Guide
Quilt Appraisal: Cost, Where to Get One, and Insurance
What a certified appraisal costs, where to find one, and why insuring a handmade or antique quilt requires one.
Typical Appraisal Cost
For a standard written appraisal — some appraisers charge as little as $60; a detailed, formal multi-page appraisal can run $175 or more. Still well below fine-art appraisal rates, which run 2-3× higher.
Where to Get a Quilt Appraised
Major quilt shows — AQS shows, Mancuso Quilt Festivals, and the International Quilt Festivals — always have certified appraisers on site, usually for a set per-quilt fee during the show. Outside of shows, some appraisers travel to your home, and others work through quilt shops or museums. If you can't find one nearby, a museum with a textile collection can often point you toward a qualified textile appraiser in your region.
Why You Need One for Insurance
Without a certified written appraisal, a standard homeowner's policy will typically only cover a quilt at the replacement cost of a mass-produced blanket — a small fraction of what a handmade or antique quilt is actually worth. Most insurers require a written appraisal to add a quilt as a "scheduled" item on your policy or to purchase separate fine-arts coverage.
What's in a Written Appraisal
A dated document from a certified appraiser stating an unbiased opinion of value, with supporting documentation — construction quality, fabric and pattern identification, condition, and provenance where it applies. Expect the finished written report within about two weeks of the appointment; the stated value is as of the date the quilt was physically examined, not the date you receive the paperwork.
Find a Certified Appraiser Near You
The Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT), founded in 1992, maintains the field's dedicated member directory — certified appraisers searchable by state, following the federal Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Search the PAAQT Appraiser Directory →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quilt appraisal cost?+
Typically $50-$100 for a standard written appraisal, though prices vary by appraiser — some charge as little as $60, while a more detailed multi-page formal appraisal can run $175 or more. That's still well below fine-art appraisal costs, which typically run 2-3 times higher.
Where can I get a quilt appraised?+
Major quilt shows (AQS shows, Mancuso Quilt Festivals, and the International Quilt Festivals) always have certified appraisers on site. Outside of shows, search the Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT) member directory by state, or check with quilt shops and museums with textile collections in your area.
Do I need an appraisal to insure a quilt?+
Yes, for meaningful coverage. Without a written appraisal from a certified appraiser, most homeowner's insurance will only pay out what a mass-produced blanket costs — nowhere near a handmade quilt's actual value. Most insurers require a written appraisal to "schedule" a quilt on your policy or add fine-arts coverage.
What does a quilt appraisal actually include?+
A written, dated document from a certified appraiser giving an unbiased opinion of value, along with documentation supporting that conclusion — construction quality, fabric/pattern identification, condition, and provenance where relevant. You should typically receive the finished written appraisal within about two weeks of the appointment. The value is set as of the date the quilt was physically examined.