Glenda, did you actually get the $400 fee reduced?  Unfortunatley, before I saw this post, I already faxed pymt. I crossed out the public awareness  & MERS fees and just paid the 400 bucks.  And to Jamie, I see no benefit in being a member of ALTA, other than the E & O.  Even with the dues, the insurance premium for $1M was quite a lot cheaper than other companies I got quotes from.   And it seems to be good coverage.  Keep in mind, I am an independent abstractor, so what is good for me, may not be good for yourself!  I don't have employees, offices, much overhead.  I think ALTA is geared more to large companies/lawyers etc., rather to an independent like myself.  I will be joining NALTEA with the hope that this organization will  benefit me as an individual doing work that I really like--title searches!