New Zealand insurer Asteron Life paid $NZ112 million ($102 million) in claims benefits last financial year, according to an update from the Suncorp-owned business.

About $NZ53.5 million ($48.7 million) went to life insurance, $NZ34.1 million ($31.09 million) to trauma cover and $NZ24.4 million ($22.3 million) to monthly income protection policyholders.

Asteron Life says accidental injuries “contributed significantly” to monthly income and trauma cover claims.

Customers who claimed monthly income or income protection benefits had an average age of 45 for women and 44 for men.