Qualified Art Appraisals Insurance Brokers Can Rely On
USPAP-compliant art appraisals by a Certified Member of The International Society of Appraisers.
Lindsey Owen, M.A., ISA CAPP
When your clients need to schedule fine art or antiques on a policy — or when a claim requires an independent valuation — you need an appraiser whose reports hold up. Lindsey Owen Appraisals provides USPAP-compliant appraisal reports built to meet carrier documentation standards, prepared by a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers.
Why Brokers Refer Clients to Us
USPAP-compliant reports, signed and certified, accepted by major carriers
Reports prepared following ISA Report Writing Standards, meeting industry documentation requirements
Direct, personal handling of every appraisal by Lindsey Owen — no hand-off to junior staff
Experience with high-value and specialty collections, including disaster-related claims (informed by direct work on major insurance claims following Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and California wildfire events)
Responsive communication — clients and brokers are kept informed throughout the process
What to Expect When You Refer a Client
Initial consultation to determine the scope of the appraisal and confirm it meets the client's carrier requirements
A written engagement agreement outlining methodology, timeline, and cost before work begins
In-person inspection when required (standard best practice for insurance appraisals); virtual/photo-based inspection only where a specific carrier confirms it's acceptable
A completed, signed, USPAP-compliant report delivered as a PDF, ready for policy submission or claims documentation
FAQ for Brokers
Do you work directly with insurance carriers?
Reports are prepared to meet the documentation standards carriers require, and can be provided directly to your client or routed through your office as needed.
How long does a typical appraisal take once engaged?
Timeline depends on the size and complexity of the collection — a single object may take only a few business days, while larger collections can take several weeks. A specific timeline is confirmed in the engagement agreement before work begins.
Can you handle appraisals nationwide?
Yes. Lindsey Owen Appraisals is headquartered in Chicago and works with clients and their advisors nationwide.
What if my client's item falls outside your specialty?
Lindsey Owen specializes in fine art but regularly appraises related categories including furniture, decorative objects, and silver. For items outside that scope, referrals are made through an established network of qualified appraisers.
Client Testimonials
FAQs
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Lindsey Owen is a generalist who specializes in appraising fine art. We regularly appraise paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, ceramics, furniture, decorative objects, and silver. If you need an appraisal for a type of personal property not listed, please feel welcome to reach out as we have a large network of qualified appraisers to whom we can refer you.
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The total cost of your appraisal project depends on several factors, such as the intended use of the appraisal and the volume of pieces to be appraised. Once the project's scope has been determined, we will provide an engagement agreement outlining the methodology, timelines, and associated costs. Here is more information about how appraisal pricing works.
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Lindsey Owen Appraisals is headquartered in Chicago, IL and works with clients nationwide. Please note that we operate by appointment only and do not maintain a publicly accessible office.
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If you are seeking art appraisers for insurance, tax, charitable donation, or equitable distribution, you will likely require an appraisal with a USPAP certification statement. All appraisal reports will have a signed USPAP Certification Statement.
Appraisal reports are prepared following the principles and procedures of the International Society of Appraisers Appraisal Report Writing Standards, which meet the industry standards required for insurance, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and litigators.
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Whether or not an appraisal can be conducted from photographs depends on the intended use of the appraisal and the piece being appraised. Inspections for appraisals that will be used for personal planning can generally be conducted virtually, although an in-person inspection is considered the best practice for appraisals that will be used for legal, insurance, and tax functions. Some insurance carriers may allow for an inspection to be conducted from photographs, however it is recommended that you confirm this with your carrier prior to engaging Lindsey Owen Appraisals.
What is The International Society of Appraisers?
The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) was founded in 1979, and is the leading professional appraisal association representing highly trained personal property appraisers in the United States and abroad. ISA enhances public trust by producing qualified and ethical appraisers recognized as authorities in personal property appraising. ISA offers comprehensive education and credentialing programs to ensure its members maintain high standards in appraisal methodology, theory, principles, practices, and ethics
What is The Appraisal Foundation?
The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit organization established in 1987 to set standards for the real estate valuation profession in the United States. Authorized by Congress under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA), TAF's mission is to ensure that appraisals are impartial, objective, and conducted without bias, thereby promoting ethical and competent practices within the appraisal profession.
What is USPAP?
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP was adopted by Congress in 1989, and contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal.
