The gala event celebrates ’the companies that have thoughtfully considered and actioned ways to iron out and improve claims processes and impacts,’ says Insurance Times editor
The best of the UK general insurance (UKGI) claims sector came together last night (22 May 2025) for a glittering evening of recognition and celebration at the 2025 Claims Excellence Awards, an Insurance Times event.
Held at the Royal Garden Hotel in London’s Kensington, the ceremony honoured individuals and teams that had gone above and beyond to improve customer outcomes, tackle fraud and deliver innovation across the claims lifecycle.
Actor and comedian Mathew Horne – best known for his role as Gavin from TV show Gavin and Stacey – hosted the event, which included a drinks reception, three course meal and an opening address from Insurance Times editor Katie Scott.
Scott praised the sector’s commitment to continual improvement. She said: “The Claims Excellence Awards is a one of a kind event that gives a well deserved pat on the back to firms and professionals that successfully navigate the complex web of claims processes – with sensitivity, speed and specialist knowledge.”
Notable accolades
Among the evening’s top accolades, Brit’s Marko Ninkovic, head of specialty claims, was named Claims Champion of the Year 2025 for leading a high risk salvage operation in a war zone, involving oil tanker MV Sounion.
Judges described Ninkovic’s nomination as “a phenomenal case study that read like a movie plot”, showcasing “exceptional specialist expertise from the outset”.
Meanwhile, Kes Earl, organised fraud intelligence investigator at law firm DWF Law, picked up the Young Achiever in Claims or Fraud award, with judges recognising her “demonstrable impact on mitigating claims fraud” and “proactive advocacy of inclusion”.
DWF Law added to Earl’s victory throughout the evening, securing award wins in the Claims Partner of the Year and Counter Fraud Initiative of the Year categories, as well as achieving two highly commended prizes.
Aviva took home the coveted Insurer of the Year title – sponsored by RDT – after being recognised for “unparalleled success across numerous areas and initiatives”, including technology development, customer satisfaction and counter fraud.
Scroll down for the full list of winners from the night:
Claims Achievement Award
• Brit.
Claims Champion of the Year
• Marko Ninkovic, head of specialty claims at Brit.
Young Achiever in Claims or Fraud
• Kes Earl, organised fraud intelligence investigator at DWF Law.
Claims Mitigation Strategy of the Year
• Quality Care Group.
Claims Partner of the Year
• DWF Law.
• Highly commended: ClaimSorted.
Claims Product of the Year
• Aviva and Acturis.
• Highly commended: Air Doctor.
Claims Service of the Year – Broker, Insurer or MGA
• Coalition.
Claims Service of the Year – Motor
• Innovation Group.
Claims Service of the Year – Service Provider
• Sedgwick Legal Services.
Claims Team of the Year – Broker or MGA
• Napo Pet Insurance.
Claims Team of the Year – Insurer
• RSA Insurance.
Claims Team of the Year – Service Provider
• Kennedys.
Claims Technology of the Year – Insurer
• NFU Mutual.
Claims Technology of the Year – Service Provider
• Ecliptic Technology.
Claims Training Excellence Award
• GHG Solutions.
Counter Fraud Initiative of the Year
• DWF Law.
Counter Fraud Team of the Year
• Aviva.
ESG Initiative of the Year
• Aviva.
• Highly commended: Ageas.
Excellence in Customer Care (sponsored by Arch Insurance)
• QuestGates.
Insurer of the Year (sponsored by RDT)
• Aviva.
• Highly commended: Hiscox UK.
Insurance Times congratulates all the winners and finalists of this year’s Claims Excellence Awards. Thank you to the event sponsors for supporting the celebration of claims excellence across the UKGI market.
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