About $14.85 billion of premium was invoiced by general insurance intermediaries in the December half, up from $13.67 billion a year earlier, according to a regular update from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

The figures were based on data from 1662 intermediaries in operation during the six months to December 31.

APRA says some $11.86 billion of the invoiced premium was placed with general insurers authorised to operate here, $1.93 billion with Lloyd’s underwriters and $1.06 billion with unauthorised foreign insurers (UFIs).

In the UFI space, fire and industrial special risk (ISR) made up 54% of premium invoiced, at $572 million. Invoiced premium for risks grouped in the “other direct classes” category amounted to $187 million, or 18%, while business for marine and aviation came in at $29 million or 3%.

The average premium for a new or renewed fire and ISR policy was about $860,000.

Singapore-based UFIs had the largest share of business with invoiced premium of $448 million, followed by the UK at $246 million. Continental Europe placed third, on $135 million, followed by Bermuda ($110 million) and UFIs grouped in “other countries” ($75 million).