More Details on Supporting Your Title Business and Real Estate Practice - August 17, 2023

Dear Agents,

We are reaching out with another reminder about exciting changes. 

September 1, 2023 - Rebrand: ATG officially becomes Advocus National Title Insurance Company.

New Name, Same Values, Same Team: Our new name allows us to expand into other U.S. markets. We will continue to serve you and support your title business and real estate practice as we always have.

Our team of title and closing professionals, improved systems, and new solutions on the horizon are all great news for agents. Check the information below, especially items marked NEW. Be sure to scroll to the end to view the updated Title and Closing Services information.

	"New name, same values, one company. We will always prioritize high-quality personalized service to you and your clients."

CHANGING

Website | Our current site will point to a bridge website on 9/1/23. The bridge site, advocus.com, will contain new content and links to existing content. You will still be able to access tools, forms, information, articles and other features on atgf.com as we migrate that content over time.

Email Addresses | All email addresses (individuals and services) will have the @advocustitle.com domain. Our @atgf.com email addresses will forward.

STAYING THE SAME

Great Service | We remain committed to our core mission of serving and supporting your title business and real estate practice!

Convenient Office Locations | Look for new signage at ATG and NLT locations starting this fall. 

Wire Instructions | As always, direct customers to our wire instructions on the ATG-soon-Advocus website. No changes to account numbers, but transactions scheduled on or after 9/1/23 will be through the new Advocus name.

HOW AGENTS CAN GET READY - NEW Information Since August 1, 2023, Agent Support Update

NEW Transaction and Policy Forms | Regarding title commitments, policies, closing statements, closing protection letters, wire instructions, and all documentation relating to transactions:

Files opened on or after September 1, 2023 - Will reference our new name, Advocus National Title Insurance Company (Advocus), in all documentation. Agents will issue Advocus commitments and policies, packages will include Advocus closing documents.

Files opened prior to September 1, 2023, but closing after September 1, 2023 - Will reference Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG) in documentation relating to the transaction but will be insured by Advocus (formerly ATG) because policies will be issued after 9/1/23. The following endorsements will be available at that time:

• Change of Name Endorsement – Commitment (Advocus Form #2193-COM)
• Change of Name Endorsement – Policy (Advocus Form #2193-POL)

Files opened and closed before September 1, 2023 with ATG forms: Issue ATG policies and endorsements as you are doing now. You do not need to issue Change of Name Endorsements with ATG policies if the date of policy is prior to 9/1/23.

NEW Forms in Title Production Software | Look for updates in the next several days about accessing updated insurance and transaction forms in REsource, RamQuest, and SoftPro. For agents who use other title production systems, our rebranded forms will be available on our website after 9/1/23. Other details:

• While we are formally implementing Advocus forms starting 9/1/23, we understand our traditional agents will need additional time to implement Advocus forms in their title production systems.
• Short implementation delays are expected in any conversion process. Traditional agents may continue to use ATG commitment and policy forms during this transition period, as long as the applicable Change of Name Endorsements (see above, available on our website starting 9/1/23) are issued with the ATG forms.
• Note: The Change of Name Endorsements are not approved for use in Florida or Texas. In those states, continue to issue ATG policies along with a cover letter explaining the name change for policies issued after 9/1/23.

NEW Change of Name Notice Letters and Addendum | Starting 9/1/23, use these resources to send to lenders and customers who have questions about our name change. (They will be available on our website.) If there are questions sooner than 9/1/23, contact the Legal Department at legal@atgf.com.

Escrow Accounts | You are not required to use our name on your escrow account, but if you do, please add to the account, Agent of Advocus National Title Insurance Company, for transactions on or after 9/1/23. 

NEW As recommended by ALTA Best Practices, the following should match: underwriter name on DFI registration, how you issue policies, your checks, and your listing with your E&O coverage. Consistent information will also help ensure successful lender-vetting. 

Brochures and Flyers | Do you use our informative brochures and flyers to help explain the buying/selling process and title insurance to clients? Look for Advocus downloads on our website after 9/1/23. 

Agent of... Window Static for Display | Your Account Executive will send or deliver a new Advocus version in September or October!

Questions? If you have transaction-related questions about our name change, please feel free to contact the Legal Department at legal@atgf.com (use @advocustitle.com after 9/1/23) or 800.252.0402. We welcome your feedback on how we can continue to make your experience with us one that serves you and your clients well into the future.

We look forward to continuing our long and fulfilling relationship with all of you as we transition into this new and exciting phase.

Peter Birnbaum 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Email

About the Rebrand New name, same values: Advocus honors our past, embraces the future, and allows us to expand into other U.S. markets with the same values that have driven our Midwest success. Get the story behind the name in our short video with a snappy tune — check it out!

[Last update: 8.29.23]