IAG-owned New Zealand insurer AMI is considering closing seven retail outlets because customers increasingly prefer to contact the company using digital media.

The closures would still leave 51 AMI stores across New Zealand, making it the the largest insurance retail network in the country.

AMI reports strong growth in customer engagement via social media and its website, and says the phone remains a very popular means of contact.

“The number of customers visiting some stores has reduced significantly,” EM Retail Network Alex Geale said.

AMI is considering closing South Island stores at Alexandra, South Dunedin and Motueka, and North Island stores at Feilding, Hawera, Porirua and Thames.

Affected staff will be offered other employment.