The Wall Street Journal, has reported that Google is preparing to move into the motor insurance market in several U.S. states.

Google Compare Auto Insurance Services has obtained licenses to sell insurance in 26 states. It is thought that the new venture will sell motor policies on behalf of six insurers.

Closer to home the company is also working with Comparenow.com, a unit of UK motor insurer Admiral Group.

If these ventures prove successful then a global roll out is likely. No prizes for guessing which site might be top of the insurance search engine rankings in the future.