I watched a handler grimace as he lifted a 19th-century portrait, only to hear the sickening crack of the gilded plaster frame giving way under its own weight. The painting was fine, but the Louis XIV frame—worth $12,000 on its own—was in pieces on the floor. When I filed the claim, the adjuster said, “Good news, the art is safe,” and offered me $500 for “damage to a picture frame,” treating it like a cheap IKEA border.
Key Takeaways
- Separate Valuations: You must schedule the frame and the painting separately if the frame has significant value.
- “Part of the Whole”: Unless specified, insurers view the frame as mere packaging.
- Restoration vs. Replacement: Antique frames are almost impossible to replace perfectly; restoration costs often exceed the “book value” of the frame.
- The Glue Trap: If the frame is glued to the panel (common in old works), damage to the frame is damage to the art.
The “Why” (The Trap): The “Container” Definition
In standard policies, a frame is considered a “container” or “conveyance,” similar to a shipping crate.
The specific clause usually limits coverage for “breakage of fragile articles” unless they are scheduled. If your frame is made of plaster and gilt wood, it is fragile. If it isn’t listed with its own value on the Declarations page, it falls under the general household goods deductible.
[IMAGE: Close-up photo of a cracked gilded corner of an antique frame showing the white plaster beneath]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked three carriers how they handle a $10,000 frame holding a $5,000 painting.
1. State Farm (Standard)
- The Verdict: They treat the frame as “furniture.”
- The Trap: They apply depreciation. A 100-year-old frame is “old,” so they depreciate it heavily unless you have an antique endorsement.
- Payout: Likely $500 – $1,000.
2. Chubb (Masterpiece)
- The Verdict: They recognize “period frames” as art in themselves.
- The Process: They pay for a master gilder to restore it. If it can’t be restored, they pay the Agreed Value of the frame.
- Payout: Full restoration cost ($4,000+).
3. A Specialist Framer (Consultation)
- The Insight: I called a top NY framer. He told me, “Insurers often try to replace antique carved wood with modern molded plastic replicas. You have to fight for ‘Like Kind and Quality’.”
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Home Policy | Fine Art Policy |
| Frame Status | Furniture / Container | Fine Art |
| Depreciation | Yes (Heavily applied) | None (Agreed Value) |
| Restoration Quality | “Functional” repair | Museum-quality gilding |
| Separate Limit | No | Yes (If scheduled) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Appraise Separately: Tell your appraiser to list: “Oil Painting (
50,000)"and"PeriodFrame(50,000)"and"PeriodFrame(15,000)” as separate line items. - Check the “Set” Clause: If the frame is original to the painting (same artist/period), they form a “pair.” Damage to the frame devalues the painting. Ensure your policy covers this “loss of integrity.”
- Photograph Corners: This is where damage happens. Have high-res proofs of the corners before moving.
- Save the Pieces: Never sweep up the plaster chips. A restorer needs them to mold the replacement parts.
FAQ Section
Is the glass covered?
Usually, yes, but standard glass is cheap. The cost is the labor to replace it.
What if the frame is new but expensive?
Keep the receipt. New custom frames (white gold, closed corner) can cost $5,000+. Standard policies might cover this under replacement cost, but a floater is safer.
Can I claim if I drop it while hanging?
Only if you have “All Risk” or “Accidental Breakage” coverage. A basic “Named Peril” policy (fire/theft) will not cover you dropping it.