Business Details
28 Years
experience
Expert Mortgage & Protection Advisors in Stevenage
Established over 25 years ago, The First Choice Insurance Consultants has built a reputation as a trusted provider of mortgage and protection advice in Stevenage. Our team of fully qualified, FCA-regulated advisers specialises in tailoring financial solutions to meet individual client needs, from first-time buyers to property investors. We operate independently, offering unbiased advice across the entire mortgage market while prioritising transparency and client education. Our longevity in the industry reflects our commitment to maintaining high professional standards and delivering consistent, reliable service. We focus on long-term client relationships, ensuring our advice aligns with both immediate requirements and future financial goals.Our expertise extends beyond mortgages to include comprehensive protection planning, helping clients safeguard their financial wellbeing. As an FCA-authorised firm, we adhere to strict regulatory standards, providing clients with additional assurance of our credibility. Our office in Old Stevenage serves as a hub for personalised financial guidance, supported by a complaints procedure and access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. We maintain partnerships with major lenders while remaining free from exclusive ties to any single provider. This independence allows us to offer truly tailored recommendations, whether clients require residential mortgages, buy-to-let financing, or commercial lending solutions.
Services
Mortgage Advice
Protection Planning
Life Insurance
Critical Illness Cover
Income Protection
Family Income Benefit
Relevant Life Cover
Business Protection
Bridging Loans
Equity Release
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of local financial advisory experience
- FCA-regulated independent mortgage brokerage
- Fully qualified professional financial advisers
- Tailored recommendations across entire market
- Transparent fee structure with prior agreement
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Clear and concise advice
Extremely happy with mortgage advice
Patient and understanding guidance
Helped secure required mortgage
Smooth application process
Services
Mortgage Advice
We provide independent mortgage advice tailored to individual circumstances. Our FCA-regulated advisers help first-time buyers, home movers, and investors navigate residential and buy-to-let financing options. With access to the entire market, we identify competitive rates and suitable terms while explaining all associated risks.
Life Insurance
Our life insurance solutions offer financial protection for dependants. We advise on lump sum and income-based policies that can clear mortgages or provide ongoing support. Policies vary in coverage terms, so we explain options to ensure appropriate protection levels for each client's situation.
Critical Illness Cover
We arrange critical illness cover that pays out on diagnosis of specified conditions. This protection helps maintain financial stability during health crises by covering treatment costs and income loss. We explain policy terms to ensure clients understand covered conditions and payout structures.
Income Protection
Our income protection policies replace a portion of earnings during illness or injury. We help clients select appropriate coverage levels and deferment periods to balance premium costs with financial security needs. This ongoing income support helps maintain living standards during unexpected work absences.
Business Protection
We advise on business protection strategies to safeguard companies against financial disruption from key personnel loss. Our solutions include relevant life plans and partnership protection arrangements that ensure business continuity while providing tax-efficient benefits for employees and owners.
People
Darren Groves
Director, Professional Financial Adviser
With over 25 years in financial services, Darren leads our advisory team. He specialises in mortgage solutions and protection planning, maintaining FCA-regulated qualifications. His expertise ensures clients receive compliant, tailored financial guidance while overseeing the firm's regulatory compliance.
Steve Bunyan
Professional Financial Adviser
Steve provides expert mortgage and protection advice, drawing on extensive industry experience. He focuses on understanding client needs to recommend suitable financial solutions. His FCA-regulated qualifications ensure adherence to professional standards when advising residential and buy-to-let property clients.
Questions
Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?
Yes, we are FCA-authorised under reference 583219. This regulation covers our mortgage and protection advice services provided to UK consumers.
What mortgage types do you advise on?
We cover residential mortgages, buy-to-let loans, commercial mortgages, bridging finance, and equity release schemes. Our independent status allows access to the entire market.
How do protection policies work?
Protection policies provide financial security through life insurance, critical illness cover, and income protection. We explain different policy terms to help clients choose appropriate coverage for their circumstances.
Can you help first-time buyers?
Yes, we specialise in assisting first-time buyers with low deposit mortgages and flexible financing options. Our advisers explain all requirements and help complete applications smoothly.
What happens if I miss mortgage payments?
Mortgages are secured against property, so missed payments risk repossession. We explain these risks clearly and help clients choose affordable repayment structures during the advice process.
