Some of CATIC’s competitors have sent out national bulletins or notices regarding gap coverage that have created confusion for our agents here in Florida.
Florida Statute 627.7841 mandates that title insurers insure against “adverse matters or defects in the title which are recorded during the period of time between the effective date of the commitment and the date of recording of the document creating the estate or interest to be insured [the gap], except as to matters of which the insured has knowledge.”
As a result, CATIC has always insured the gap in Florida, and its policy forms do not even include a standard gap exception.
With the potential for County Recorders’ offices closing due to COVID-19 concerns or precautions, the question has arisen whether gap coverage is authorized by CATIC should access to title information become unavailable or agents be unable to record documents as necessary. Fortunately for us in Florida, access to title information is available online in most cases, and documents can be recorded electronically in most counties. As a result, we do not anticipate any interruptions to the availability of title information or the ability to record documents as necessary.
However, should such access and ability become unavailable, CATIC continues to expressly authorize its agents to issue title policies insuring the gap.
We will continue to provide you with the information and authority you need to be able to serve the needs of your clients and customers. If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Boyd, at
dboyd@catic.com
or 772.284.6612
