BT Life has been named “most recommended company” at the inaugural Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and Beddoes Institute Consumer Choice Awards, beating finalists OnePath and TAL.

It was also a joint winner – with OnePath – in the “honouring commitments” category, with TAL again a finalist.

BT also took the prize for best total customer experience, beating TAL and OnePath.

In the Policyholder Choice Awards, BT was named most trusted brand, while TAL won the value for money award and best new customer experience award.

In the Claimant Choice Awards, AIA won the return to health and wellness category along with BT, while BT and OnePath won the best application process award and best turnaround time award. BT won the best claims staff prize.

Life insurers needed at least 50 customer ratings to be eligible for the Policyholder Choice Awards or Claimant Choice Awards.

All claimants from participating companies in the previous year were invited to contribute, and 25-30% responded – about 1200 advised customers.