“Consumers can check the Better Business Bureau, look at recommendations, talk to the Department of Insurance and Wealth—there are lots of ways consumers can vet an insurance company. It’s all about transparency now. There’s a lot of information online,” says John Arcidiacono, Stewart Title’s CMO.
Adds Clements: “Why shouldn’t consumers have the right to choose providers versus an intermediary broker or insurer if they’re the ones paying for the policy?”
Though the right to choose whether or not to purchase title insurance in the first place lies strictly in consumers’ hands, Arcidiacono still believes it’s a great chance for further education. “It’s a huge opportunity for the industry, and specifically Stewart, to educate customers so they can make an informed decision. What they select should be clear to them as well as why they’re making the decision.”
“What Stewart is trying to do is bring the consumer into the transaction earlier—invite them online, help with their experience, get educational materials out there for them if they’re a first-time homebuyer—so they know what happens when they get to the closing table and how much money to bring,” says Jennie Craig of Stewart Title. “We’re trying to build outward and invite our customers, REALTORS®, lenders, builders and consumers into the transaction so they can see exactly what’s happening and be a more informed and empowered consumer.”