The Framers Forum

Hi there!

Following an issue with some frames of ours (currently being resolved, but very costly) I'm wondering what other framers approaches to liability / condition reporting / insurance are?

We're insured up to the gills, but I believe it doesn't cover accidental damage, and I'm cautious to approach the insurer in case of increased premiums, so we've settled up out of our own pocket.

It's given me enough of a fright to want to guard against any future disagreements.

Would other framers be willing to share their wording and approach to condition reporting, artwork value and liability while it's in your care? Do you get clients to sign off a document for all/ any of the artwork you take on?

Since speaking to our conservator, I've seen that all of their emails have a footer that states that the artwork is at ALL times the clients risk and should be insured accordingly. Do any framers here use similar terms with their clients?

Anyone else's experiences and steps taken to avoid future issues would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,

Joshua

Our Hiscox insurance policy has a specific sub section covering "Goods held in Trust". I have been assured that this covers any damage by whatever means whilst it is in our care.
I have always assumed it's a given that we are responsible for whatever is left in our care. The sticking point for me would be assuming that the customer can provide evidence of the value they declare to me, should a claim be necessary. I've only had to deal in hypotheticals and long may it last!

I'm the same as Justin and luckily it's still hypothetical as I haven't made a claim.
I'm with Hiscox and part of the decision making for insurance companies was goods held in trust.
From memory the maximum value is £5k but I can phone and increase for short periods of time if required.
I'm not sure a liability waiver form releases you of responsibility though and does that mean if you are working on a customer's artwork and damage it you are going to say 'tough luck, you signed a form'?
Only a couple of times in 15 years have I had any issues and both times I sorted it out myself.
Once a print was damaged when I went to frame it and hadn't been when I took it in. I assume it was some kind of flaw with the paper or ink but I messaged the artist directly and they sent me a replacement with the same edition number at cost price.
The second time I got blood on a print from a paper cut and it didn't wipe out. I offered to get a new print but the customer wasn't overly bothered and didn't want me to go to any extra effort. In the end I got the logo of the museum engraved on a small plaque and stuck it over the stain. It looked great and the customer was really chuffed.