An ongoing insurance bid-rigging saga continues to plague global broker Marsh and insurer AIG after the launch of a US lawsuit last week.

A US District Court writ lodged by commodity producer Seaboard Corporation alleges the broker engaged in business steering and bid-rigging in a case dating back to before 2004.

The lawsuit against both Marsh and AIG alleges the companies conspired to rig insurance bids, forcing Seaboard to pay higher premiums.

Seaboard wants to recover $US66 million ($72 million) in premiums in addition to several million dollars in consulting fees.

Four years ago parent company Marsh & McLennan paid $US850 million ($922 million) to settle then New York Attorney-General Eliot Spitzer’s investigation into contingent commissions.

Seaboard opted out of a resultant Marsh restitution fund, instead electing to file an individual suit against both Marsh and AIG.

The company cited the extent of Marsh’s unlawful conduct and the volume of commissions paid as reasons for the individual suit.