CommInsure says income declined 12.7% to $438 million in the year to June 30 as income protection claims grew to $143 million from $78 million the previous year.

However, it recorded lower group life insurance claims and higher premiums in New Zealand.

Life insurance inforce premium was $1.7 billion, down 12%, with sales of $226 million for the year. Lapses totalled $430 million.

Policy payments and commissions totalled $3.8 billion, up from $3.3 billion.

In a briefing to investors, Commonwealth Bank says it plans to enhance its tele-interviewing for direct life cover.