Steve:  I agree with your take that this type of title examination is short changing the consumer.  In PA, we have regulated rates.  The consumer pays the same amount for an owner policy issued by a "chop shop" or a traditional expert title agent.  I've discussed this at length with our regulators.  "Chop shop" agents argue that the consumer still has a policy, but having an policy and living through a claim versus vetting title and correcting problems before vesting are two different things.

We don't have legislation governing search parameters in PA but the insurance department relies upon the underwriters to publish guidelines and monitor their agents.