American International Group Inc. is looking to distribute its insurance products through online brokerages.
The New York company confirmed Thursday that it has held talks with E-Trade Group of San Mateo, Calif., and other financial firms that offer online services, but said it has not yet signed any deals. It says it expects to do so within a few weeks, however.
"These partners will provide their visitors the benefit of buying insurance online," Scott M. Alexander, head of American International's eBusiness division, said. He declined to discuss payment arrangements between the companies.
He added that the company does not currently offer its insurance products through any online brokerages.
A spokeswoman for American International declined to name other brokerages that the company is talking to and a spokeswoman for E-Trade said she would not comment on rumors or speculation.
Maitland Lammert, an analyst with Edward Jones in St. Louis, said American International has said publicly that it wants to expand distribution of its insurance products online.
It already offers online life insurance quotes through InsureRate.com, though customers cannot buy the products on the Internet, said Greg Davies, a research analyst with Gomez Advisors Inc. of Concord, Mass.
American International's direct sales division has an online arm that offers auto insurance, Mr. Davies said. Aigdirect.com also gives customers instant online quotes for auto, home, life, and renter's insurance, he said.
Jessica Toonkel contributed to this story.
