Senn Claims Power To Shut Title Company

Washington Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn on Friday rebutted a state lawmaker’s contention that she had no authority to shut down Spokane County Title Co.

Senn said her office has “broad authority” over any service, including real estate closings, that Washington insurers provide.

Rep. Todd Mielke, R-Spokane, challenged Senn on Wednesday, saying the commissioner did not have the authority to suspend Spokane County Title Co. because alleged abuses were found in the company’s escrow operations.

“It’s pretty clear we have jurisdiction in this case,” said Senn, who was in Spokane to attend the annual meeting of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council.

Senn last month ordered Spokane County Title to stop transacting title insurance for six months, saying the company used predatory pricing for real estate closings that drove three competitors out of business. About 20 escrow offices currently do business in Spokane.

The suspension of Spokane County Title was delayed this week when the company demanded a hearing on the matter, which will be held in four to five months.

, DataTimes