What is an insurance agent authorized to do?

An insurance agent is primarily authorized to sell and service insurance policies on behalf of an insurance company. In the context of title insurance, an agent specifically has the authority to issue title work, which includes preparing and delivering title commitments, issuing title insurance policies, and facilitating the closing of transactions with respect to title insurance.

This role is crucial because it involves verifying the title status of a property, ensuring there are no outstanding liens, encumbrances, or other issues that could affect ownership. When an agent issues title work, they act as a representative of the title insurance company, ensuring all relevant information regarding the title is accurately accessed and provided to clients.

Other responsibilities, such as selling life insurance policies, conducting real estate closings, or underwriting insurance applications, are typically outside the scope of an insurance agent’s duties, especially in the specific realm of title insurance. These functions are often handled by other professionals within the insurance and real estate industries.