Title insurance industry reports best quarter on record

ByMargie D. Moore

Apr 1, 2022 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The American Land Title Association observed a 32.5% calendar year-over-yr enhance in title insurance top quality volume for the duration of the third quarter of 2021 in accordance to ALTA’s Market Share Investigation, released on Thursday.

During Q3 2021, the title insurance coverage field created $6.8 billion in title coverage premiums, marking the industry’s ideal quarter on file.

Just about every point out aside from Oregon, which observed a miniscule .7% year-in excess of-12 months lessen, saw an boost in volume as compared to the exact same time interval final 12 months.

The 5 states with the major year-around-year improves in title premium volume in Q3 ended up Texas (37.7%), California (23.9%), Florida (49.1%), New York (52.1%) and Pennsylvania (35.8%). The similar five states held the top spots in the course of the next quarter of 2021.

Overall running revenue for the industry was up 53.3% in the third quarter as opposed to a year ago, while functioning charges had been also up 29.7%. Decline and loss adjustment expenses were being down 10.7% 12 months-more than-calendar year.


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Through the initial 9 months of 2021, premium volume was up 43.7% to $19 billion, in comparison to $13.3 billion for the duration of the initial nine months of 2020. The industry has compensated out $352.5 million in promises for the duration of the initially a few quarters this 12 months, in contrast to $347.8 million in claims in the 1st three quarters of 2020.

The top rated underwriters in Q3 of 2021 by market share bundled Very first American Title insurance plan Co., with 20.7%, Outdated Republic National Title Insurance Co., with 14.8%, Chicago Title Insurance policy Co., with 14.1%, Fidelity Nationwide Title Insurance policy with 13.5% and Stewart Title Warranty Co., with 8.2%.

It must be mentioned, nevertheless, that Chicago Title is component of Fidelity, which ended 2020 as the premier firm by share of rates prepared, with 33.9% of the sector.

At the shut of 2020, Initially American’s industry share was 23.3%, while Old Republic’s was 15% and Stewart’s was 9.6%.

In the 3rd quarter, Westcor Land Title Insurance policy Co. commanded 5.9% of market share, superior for sixth Commonwealth Land Title Insurance plan Co. experienced 4.% WFG Nationwide Title Insurance plan Co. had, 2.7% Title Resources Warranty Co. was ninth with 2.4% and North American Title Insurance coverage Co. experienced 2.1%

“Not only are ALTA customers dealing with report volume, but title sector specialists go on to assistance enrich the buyer practical experience to make the settlement procedure extra effective,” ALTA CEO Diane Tomb claimed in a assertion. “ALTA users are main the way to assist make authentic estate transactions electronic and much more obtainable. As technological innovation automates and digitizes sure procedures of the genuine estate transaction, ALTA users go on to produce a valuable provider and insurance coverage product. When a lot quicker turnaround moments are sought after, getting it right and carrying out crucial duties in the settlement system and issuance of title coverage to meet up with buyer demands will keep on being paramount.” 

While these quantities all paint a promising picture for the market, the title sector is nonetheless grappling with a lot of sizeable challenges, which include a talent crunch and antiquated engineering.