Christie’s, the auctioneers, has rolled out an insurance business for its clients, at a time when the business of insuring art has remained lively due to art's rising status as an investment asset.

Christie’s Insurance Services will partner in the UK with Heath Lambert, the art insurance broker and Chubb, the insurance firm, to provide Christie’s private clients with bespoke services in this sector.

“This high calibre insurance service has been requested by our clients for some time, many of whom buy, sell, store and transport works of art through us,” said Jussi Pylkkanen, president of Christie’s.

The service includes a free appraisal service to review current insurance arrangements for homes and collections, to determine any exclusions or pitfalls; risk management advice on protecting collections and preserving their value; advice on the purchase of insurance cover for a single item of art or a complete collection and cover for activities such as the loaning or restoration of art.

The Christie’s service also offers automatic worldwide cover on any new purchase.