Report a loss

House moves are the first cause: boxes mislaid, crates sent to the wrong address, works forgotten. Loans not returned come next: a work entrusted to a friend, an exhibition or a restorer, and never returned. Estates pose a particular problem, because a poorly inventoried inheritance can hide a missing work.

In each case, the essential thing is to date the last known presence of the work and to gather the traces: invoices, photos, letters, testimonies.

The declaration is made on the Desk by choosing "Loss". The form asks for the description of the work, the date and place of the last known presence, the circumstances, the steps already taken and the person to contact.

It is advisable to attach a sworn statement and, if the loss occurred at a provider, a copy of the contract and exchanges. OIMAP issues a receipt for the declaration, useful for insurance and for administrative procedures.

The BIOP unit publishes the alert, but the initiative stays with the owner. Contact providers, neighbours, former tenants; question insurers and carriers; consult lost-property offices and local sales. Many lost works are found within a few months.

If the work is found by a third party, the BIOP record makes it possible to reach you. The third party can contact you through the unit, which guarantees the protection of your contact details.

Losses can be prevented. Entering each work in an inventory, photographing it, keeping a register of loans and movements, mentioning works in house-move or storage contracts are simple actions that avoid most disappearances.

For loans, a written contract stating the duration, the condition of the work and the conditions of return is the best protection. OIMAP offers a loan contract template in three languages.