Title insurance premiums rise to $4.5B in Q1

The title insurance industry generated $4.5 billion in premiums during the first quarter of 2026, an increase from $3.9 billion during the same period a year earlier, according to a new market share analysis released by the American Land Title Association (ALTA).

The industry also reported a decline in claims paid during the quarter.

Title insurers paid nearly $151 million in claims during the first three months of 2026, compared with approximately $161 million during the first quarter of 2025.

“Every real estate transaction represents a significant financial investment, and title professionals are working behind the scenes to ensure those transactions can close safely and securely,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The industry’s first-quarter results reflect the continued demand for the critical work title companies perform to identify hidden risks, prevent losses and protect property rights. Even as fraud threats and transaction complexity continue to increase, title professionals remain focused on delivering the certainty and peace of mind consumers, investors and lenders deserve.”

First American Title Insurance Co. held the largest share of the title insurance market during the quarter with 24.2% of premiums written. Fidelity National Title Insurance Co. ranked second with 13.9%, followed by Old Republic National Title Insurance Co. at 13.7%, Chicago Title Insurance Co. at 12.6% and Stewart Title Guaranty Co. at 11.3%.

Westcor Land Title Insurance Co. accounted for 4.7% of the market, followed by Title Resources Guaranty Co. with 3.3%, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Co. with 3.2%, WFG National Title Insurance Co. with 2.8% and First American Title Guaranty Co. with 1.4%.

Texas generated the highest volume of title insurance premiums during the quarter at $627.5 million, an 8% increase from a year earlier.

Florida followed with $493.4 million, up 10.1%, while California reported $370.9 million in premiums, a 15.3% increase.

New York generated $322.8 million in title insurance premiums during the quarter, up 18.7% from the same period last year.

Pennsylvania rounded out the top five states with $203.5 million in premiums, posting the largest year-over-year increase among the top states at 46.4%.

This article was generated using HousingWire Automation and reviewed by a HousingWire editor before publication.