California's elected Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and the California Land Title Association announced today the introduction of a first-in-the-nation website for consumers to shop online for title insurance. The new web portal is called Title Wizard. It can be found at the following websites: CA Department of Insurance, CA Land Title Association, and the author's blog under favorite links.

This new web portal enables consumers to shop for rates. According to Commissioner Poizner, "The CLTA has answered the call to develop a high-tech solution in a first step to infuse competition into the Title Insurance industry" because "too often, consumers have to rely on a middle man to select their Title Insurance. Now, consumers will be empowered to compare prices and services online with the touch of a button."

Along with offering consumers the ability to compare rates on nearly 100 title companies, Title Wizard also offers a consumer education center to inform homeowners on the closing process.

Congratulations California! First in the nation again!