Title insurers posted strong premium growth during the second quarter, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) said Wednesday.
Carriers generated $5.3 billion in total premiums, up more than 17% from the $4.5 billion generated in the first quarter and during the same period a year ago, the trade group reported.
Over the first two quarter of 2026, title insurance premium growth is up more than 16% from the first half of 2025. Amid a sustained decline in residential property sales, “continued growth in commercial real estate transactions” was cited as driving the growth.
“As communities across the country invest in manufacturing, industrial facilities and other major developments, title insurance remains a vital part of the process,” Chris Morton, CEO of ALTA, said in a press release.
Commercial and multifamily loan originations recorded annual growth of 16% during the second quarter, according to Mortgage Bankers Association data. Industrial properties saw 38% growth over the quarter, while the office sector posted 23% growth in originations.
Paid claims rose from April through June, however, after decreasing during the first three months of the year. Carriers paid about $176 million in claims in the second quarter, roughly 16% higher than the $151 million in the first quarter.
The increase translated to a slight year-over-year decline in paid claims during the first half of 2026, which eased to $327 million from $336 million during the first half of 2025.
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ALTA also said Wednesday that total operating income across the title insurance industry was up nearly 3% on an annual basis during the second quarter. The trade group noted that the results supported a “strong financial position,” with total sector assets of $12 billion, a statutory surplus of $5.4 billion and statutory reserves at around $5.8 billion.
The five largest individual underwriters maintained their dominant market share in the very concentrated title insurance sector, collectively generating more than 76% of all premiums during the second quarter.
First American Title Insurance saw its market share ease slightly over the quarter, falling to 23.3% from 24.2% during the first quarter. Fidelity National Title Insurance, the second largest title insurance underwriter in the U.S., grew its market share to 15.8% in the second quarter from 13.9% in the first quarter.
Meanwhile, Chicago Title Insurance market share grew to 13.2% in the second quarter. Old Republic National Title Insurance and Stewart Title Guaranty rounded out the top five individual underwriters with 13.1% and 10.9% market share, respectively.
Texas, Florida, California, New York and Ohio had the largest volumes of title insurance premiums generated during the second quarter.
More than $736 million in premiums came from Texas, up almost 10%. Florida accounted for approximately $618 million in second-quarter premiums, reflecting a 15% rise, while California generated nearly $464 million, up about 13%.
