There are really only 4 national underwriters now: Fidelity, First American, Stewart, and Old Republic.  Fidelity, Chicago, Commonwealth, Ticor, and LandAmerica (which was Commonwealth and Lawyers) are all really the same company now. 

For sometime now, the big underwriters have been culling their rosters of smaller independent title agents.  On one hand, I can understand the logic.  An agent brings with it the risk of claims.  If the agent is small, the underwriter may never reoup its costs of just one big claim.  However, in my opinion it would make more sense to focus on the agents experiences and practices, rather than merely their size.  I would much rather see the underwriters crack down on the agents who aren't following proper procedures and cull the "bad apples."

In any regard, you have a valid concern.  This means that there will be more big agents and fewer smaller ones.  The choices of consumers may become more limited and how does a new agent get started? 

The answer may lie in the regional underwriters.  They may be more likely to sign a small agent, or a new agent. 

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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