Garamendi Issues Cease and Desist Order Against TSI Title & Escrow

Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi issued a Cease and Desist Order to TSI Title & Escrow, Inc., a Stateline, Nevada corporation that has conducted more than $860,000 in title insurance business in California without a proper license from the California Department of Insurance. An investigation between June 30, 2003 and November 23, 2005 by CDI found that TSI Title & Escrow Inc. repeatedly violated California’s insurance code by operating as an underwritten title company without holding a license from the California Insurance Commissioner.

“My Department will not tolerate the unauthorized and unlicensed transaction of title insurance business in this state,” said Insurance Commissioner Garamendi. “I will continue to vigorously pursue any company that attempts to operate without a license—including those companies that operate across state lines—in order to protect our consumers.”

The Cease and Desist Order also names United General Title Insurance Company, d.b.a. United Independent Title Insurance Company, William E. Moulton, Rita McEwing, RR Title & Typing Service, and Ron Reis for aiding and abetting TSI Title & Escrow, Inc. The transactions totaled $861,851 in unauthorized title insurance coverage on properties located in the counties of El Dorado and Placer, and the company collected premiums totaling $35,525. The investigation revealed that TSI Title & Escrow, Inc., William E. Moulton, Rita McEwing, RR Title & Typing Service, and Ron Reis prepared over 119 title reports on behalf of United General Title which in turn issued the title insurance policies.

The CDI urges all consumers to visit the Department’s Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov or contact the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP to verify the license of a company or agent/broker before entering into an insurance transaction.