Maintain and enhance the integrity of the title insurance profession. Integrity entails two components: The first is honesty and candor, which may not be subordinated to personal gain or advantage. The second is a prohibition against fraud.

Engage in practices which will further the interests of the public and the title industry.

Treat fellow title insurance professionals and consumers with dignity, courtesy and respect; and maintain a spirit of professionalism.

Comply with all governmental laws, rules and regulations applicable to title insurance, as well as this Code of Ethics and Conduct. If a title insurance professional is unsure of whether a contemplated action is permitted, the title insurance professional should consult with the appropriate resource expert.

Refrain from any form of retaliation against a title insurance professional who, in good faith, reports any conduct or activity that the title insurance professional reasonably believes violates any law, rule or regulation applicable to title insurance, or this Code of Ethics and Conduct, even if the subject conduct does not actually violate the law.

Refuse to participate or engage in any real estate transaction or business arrangement where a conflict of interest exists, including when a title insurance professional and/or a title insurance professional’s family member or firm has a present or contemplated interest unless such interest is specifically and timely disclosed and consented to by all affected parties.

Refuse to participate in any agreement or arrangement, whether oral or written, that results in the payment to a person of any commission, rebate or other thing of value received or provided in exchange for a referral or reward of title insurance business which violates any state, federal and/or local laws.

Act with the care, competence and diligence that a prudent professional would exercise when examining titles to real property; issuing title commitments and title policies; and providing requested ancillary services (duty of care).

Competence incorporates knowledge and skill. In the event a title insurance professional is confronted with a matter which the title insurance professional is not sufficiently competent to address, such title insurance professional must gain the competence, obtain assistance or refer the consumer to a competent professional with the required expertise. A title insurance professional should always strive to keep abreast of the latest developments in the title industry and promote the continuing education of title insurance professionals and consumers.

Diligence requires providing professional services, including responding to consumer inquiries, in a prompt and thorough manner.

Engage in marketing activities which are informative and facilitate the educated selection of the title services provider that best fits the consumer’s needs.

When providing title insurance, the title insurance professional must disclose the nature of the services and products provided, including ancillary services; the costs of these services and products; and the types of additional costs that the consumer may incur in the consummation of the real estate transaction.