New business growth in both life and general insurance policies has helped send Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) premiums up nearly 4% to $1.56 billion.

The company last week released second-quarter insurance results amid a wider trading update.

It said group general insurance premiums increased 5% during the quarter to $360 million, while retail life premiums climbed 3.7% to $697 million.

Wholesale life premiums increased 2.8% to $435 million, while wealth and insurance subsidiary St Andrew’s contributed $68 million.