Why insurers are incentivising the use of ROKBOX LOOP to move fine art

In a significant step forward for art shipping and art insurance, the art market can now benefit from reduced insurance rates when choosing ROKBOX™ reusable fine art crates. 

From avoidable claims to necessary innovation

After a couple of unfortunate insurance claims involving high value artworks travelling in wooden crates, ROKBOX founder Andrew Stramentov decided there must be a better way to protect fine art.

Years of research and development led to the creation of ROKBOX™ reusable crates; certified to withstand damage from drop, vibration, shock, puncture, water (shower and flood), humidity and temperature fluctuations. 

Of equal importance, the innovative crates eliminate packaging waste and reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% per trip.

Industry endorsement: a turning point

In 2024, Fine Art and Specie insurance underwriters AXA XL and Lloyds championed ROKBOX LOOP. And now in 2025 a broader, sector-wide insurance roll out is under way, and the timing is acute. 

Whilst a bounce back is expected, the art market is currently in decline:

• The largest single inflationary cost to dealers is a 15% rise in packaging and shipping last year (Art Market Report).
• Auction houses, collectors, galleries and museums are facing pressures from a shifting market.  

Those ahead of the curve are saving costs and emissions by using ROKBOX and the international crate rental network, ROKBOX LOOP.

Now insurers are rewarding art world participants with discounted premiums for using ROKBOX.

Insurance leaders call for change

Adam Prideaux of Hallett Independent – who previously led the charge on galvanising the insurance sector to enable sea transits for fine art – acknowledges that ‘insurers are reducing their exposure to those businesses that are damaging the environment and finding interesting ways of promoting and supporting sustainability, like AXA XL and Marsh are with ROKBOX LOOP.’ 

Prideaux’s position is forthright:

“It’s appalling the number of disposable, single-use wooden crates piling up art fairs, along with the amount of plastic and bubblewrap used by galleries to pack works, thrown out daily.

ROKBOX is solving a problem for everyone. It’s reusable, it saves money, and it greatly improves protection around works. Indeed some art insurers are now offering lower transit premiums when clients use ROKBOX. We say, use ROKBOX.” 

 

Insurance as a catalyst for sustainable innovation

Charlie Horrell is the man behind Specie Balance, a new facility to encourage sustainable practices in fine art. He explains: 

“The [insurance] industry can act as a catalyst for innovation. Companies such as ROKBOX offer rentable crates, which are lighter and can help cut CO2 emissions. The crates are also designed to protect better which reduces potential damage to artworks, making them a more attractive risk from an insurance perspective” 

Marsh recently announced a reduction in insurance premiums for using ROKBOX LOOP. This stamp of approval will help the art world lower emissions whilst reducing costs for art fairs, galleries, collectors and more.

A tool for disaster recovery

Commenting on the topic is Fine Art Loss Adjuster Grace Best-Devereux, who recently recommended a fleet of ROKBOX LOOP crates be used as part of a disaster recovery claim.

“When I learned about the innovation ROKBOX were bringing to the shipping and packing scene, I felt relieved and inspired.

The extent of the testing processes and scenarios addressed during the development process is a clear answer to the issues that I see often with wooden crates, and I feel confident ROKBOX significantly reduces the risk of damage in transit.”  

 

Nobody puts their money in a wooden safe

Director of Operations at ROKBOX, Harriet Powell adds:

“We welcome this latest development from fine art insurers. Wooden crates are inefficient in more ways than one, particularly when only used once or twice. When 70% percent of insurance claims come from damage in transit our sector needs to find ways to minimise waste and loss. 

Validation from insurers and the removal of all limits when using a ROKBOX is testament to the inherent safety features of ROKBOX crates.” 

 

To explore how ROKBOX can help with your next art move, visit ROKBOX or ROKBOX LOOP to learn more.

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