Christie’s, the auction house controlled by French billionaire François Pinault, is to start selling high-end insurance to its UK and European clients to cover their possessions, from works of art to cars, yachts and jewellery, as well as their travel and legal expenses.

The company, which will earn a broker’s fee, is launching its Christie’s Insurance Services in partnership with Chubb, the US insurer, and Heath Lambert, a broker.