Stewart Title to begin paying customer refunds

Stewart Title Insurance of California Inc. became the first of six title companies to notify homeowners that it is making refunds as the result of a consumer protection lawsuit settlement.

The firms agreed in October to make more than $40 million in refunds to settle a suit alleging deceptive advertising and unfair business practices regarding their escrow accounts.

In a legal notice published Friday in major newspapers in California, Stewart Title and its affiliates -- Stewart Title Guaranty Co. and Stewart Information Service Corp. -- said they will refund a total $2.425 million to eligible customers who sold, purchased or refinanced residential property (one to four units) in California where the companies acted as an escrow agent and/or title insurer between May 19, 1995, and Oct. 2, 2002.

For information regarding refunds, call (800)404-7157 or visit caag.state.ca.us/consumers/alerts/stewarttitlerefund.htm.

Fidelity National Title Co., Chicago Title Insurance Co., First American Title Insurance Co., Commonwealth Land Title Insurance and Lawyers Title Insurance Co. are expected to notify customers later this year.