Reporting a Claim
When disaster strikes, time is critical. The Conservation Center’s Disaster Response team is ready to act immediately following fire, water, mold, and other damage. We offer nationwide pick-up and delivery, on-site triage, inventory, photography, and condition reporting.
Assess the Damage
Document the type and extent of damage, the location and date of loss, the onsite conditions, number and types of pieces, and dimensions.
Gather Details
Additional information such as insurance contact and claim number, restoration company, onsite contact, or client contact can be helpful in processing the claim. Any further details will aid our team in determining the appropriate response to the loss.
Contact us
Please call The Conservation Center as soon as possible to report a loss, with your assessment and details in hand. Reach out to us at (312) 944-5401 during business hours (Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm) or call (773) 673-8104 for 24-hour assistance.
Claims Process
Our expert conservators are highly trained to care for artworks of all media and scale, even in the most challenging conditions. The team works in tandem with our in-house, professional art handlers, who are equipped with customized art transportation vehicles and are trained to accommodate large-volume claims with speed and precision.
Sending pieces to The Conservation Center
To begin the conservation process, artworks must be examined in person at The Center. We coordinate secure, professional transportation to ensure your pieces arrive safely for assessment. Please contact our Client Services team for all collection transport inquiries, including both local and nationwide shipping.
For long-distance shipments, our trusted partners will package and deliver items following The Center’s handling and safety guidelines.
If you are sending high-value artworks, contact Client Services before shipment for additional instructions.
Inventory & Examination
When artworks arrive at The Center, each piece undergoes a careful intake process to ensure accurate documentation and handling. Items are inventoried, assigned unique tracking numbers, and professionally photographed to record their condition. These images support conservation assessment and treatment planning.
After documentation, artworks are examined in our state-of-the-art conservation laboratory to identify damage, material vulnerabilities, and prior restorations. This evaluation provides the foundation for the condition report and customized treatment proposal.
Condition Report & Treatment Proposal
After examination, each work receives a detailed condition report and a formal treatment proposal. These documents outline the recommended conservation methods, materials to be used, estimated timeline, and itemized pricing based on the scope of work.
Please allow 10 business days for this assessment process; larger collections may require additional time. Each proposal also includes a summary of total costs, which may include shipping, handling, assessment fees, and storage charges.
Storage fees are calculated per item, per month, based on the overall dimensions of the artwork. These charges begin 15 days after the treatment proposal is issued and again 15 days after the final invoice is sent.
Condition reports and treatment proposals are delivered via email to the appropriate parties. To authorize treatment, please sign and return the attached approval form. No work will begin until the signed form and required deposit have been received.
Approval & Treatment
Our Client Services team is available to assist clients, adjusters, and homeowners with questions about conservation procedures and treatment proposals. We can review alternative treatment options, coordinate approvals, and help with urgent cases requiring emergency care or on-site assessments. Appointments to meet with conservators and review your collection at The Center are available upon request.
Once treatment authorization is received, a Client Services team member will provide an estimated project completion date. Treatment duration varies based on the size of the collection, type of artworks, and extent of damage, with timelines outlined in the treatment proposal.
For unapproved items, storage quotes are available upon request. Clients may also choose to discard unapproved pieces or losses. Untreated and unapproved artworks can be returned after payment of any outstanding balances, including shipping, handling, storage, and assessment fees.
Completion & Return
Upon completion of conservation treatment, an invoice will be issued detailing the remaining balance due. Payment of the balance authorizes the return shipment or delivery of your artworks. We recommend opening and inspecting shipments within 7 days of receipt to ensure your satisfaction with the completed conservation work.
Treatment results
The Conservation Center specializes in restoring and conserving art, antiques, and heirlooms damaged by traumatic events such as fires, floods, and severe environmental exposure. Our expert treatments help preserve and recover valuable collections affected by water, smoke, mold, impact, improper handling, and other forms of damage.
water Damage
When works are exposed to water or high humidity, conservators carefully examine them for signs of mold, staining, and tide lines. Acting quickly is essential—immediate intervention and triage help prevent further damage and deterioration. Prompt conservation treatment stabilizes affected pieces and reduces the long-term risks associated with moisture exposure.
Fire Damage
Fire-damaged artworks often face structural issues, but conservators also address challenges from acidic soot, lingering smoke odors, and water damage caused by firefighting efforts. Comprehensive treatment focuses on stabilizing the piece while removing harmful residues and odors to prevent further degradation.
Impact & Handling Damage
Living with your collection means works can be vulnerable to impact and handling damage during moving, shipping, or everyday care. This type of damage commonly includes structural issues, surface abrasions, and punctures or tears—especially if glass is broken. Proper handling and professional transport are crucial to minimize these risks and help preserve the condition and value of your artworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact The Conservation Center as soon as possible. Our team will guide you through the steps for assessment, transportation, and documentation. Early intervention can help prevent further damage.
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Yes. We regularly collaborate with insurance adjusters, carriers, and claims professionals to streamline the process and provide detailed reports for documentation and reimbursement.
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The Conservation Center treats works of both market and sentimental value. While we cannot provide appraisals due to conflict of interest, we can recommend qualified, independent appraisers who can assist in determining an artwork’s value for insurance or legal purposes.
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Pricing is based on the time, materials, and complexity of the treatment required. After a thorough examination, the conservator will provide a detailed, itemized treatment proposal outlining all associated costs, including any applicable shipping, handling, and storage fees.
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Yes. We offer secure, nationwide art transportation services, including packing, pickup, and delivery, all handled by trained professionals.
Appointments at The Center to meet with the conservators, review the collection, and discuss proposed treatments are available upon request.
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Each piece is inventoried, photographed, and examined in our conservation lab. A formal condition report and treatment proposal will be provided within approximately 10 business days.
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Treatment timelines vary depending on the type of artwork, extent of damage, and collection size. Estimated completion dates are included in your proposal and confirmed upon approval.
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An initial deposit is required to begin treatment. The remaining balance is due upon completion before artworks are returned. We accept various payment methods including checks, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and credit cards.
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Yes. Appointments are available upon request to meet with conservators, review your collection, and discuss proposed treatments.
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Unapproved items can be returned upon payment of any outstanding fees. Storage quotes are available, or pieces can be discarded at your request.special cases where emergency treatment or preliminary on-site examinations are required.
