There were significant gains for life insurance sales through banks during the second quarter of 2010, according to the quarterly Kehrer-LIMRA Bank Life Report.

This is the fifth consecutive quarter of increases for bank life insurance sales, according to a statement from the Windsor, Conn.-based company.

"With over $200 billion in sales last year, annuities are still far more prevalent in the bank world; however, life products are finally garnering the attention they deserve," said Scott Stathis, managing director of Kehrer-LIMRA.

There were 29 percent more life insurance policies purchased through banks during the first half of 2010 than there were during the same time period in 2009, according to a statement. During the first six months of 2010, banks experienced a larger percent growth in both premium and policy sales than any other channel that life insurance is distributed through.