an art issue.