Best Title Companies 2026
Key Takeaways
- First American Title earns RE Report's 2026 Highest Rated designation with a score of 82/100
- First American Title scored highest in Coverage Area (88/100) and Fee Transparency (82/100) among all rated companies
- Fidelity National Title (80/100) holds the highest Coverage Area score at 90/100 as the largest title insurer nationally
- Three of five rated companies scored above the segment average of 76, with one below average
- Scores reflect AM Best financial strength ratings, BBB accreditation, consumer reviews, and regulatory filings
2026 Title Company Ratings at a Glance
| Company | Score | Best For | Closing Speed | Error Rate | Coverage | Designation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First American Title firstam.com |
82/100 | Best Overall | 80 | 78 | 88 | Highest Rated |
| Fidelity National Title fnf.com |
80/100 | Best for Coverage | 82 | 76 | 90 | Above Average |
| Old Republic Title oldrepublictitle.com |
78/100 | Best for Accuracy | 76 | 80 | 82 | Above Average |
| Stewart Title stewart.com |
77/100 | Best for Fee Transparency | 76 | 78 | 80 | Above Average |
| Chicago Title chicagotitle.com |
74/100 | Best for Legacy Markets | 76 | 72 | 82 | Below Average |
Last Updated: March 2026 · View Methodology
How We Score Title Companies
RE Report evaluates title companies across five equally weighted factors, each contributing 20% to the overall score:
Scores incorporate AM Best financial strength ratings, BBB accreditation and complaint ratios, consumer reviews, regulatory filings, and publicly reported data breach incidents. For full methodology details, see our methodology page.
How to Choose a Title Company
Selecting the right title company can affect both the cost and timeline of a real estate closing. While many buyers default to the title company suggested by their lender or agent, shopping around can reveal meaningful differences in fees, closing speed, and service quality across providers.
RE Report's analysis found that average closing times among rated title companies ranged from 28 to 33 days, a spread that can matter significantly for time-sensitive transactions. Buyers should request fee estimates from multiple title companies and compare total closing costs before committing to a provider.
Understanding Title Insurance
Title insurance protects property owners and lenders from financial loss due to defects in the title that were not discovered during the title search. Unlike other insurance that protects against future events, title insurance covers issues that already exist but were unknown at the time of purchase, such as undisclosed liens, forged documents, or errors in public records.
There are two types of title insurance: lender's policies, which most mortgage lenders require, and owner's policies, which protect the buyer's equity. Costs vary by state and property value, typically ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price. Some states regulate title insurance rates, while others allow competitive pricing between providers.
What Title Companies Do at Closing
At closing, the title company serves as a neutral third party that facilitates the transfer of property ownership. This includes conducting the final title search, preparing closing documents, managing escrow accounts, disbursing funds to all parties, and recording the deed with the local county office.
The quality of this process directly affects the buyer's experience. Companies with lower Error Rate scores are more likely to catch issues before closing, avoiding delays and post-closing disputes. RE Report's evaluation found that Error Rate scores ranged from 72 to 80 among rated companies, indicating meaningful variation in accuracy across providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a title company do?
Title companies verify property ownership, search for liens or encumbrances, issue title insurance policies, and facilitate the closing process. They protect both buyers and lenders from title defects that could threaten ownership rights after the transaction closes.
How are title companies evaluated by RE Report?
RE Report rates title companies across five equally weighted factors: Closing Speed, Error Rate, Fee Transparency, Coverage Area, and Customer Service. Each factor contributes 20% to the overall score. AM Best financial strength ratings and BBB accreditation are also considered.
Does it matter which title company handles closing?
Yes, the choice of title company can affect closing speed, costs, and the risk of title issues. Companies with lower error rates and stronger financial ratings provide more reliable protection. Fee differences between title companies can also amount to hundreds of dollars on a typical transaction.
How often are these ratings updated?
Ratings are reviewed annually during the RE Report evaluation cycle. Current ratings use data collected through March 2026. Mid-cycle adjustments may occur for significant events such as regulatory actions or financial strength rating changes.
What is the difference between a title company and title insurance?
A title company is the organization that performs the title search, facilitates closing, and issues the insurance policy. Title insurance is the product itself, which protects against losses from title defects discovered after closing. Most title companies both facilitate closings and underwrite or issue title insurance policies.
Can I choose my own title company?
In most states, the buyer or seller can choose the title company. However, local customs vary: in some markets the seller traditionally selects the title company, while in others the buyer chooses. Lenders may also have approved title company lists, though federal law prohibits requiring a specific company.
What is an AM Best rating and why does it matter for title companies?
AM Best is an independent rating agency that evaluates the financial strength of insurance companies. A higher AM Best rating indicates a stronger ability to pay claims. For title companies, this rating reflects the insurer's capacity to cover losses if a title defect results in a claim, which can involve significant amounts on high-value properties.
How much does title insurance cost?
Title insurance costs vary by state and property value but typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price. Some states regulate title insurance rates, while others allow competitive pricing. RE Report's Fee Transparency score evaluates how clearly companies communicate costs before closing.