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20 August 2008 - Market statistics for life insurance at the end of June 2008, released by the Investment Savings and Insurance Association, recorded an increase of 9.6% in the total premiums paid for inforce life policies from $1.35 billion to $1.48 billion over the past year.

Premiums paid on risk products, the largest product sector, recorded 11.9% growth from $1.135 billion to $1.27 billion for the year ended 30 June.

"The huge success of KiwiSaver attracting over 750,000 savers should also provide a trigger for New Zealanders to assess their life insurance cover, particularly for families. Individuals should take the opportunity to ensure that they have adequate cover against premature death and also protection of their ability to work and earn an income. Becoming unable to work through long term illness or disability will throw any well planned savings programme off course, but this can be easily protected. Income replacement insurance is one of the fastest growing insurance products", said Vance Arkinstall.

The market share of total premiums of the leading companies has remained relatively consistent over the past 12 months with Sovereign 29.4%, AXA (NZ) 14.4%, AMP 13.7%, Asteron Life 8.5% and AIG 6.2%, holding the leading positions.

The table of top 10 life insurers based on total premiums follows: In Force Policies as at 30 June 2008 Traditional, Risk, Group

Company Total Inforce Annual Premiums $000 Market Share % Sovereign 434,481 29.4 AXA 212,926 14.4 AMP 201,950 13.7 Asteron 126,298 8.5 AIG Life 91,820 6.2 Tower NZ 76,369 5.2 Westpac Life 68,452 4.6 Fidelity 64,958 4.4 CIGNA Life 57,491 3.9 ING Insurance Services 48,576 3.3 BNZ Life 48,561 3.3 During the year ended 30 June 2008, Life Insurance Companies paid out $425 million (last year $412m) in death claims, a further $209 million ($211m) in maturities and a $202m ($200m) in other benefits including income replacement claims and surrender values. In total, life insurance companies have returned $936.7 to support the families and dependents of their policyholders which is a significant contribution to the NZ economy.