THIS BULLETIN IS FURNISHED TO INFORM YOU OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS. AS A REMINDER, YOU ARE CHARGED WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTENT ON VIRTUAL UNDERWRITER AS IT EXISTS FROM TIME TO TIME AS IT APPLIES TO YOU, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER INSTRUCTIONS. OUR UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS DO NOT AUTHORIZE OUR ISSUING AGENTS TO ENGAGE IN SETTLEMENTS OR CLOSINGS ON BEHALF OF STEWART TITLE GUARANTY COMPANY. THIS BULLETIN IS NOT INTENDED TO DIRECT YOUR ESCROW OR SETTLEMENT PRACTICES OR TO CHANGE PROVISIONS OF APPLICABLE UNDERWRITING AGREEMENTS. CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY, OR NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION SHOULD NEVER BE SHARED OR DISSEMINATED EXCEPT AS ALLOWED BY LAW. IF APPLICABLE STATE LAW OR REGULATION IMPOSES ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, YOU SHOULD CONTINUE TO COMPLY WITH THOSE REQUIREMENTS.
Bulletin: NL000076
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Bulletin: NL000076
Dear Associates:
As an issuing agent for Stewart Title Guaranty Company ("STGC"), you are a limited agent for the purpose of issuing policies. Our agency relationship does not extend to accepting service of process or handling claims for STGC.
Lawsuits - Service of Process
In the event that a process server attempts to obtain service of process on STGC through your agency, you should decline service. It is important for you to impart this information to all associates, especially those who occupy your reception area. It is permissible to inform the process server that Stewart Title Guaranty Company may be served through its Senior Litigation Counsel at the following address:
National Legal Department
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
1980 Post Oak Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77056
In the event that someone at your agency mistakenly accepts service of process on behalf of STGC, you must fax all documents immediately to the Senior Litigation Counsel at (713) 629-2200, and then forward all documents (including the envelope) to the address above via overnight delivery.
Claims - Written Notice
Whenever your agency receives written notice - whether from an insured or someone other than an insured - regarding a potential claim involving an STGC insuring document, all information, including all correspondence should be directed via overnight delivery to the National Legal Department ("NLD") at the address above.
Claims - Oral Notice
Whenever your agency receives an oral report of a potential claim, you may use the attached form to notify the NLD, preferably by sending a fax to (713) 629-2200, or by overnight delivery to the NLD at the address above.
Your cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions,
please contact Scott McBee, Senior Litigation Counsel, or Patrick Thesing, Chief
Claims Counsel, in the NLD at (800) 729-1902.
ORAL NOTIFICATION OF CLAIM
PLEASE DELIVER IMMEDIATELY
TO: STEWART TITLE GUARANTY COMPANY
National Legal Department
FAX No. (713) 629-2200
Attn: Chief Claims Counsel
FROM:_____________________________________(Person Receiving Call)
_____________________________________(Agency Name)
Phone: _______________________________(Agency Phone Number)
This agency has received oral notice regarding a potential claim as follows:
Name of Caller:_________________________________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________________________
Name of Insured:_________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
State where property is located:_____________________________________________
Nature of Problem:_________________________________________________________
Order/Policy Number:_________________________________________________________
You may find this additional information on the conversation helpful:
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Important Note To Agent!
Please advise the caller of the following and check off:
___Your agency cannot make a determination as to coverage
___All inquiries should be directed to the National Legal Department of Stewart Title Guaranty Company at 1980 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, Texas, 77056; Phone: (800) 729-1902.
References
- Bulletins Replaced:
- Related Bulletins:
- None
- Underwriting Manual:
- None
- Exceptions Manual:
- None
- Forms:
- None