Written appraisal
Street art appraisal for estate, insurance, divorce and tax
When heirs divide an estate, an insurer asks for proof or a court needs a value, a price from the internet isn't enough. You need a written appraisal by an independent expert – with a signature others can rely on.
Who needs a written appraisal?
Collectors who buy and sell among themselves usually go by auction results and dealer prices. A signed appraisal matters most when you have to prove a value to someone else: heirs, an insurer, a court, a tax authority or the person receiving a gift. These are the typical occasions:
Inheritance and estates
Paintings and prints are often the hardest part of an estate to value. A written appraisal gives every heir the same basis for a fair division and helps prevent disputes. Where inheritance or estate tax applies, what usually counts is the market value on the date of death – the appraisal documents it for that date.
Insurance
Many household policies cover art only up to a limit, and after a theft, fire or water damage you have to prove what was lost. An appraisal made beforehand – with photos, description and value – makes the claim much easier. Have it updated when the market for the artist changes.
Divorce and separation
When shared property is divided, both sides need a value they can accept. An independent expert with no interest in buying the work gives a neutral figure that lawyers and courts can work with.
Gifts, donations and tax
Giving an artwork to your children or donating it to a museum or charity can have tax consequences, and the authorities may ask how the value was determined. In the United States, a donation of art valued above $5,000 requires a qualified appraisal (IRS Publication 561). Ask your tax adviser or the recipient which requirements the appraisal must meet.
What the notarized signature means
The expert signs your appraisal in person before a notary. The notary confirms who signed it – so heirs, insurers and authorities know the appraisal really comes from the named expert. The notarization refers to the signature, not to the value: the value is the expert's professional opinion.
What the appraisal contains
- A description of the work and its condition, with photos.
- The purpose and the effective date.
- The type of value: market value for estates and divisions, replacement value for insurance.
- The comparable sales and the method used.
- The expert's qualifications and notarized signature.
How it works
Start with a free estimate from photos. It shows in a minute whether the piece is worth a formal appraisal. If it is, order the written appraisal – fixed prices per artwork from CHF/EUR 290, never a percentage of the value. See prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free online estimate enough for an estate or insurance?
No. It helps you decide which pieces matter, but heirs, insurers and authorities expect a written, signed appraisal.
Does the notary confirm the value?
No. The notary confirms the identity of the expert and that the expert signed personally. The value is the expert's professional opinion.
Which value is used for insurance?
Usually the replacement value – what it would cost to buy a comparable piece. For estates, divisions and tax it is usually the market value. The appraisal states which one it uses.
I want to sell to a collector. Do I need this?
Usually not. Collectors and auction houses go by market results, and auction houses value works themselves before a sale. A signed appraisal helps with private sales where the buyer wants written proof.
Find out what your street art is worth
Upload a photo and get a free estimate in about a minute. No sign-up needed.