First American Title Insurance Company is the principal subsidiary of The First American Financial Corporation, a truly diversified real estate-related financial services company
First American Financial Corporation, one of America’s oldest and largest real estate-related financial services companies, celebrated its centennial in 1989. The tale of its progress from a one-county abstract company to the industry leader is truly a success story. The First American Financial Corporation traces its roots to 1889 when what was then rural Orange County, California, split off from the county of Los Angeles. At that time, title matters in the brand-new county were handled by two firms—Orange County Abstract Company and Santa Ana Abstract Company. In 1894, C.E. Parker, a local businessman, succeeded in merging the two competitors into a single entity, Orange County Title Company, the immediate predecessor of today's First American Title Insurance Company.

During its early years, the company’s growth paralleled that of Orange County. In 1924, it expanded upon its abstract business by issuing title insurance policies and providing escrow and other real estate-related services. The company’s growth was modest but steady and it earned a reputation for diligence, thoroughness and friendly, personal service.

In 1963, D.P. Kennedy, grandson of C.E. Parker, became the company’s fourth president. Six years previously, the company had embarked on an expansion program with the intent of becoming a major force in the flourishing Southern California real estate market.

The company took a new name, First American, and expanded the geographic scope of its operations. In 1968, Kennedy oversaw the restructuring of the firm into a general holding company, The First American Financial Corporation, conducting its title operations through First American Title Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. Existing title and abstract companies were purchased. New offices were established. Agency contracts were negotiated. In a well-planned and managed expansion program, First American built an organization that serves every region of the country.

Today the company operates through a network of more than 300 offices and 4,000 agents in all 50 states. And it provides title services abroad in Australia, the Bahamas Islands, Canada, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom.

While expanding dramatically, First American has managed to avoid many of the problems often associated with growth through acquisition. Regional management is allowed to operate with a maximum of autonomy. The red tape and ponderously slow decision-making that can bog down large corporations is noticeably absent from First American's operations.

At the same time, the company’s large size allows it to provide services a smaller firm cannot. For example, since 1980 First American’s National Accounts Division has provided single-source title services to major corporations whose real estate ventures cross state or regional lines. More recently, First American Financial has added companies which provide additional services for our customers such as tax reporting, credit reporting, flood compliance, property information and home warranties.

First American’s business practices are a blend of the newest techniques and technologies with the old, tried and true ways of providing personal service. The critical ingredient in the company’s formula for success is people. First American has a unique blend of talented people—experienced title experts, knowledgeable title attorneys and friendly, helpful staff—who produce consistently excellent work and consistently happy clients.

Now in its second century, First American is still headquartered in Santa Ana, in a building just steps from the site of its first offices. Its founding family continues to direct operations. Its reputation for excellent work and conscientious service is not only intact, but has been enhanced. It has revenues nearing $3 billion. And it continues to grow.

A policy of title insurance is an insured statement of the condition of ownership of real property. Generally, policyholders are purchasers of real property or lenders whose security is real property. In the event of a lawsuit questioning the terms of a title policy, the title insurance company provides legal defense for the policyholder and, if the suit is lost, pays all valid claims or losses up to the amount of the policy. All of this protection and security is available for a one-time premium.

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