This fee is determined by the overall value of the goods in transit. It is advisable that customers check with their homeowners or business insurance to see if their shipment could be covered under an already existing policy as this generally saves money over purchasing the coverage from the art handling company. Some mishaps cannot be covered by insurance. Most shipping companies have exclusions that the customer should review in advance. When a loss or damage happens due to an excluded occurrence, the customer will be denied a claim settlement even if insurance was purchased in advance.
Most exclusions involve conditions which are out of the shipping company's control.
Customers should always ask specific questions and be fully aware of what specific coverage they are purchasing. Please see A4's complete terms and conditions for details. An art handling or shipping company will easily sell insurance for any amount a customer declares, but shipping companies are not responsible to substantiate values as stated by a customer. It is important that owners of artworks have an independent means of verifying the value of goods in transit. Having proof of value is the best tool for adjusting with the insurance company in the unlikely event of a mishap.