NRMA remains top of the heap in Australia’s list of the top 20 private sector general insurers. The list, compiled by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu using APRA returns and insurers’ own figures, reveals with startling clarity how the “big five” are beginning to accelerate away from their smaller rivals.

Suncorp/AMP is close behind, with an estimated annual gross premium revenue for 2000 of $1.9 billion ­– just $600,000 behind NRMA.

The acquisition of Fortis in Australia sees CGU moving up to third place, with an estimated gross premium revenue of $1.6 billion. Fourth is Royal & SunAlliance at $1.4 billion, and QBE takes fifth spot with $1.08 billion.

Allianz struggles to hold on to the field with an estimated gross premium revenue of $814 million, followed a long way behind by Zurich at $549 million.

The rest of the rankings are: ING, AIG, Lumley, RACQ, Wesfarmers, RACWA, Ace, Gerling, Commonwealth, United Medical Protection, Chubb, Westpac and Catholic Church Insurance.