Australia: Aviva named `2005 Risk Company of the Year`

Aviva Australia has been awarded Money Management DEXX&R `Risk Company of the Year` for 2005.

Judged by a panel of life and risk insurance advisers, the award measures competitors across a range of features included in term, trauma, total and permanent disability (TPD), disability income and business overheads insurance.

Speaking about the award, Aviva chief operating officer Grant Salmon said he was delighted Aviva Protection has been formally recognised by industry experts: "Over the past twelve months, Aviva has introduced a range of product enhancements which we know have been a big factor in differentiating the Aviva Protection offering ahead of its competitors. We have also recently improved our processes to ensure we are backing our product offering with customer service which is timely and helpful as well as underwriting that is transparent and consistent.

"As a result, we know from speaking with advisers the Aviva Protection product enhancements have been greeted with enthusiasm and are making it easier for them to sell our products. This award helps to confirm our feedback from advisers and reflects evidence from our sales figures which show we are making a tangible impact on the risk and income protection market", said Grant.

The Money Management DEXX&R `Risk Company of the Year` award also recognises Aviva's unique upgrade guarantee which last year saw more than 300,000 existing policies upgraded to include new features such as the reduction from six to three months for TPD payouts. Other enhancements include an increase in the maximum term illness benefit from $1 million to $2 million.

Aviva was also the winner in the category of Term and TPD Product ahead of MLC for Life Cover Standard and Tower for Life Protection Plan.

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For further information, please contact:
Simon Morgan
Aviva Australia
(03) 9829 8892 or 0407 9666 32

Notes to editors:

• Aviva Australia is a group of two specialist financial services companies: Navigator and Norwich Union Life Australia Ltd. Portfolio Partners is the Australian funds management arm of Aviva plc. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
• Globally, Aviva Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world’s fifth largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
• Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$78.6 billion, and more than A$645 billion of assets under management (as at 7July 2005). The group has more than 60,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide.
• The information in this document reflects Navigator Australia Limited's ('Navigator’) understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person and it is not a substitute for professional advice. Applications to invest in a financial product issued by Navigator, or any of its related entities, must be made by completing the application form attached to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement ("PDS"). A PDS is available from Navigator or your financial adviser. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the information above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the information is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. Aviva does not receive any remuneration in relation to the provision of information available from this press release which is of a general nature only.