Ohio Title Agent Bond

An Ohio Title Agent Bond is a type of surety bond required by the Ohio Department of Insurance for any individual or entity that wants to operate as a title insurance agency in the state. It acts as a financial guarantee to protect consumers from financial losses due to theft, misappropriation, fraud, or any other mishandling of funds by the title agent. The minimum bond amount is $150,000 and the cost of the surety bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.

How to Get an Ohio Title Agent Bond

At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:

1. Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. ¹
2. Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day. ²
3. Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium

Once these steps have been completed, the Surety Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
^{1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.
2- Subject to underwriter approval, based on aggregate surety bond exposure, additional underwriting information may be required}

Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.

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Who Needs This Surety Bond?

In Ohio, any individual or entity that wants to operate as a title insurance agency needs an Ohio Title Agent Bond. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Independent title agencies: These are businesses that are not affiliated with a specific insurance company and offer title insurance from multiple providers.
• Title departments of real estate companies: Some real estate companies have their own internal title departments that handle closings and issue title insurance.
• Attorneys who handle real estate closings: If an attorney handles closings that involve the issuance of title insurance, they will need a title agent bond.

Here are some key points to remember:

• The bond requirement applies even if the title agent does not issue title insurance themselves, but handles escrow, settlement, or closing services for real estate transactions.
• The bond is not required for licensed agents who are employees of title insurance companies authorized to do business in Ohio, or for direct operations of such companies.

If you are unsure whether you need an Ohio Title Agent Bond, it is best to consult with the Ohio Department of Insurance

What does the bond do?

The Ohio Title Agent Bond serves two main purposes:

1. Protects Consumers from Financial Loss:

• The primary function of the bond is to act as a financial guarantee for consumers who use the services of a title agent. In the event that the title agent engages in theft, misappropriation, fraud, or any other failure to properly disburse settlement, closing, or escrow funds, the bond can be used to compensate the harmed parties.
• This protection is especially important in real estate transactions, where large sums of money are involved. If a title agent mishandles these funds, it can cause significant financial hardship for buyers, sellers, and lenders.

2. Ensures Compliance with Regulations:

• The bond also serves as a deterrent to misconduct by title agents. Knowing that they are financially responsible for their actions can encourage them to adhere to the regulations set forth in Chapter 3953, Title 39 of the Ohio Revised Code.
• These regulations aim to protect consumers and ensure the smooth operation of the real estate market. By requiring a bond, the state of Ohio incentivizes title agents to conduct their business ethically and responsibly.

In summary, the Ohio Title Agent Bond provides financial security for consumers and promotes ethical conduct within the title insurance industry.

If the surety company pays a claim on the bond, it will seek restitution from the bond principal (licensee).