iSelect’s general insurance business recorded a solid performance in the year to June 30, to cushion the impact from subdued business in the life segment.

Improved conversion rates and a wider product offering, including car cover from Zurich and travel insurance from Fastcover and InsureandGo, lifted sales unit growth.

The general and life insurance business generated $9.87 million in insurance earnings before tax and interest, down 17% on the previous year. Operating revenue was flat at $32.62 million. “Operating revenue grew strongly in general insurance, producing a flat overall result after offsetting a decline in life insurance,” the comparator says.

iSelect does not give an earnings breakdown for general and life insurance, which improved its conversion ratio by 1.4 percentage points to 7.6%.

The comparator grew overall net profit by 27% to $16.4 million, and revenue improved 8% to $185.1 million.

“Our other segments, including life and general insurance, remain profitable, with solid growth in the car vertical across revenue, sales volumes and conversion rates, offsetting a challenging environment in the life vertical,” CEO Scott Wilson said.