CommInsure says severe weather in NSW and Queensland contributed to a general insurance operating loss of $19 million for the year to June 30.

This compares with an operating profit of $77 million the previous year.

Claims were up $108 million based on the five-year average of $44 million.

General insurance annual premium grew 5% to $693 million in the year to June 30.

New sales totalled $155 million, down from $168 million, while lapses were $199 million, up from $109 million.

CommInsure’s total operating income, including life insurance revenue, fell 10% to $636 million. Operating expenses were up 2% to $319 million. The business made a $316 million cash profit after tax for the year to June 30, down 16% on the previous year.