Best Practice Implementation Resources 

ALTA is developing various tools and tips to help members implement components of the Best Practices. Here's a compilation of resources to help you get started organizing your efforts to meet the Best Practices.

• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Map
  State insurance departments are a good source for company and agent licensing information.
• Title Insurance Regulatory Survey
  ALTA compiles details on state laws relating to the licensing and operating requirements of title insurers, title agents, abstracters, and escrow and closing agents.
• Policy Forms Licensing
  Any issuing agent of title insurance is required to hold a license for the continued use of ALTA’s policy forms. Cost of a Policy Forms License is $195. Membership with ALTA includes a Policy Forms License for no separate cost. Policy Forms Licensing FAQs

Procedures and controls for escrow trust accounts

• ALTA’s Standards Procedures and Controls
  ALTA created this guide to act as minimum internal control procedures that should be implemented within each title company to insure the acquisition or transfer of property is handled with a maximum degree of efficiency, security, and safety.
• Download an ALTA Title Topics webinar addressing  various procedures that title professionals should implement to protect escrow/trust accounts
• Escrow Accounting Procedures Course
  This is an online self-study course which can be completed in approximately two hours.
• Finding Solutions to Protect Escrow Funds

Security plan to protect non-public personal information

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Data Security Best Practices:
  Rules and guides for businesses of any size.
• FTC Privacy Initiatives:
  A comprehensive listing of compliance resources, including Data Security, from the FTC, categorized by line of work.
• FTC Guidance for Mobile Apps on Privacy and Truth-in-Advertising Laws:
  An overview of existing laws and FTC policy, and includes a number of “general guidelines” that mobile app developers should consider.
• FTC: Avoid ID Theft:
  Detailed information to help consumers deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
• FTC Data Security Best Practices:
  Free resources to help businesses securely collect, keep, and dispose of sensitive personal information of customers or employees in their files.  

• Better Business Bureau Code of Business Practices
  A portion of the BBB code advises companies to handle consumer complaints by being responsive and addressing marketplace disputes quickly, professionally and in good-faith.

Contact Government Affairs Staff

Steve Gottheim
ALTA's Legislative and Regulatory Counsel
sgottheim@alta.org
202- 296-3671 Ext. 230