Looking back at the Insurance choice awards 2025

In 2025, the Insurance choice awards took place at the Plaisterers’ Hall in the heart of London. Previously, we’ve hosted the awards in some of the capital’s most iconic locations, including The Underglobe and Banking Hall. Naturally, the question on our minds was, would the Plaisterers’ Hall live up to the standard? 

The answer was a resounding yes! With its historic charm and warm atmosphere, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening celebrating the achievements of the companies who took part. From the moment guests stepped inside, the atmosphere was buzzing.

Welcome drinks and early excitement

As the evening kicked off, we welcomed back long-standing attendees and companies participating for the first time. Drinks and conversations flowed as colleagues, friends, and fellow finalists caught up. Meanwhile, our photographer Marcus Harvey expertly circled the room snapping photos of everyone in their glad rags. 

Dinner and opening words

After making their way to their tables, guests were greeted by Smart Money People’s CEO Jacqueline Dewey, who set the tone for the night with her welcome address. Jacqueline reminded everyone that unlike other awards, tonight’s winners are voted for by their own customers, making each achievement even more meaningful.

Next, guests settled down to a beautifully presented dinner. All three courses were beautifully presented (not to mention delicious). My personal highlight was dessert – a decadent dark chocolate tart. Throughout the meal, anticipation built as everyone waited for the winners to be announced.

Presenting the awards

Then came Simon Evans. One of the UK’s most respected comedians, Simon hosted our eleventh British bank awards in May, so we knew everyone was in for a treat. Could he deliver again? Absolutely. Yet again, he had the whole room in stitches with his brilliantly comedy timed set.

Next up, the moment everyone had been waiting for. The winners’ reveal. As host, Simon kept the evening flowing with energy and humour, celebrating finalists, highly commended companies and our winners! It takes some doing to present 20 awards and make it look easy – but he did just that.

Customer driven recognition

The highlight was witnessing just how much these awards meant to the companies themselves. With over 50,000 customer reviews deciding the outcomes, the awards truly reflect real experiences and feedback. 11 new companies were crowned winners, and nine retained their titles from 2024, demonstrating both innovation and consistent excellence in customer service.

Final thoughts

The Insurance choice awards 2025 reminded us all why we look forward to this event every year. It’s a chance to celebrate excellence, connect with peers, and reflect on the real impact these companies have on their customers.

We’re already excited for next year’s awards campaign, and can’t wait to see which companies will rise to the challenge next.

Want to take part and be recognised in 2026? As well as the Insurance choice awards, Smart Money People runs the British bank awards and Consumer credit awards. To learn more, head to our dedicated awards website.