In 2026, copper prices are at record highs. I reported on a rash of thefts where thieves winched a 300lb bronze sculpture out of a front garden in the middle of the night to melt it down for scrap. The owner had a $50,000 policy, but the insurer denied the claim because the sculpture wasn’t “permanently installed.”
Key Takeaways
- Theft for Scrap: Thieves don’t care about the artist; they care about the metal weight.
- “Fixed to Ground” Clause: To be covered outdoors, the policy often requires the item to be bolted to a concrete pad. Gravity is not security.
- Environmental Damage: Acid rain, bird droppings, and sprinkler water (hard water stains) are often excluded as “wear and tear” unless you have specific outdoor coverage.
- Public Access: If your garden is unfenced, the risk is higher. Insurers may demand a perimeter fence.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Theft Away from Residence” vs. “Landscape”
Standard policies have low limits for “Landscaping” (trees/shrubs).
A sculpture is “Personal Property,” but if it’s outdoors, it’s vulnerable.
The trap is the Security Warranty. If you told the insurer you have a central alarm, but the alarm doesn’t cover the garden, you misled them.
[IMAGE: Diagram of a “Security Pedestal” with internal anchors vs. a sculpture just sitting on grass]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I checked coverage for a $100k bronze rabbit in a garden.
1. Nationwide (Standard)
- Coverage: Covered under “Personal Property.”
- Limit: Subject to deductible.
- Exclusion: Corrosion/Rust.
- Verdict: Basic coverage, high risk of denial on “wear and tear.”
2. Chubb
- Coverage: They offer specific “Outdoor Sculpture” advice.
- Requirement: They sent a risk manager to check the mounting. They required “sheer nuts” (nuts that snap off so they can’t be unscrewed).
- Verdict: Comprehensive, but demanding on security.
3. Specialized Scrap Coverage
- Trend: Some policies now value the art at “replacement cost” (art value), but if stolen, thieves only get scrap value ($500).
- Strategy: Insurers are using GPS trackers embedded in the bronze to recover items.
Comparison Table
| Risk | Indoor Art | Outdoor Sculpture |
| Theft Risk | Low (Alarm) | High (Accessible) |
| Elements Risk | None | High (Acid Rain/Bird Lime) |
| Mounting | Wire/Hook | Concrete Anchor |
| Deductible | Standard | Often Higher |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Anchor It: Hire a mason to pour a concrete footing and bolt the sculpture to it.
- Wax It: Apply a coat of microcrystalline wax twice a year. This prevents the “green” oxidation that insurers call “maintenance issues.”
- GPS Tracker: Drill a small cavity in the base and epoxy a battery-powered GPS tracker inside.
- Lighting: Install motion-sensor floodlights aimed at the sculpture.
FAQ Section
Is graffiti covered?
Yes, usually under Vandalism. However, cleaning spray paint off porous stone/bronze is expensive and can damage the patina.
What if a tree falls on it?
Covered (Falling Objects).
Does homeowner’s liability cover a kid climbing on it and falling?
Yes. This is an “Attractive Nuisance.” You need high liability limits ($1M+) if you have outdoor art accessible to kids.