Title insurance is INSURANCE... if you have a loss because of a covered event they pay your defense costs and compensate you for any loss that may be incurred.  Buying a certified copy from National Deed Service is just that... a certified copy. 

Even in the wake of hurricane Katrina, I am not aware of a single person who lost legal title to their home from the records being lost or destroyed.  Around here, our Recorders offices stored micro-film copies of the documents off-site.  Since they began imaging, there is always a duplicate copy of the images at another location.  I don't have a certified copy of my deed and I don't loose any sleep over it.  Because I know its recorded... I don't fall for the con-men's fear mongering. 

Marketing may create a need, but when it goes so far as creating an unrealistic fear its just plain unethical.  They are misleading the pubic into thinking that paying such a ridiculous fee will protect them and that's just not true.  They prey on the fears of those who don't know any better.

As for marking up wholesale prices... an 1,700% markup is unconscionable.  Combine that with a service that adds virtually no value and doesn't provide the security that their ads lead you to believe you are purchasing - they should just be ashamed of themselves. 

If your grandmother received an e-mail solicitation from National Deed Service, would you recommend to her to pay them $89 for a certified copy of her deed?  I sure wouldn't... I'd tell her the same thing I have already said here - ITS A RIP-OFF!

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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