Five Percent Boost for U.S. Individual Life Premiums in 2nd Quarter '07

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Windsor, CT, September 4, 2007 — LIMRA International reports U.S. individual life insurance premium sales increased five percent in 2nd quarter 2007 resulting in a two percent increase for the first half of 2007 over 2006.

"We attribute the second quarter increase to recent product introductions, enhancements and streamlining," said Ashley Durham, LIMRA analyst for product research. "In addition, companies are focusing more on middle-market penetration and increasing service to distribution channels. Corporate– and bank– owned life insurance sales (of 200 lives or less) also fueled growth for some companies."

LIMRA also reports that total face amount in 2nd quarter rose by six percent over 2006, while the total number of new policies sold declined by one percent. Of the 78 companies in the survey, (which represent more than 75 percent of the industry), more than 50 percent increased their total life sales in the first half of 2007 compared with 2006, with two thirds of those showing double-digit increases. Only 15 percent of companies suffered double-digit declines.

Year-to-date sales of universal life (UL) and variable life (VL) grew by three percent and four percent, respectively, with variable universal life (VUL) decreasing by eight percent. Term life grew eight percent, and whole life grew five percent. Estimated industry premium market share (year-to-date) of each product shows 40 percent for UL, 13 percent for VUL, one percent for variable, 24 percent for term, and 22 percent for whole life.

Universal life continued to hold the lion's share of annualized premium through the first six months of 2007 at 40 percent and term tied its own record share of total annualized premium set at 24 percent in 2003.

About LIMRA International

LIMRA International is a worldwide research, consulting and professional development organization that helps more than 850 insurance and financial services companies in 73 countries increase their marketing and distribution effectiveness. Visit LIMRA International at www.limra.com.