HNW: a stealth attacker

High-net-worth clients are often well protected against potential theft but may find more common threats such as water and accidental damage catch them off-guard, writes Edward Murray.

Despite the cost of the priciest paintings running to millions, security requirements need not be an impediment for brokers. Indeed, in many cases, focusing on theft as the major risk may leave the door open to other more prevalent and dangerous threats.

Art theft has been given the Hollywood makeover so many times that it is difficult not to imagine underwriters demanding a lattice of laser beams and a pressure pad around every corner.

While some insurers may take a prescriptive and even