Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 18 - Insurance, Department of
Rule 18.05.01 - RULES FOR TITLE INSURANCE REGULATION
Section 18.05.01.021 - TITLE INSURANCE AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES ACTING AS ESCROW AGENTS

Universal Citation: ID Admin Code 18.05.01.021

Current through August 31, 2023

01. Written Instructions. An escrow agent will not accept funds or papers into escrow without dated written instructions signed by the parties or their authorized representatives adequate to administer the escrow account and without receiving, at the time provided with the escrow instructions, sufficient funds and documents to carry out terms of the escrow instructions. Funds and documents deposited will be used only in accordance with such written instructions. If additional instructions are needed, the agent will obtain the consent of both parties, their representatives to the escrow or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction at the expense of the escrow parties. (3-31-22)

02. Notice of Conflict of Interest. An escrow agent will act without partiality to any of the parties to the escrow. An escrow agent cannot close a transaction where he has, directly or indirectly, a monetary interest in the subject property either as buyer or seller. If an escrow agent has a business interest in the escrow transaction other than as escrow agent, the relationship or interest will be disclosed in the written escrow instructions. After noting such interest, an additional statement will appear as follows: "We call this interest to your attention for disclosure purposes. This interest will not, in our opinion, prevent us from being a fair and impartial escrow agent in this transaction, but you are, nevertheless, free to request the transaction be closed by some other escrow agent." (3-31-22)

03. Closing Statement. On completion of an escrow transaction, the agent will deliver to each principal a written closing statement signed by the agent of each principal's account. The same will show all receipts and disbursements. Any charge made by and disbursements to the escrow agent will be clearly noted. A copy will be retained. (3-31-22)

04. Control of Funds. An escrow agent will maintain one or more trust accounts in a federally insured financial institution into which all escrow funds received will be deposited and from which there will be drawn escrow payments. No other funds will be commingled with such trust account. Escrow fees will not be drawn until the escrow is completely ready to close in accordance with the escrow instructions and will be withdrawn not later than the day on which the final disbursements are made for the escrow closing. (3-31-22)

05. Escrow Accounting Procedures. An escrow agent will maintain on a current basis (a) an escrow ledger with a separate numbered sheet for each escrow agreement and (b) an escrow liability control account. Disbursements will be posted from checks or other vouchers and each item, not the total of items, will be entered. Escrow liability control account will balance with the escrow ledger at all times and will equal the balance of funds in the trust accounts for escrows at the bank. Checks cannot be drawn against an escrow account without sufficient credit balance for the particular escrow existing at the time. Funds will not be transferred between escrow agents except by writing checks and receipts which are charged and credited respectively to accounts with the reason noted and the authority therefor. All services will be performed and the escrow account ready to close before any service or escrow fees may be charged and drawn from an escrow account (unless an escrow is a long term collection, and fees are payable monthly or annually). The escrow funds will be placed in the trust accounts for escrows and no other funds commingled therewith. All entries in any escrow account will be posted the date of the entry without regard of the date of posting, but all entries will be posted daily. (3-31-22)

06. Escrow Records. Each escrow agent will maintain in each escrow transaction: (3-31-22)

a. Evidence of all funds received including copies of all instruments, which will include prenumbered cash receipts, copies of cashier's checks, wire transfer confirmations or evidence of unconditional payment of checks, as applicable; (3-31-22)

b. Complete evidence of all funds disbursed which will include check stubs or check copies, and wire instructions for all disbursements as applicable; and (3-31-22)

c. A final ledger sheet for each escrow transaction listing all items received and disbursed. All records will be available for audit, inspection and examination by the Director upon demand, and all records will be preserved for not less than six (6) years from the closing date of the escrow. (3-31-22)

07. Bond. Before a license will be issued to a title insurance agent, such agent will comply with the requirements for a bond pursuant to Section 41-2711. Such bond may be in the form that continues from year to year until canceled. In lieu of a bond, cash or securities as herein defined may be deposited with the Director of Insurance. The Director of Insurance approves the following securities which are eligible for deposit in place of the bond: Cash in the form of a cashier's check, any public obligation as defined in Sections 41-707 and 41-708, Idaho Code, and the assignment of any savings deposits or certificates of deposit as defined in Section 41-720, Idaho Code. In each case, such deposit will be accompanied by a statement that such deposit is made to meet the compliance of Section 412710, Idaho Code, and may be liquidated to meet the obligations of said section. Said cash or security in lieu of the bond will be deposited with the director pursuant to Section 41-804, Idaho Code, except that the cash will be deposited with the state treasurer for the account of the bond of said depositing agent. (3-31-22)

08. Cancellation of Bond. A title insurance agent's bond may provide for cancellation thereof upon notice of not less than thirty days to the Insurance Director and to the licensed agent. Upon such notice being received, the licensed title insurance agent will provide a new bond in place thereof before the cancellation of the current bond, and in the event of failure to do so, the license of the title insurance agent will be deemed suspended on the date of the expiration of such bond, and until a replacement bond has been issued and delivered to the Director of Insurance. (3-31-22)

09. Disbursement of Funds or Documents From Escrow -- Requirement for Collected Funds. (3-31-22)

a. Notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, no disbursement of funds or delivery of documents from an escrow for recording or otherwise may be made unless the escrow contains a credit balance consisting of collected funds, other than funds of the escrow agent or its affiliates, sufficient to discharge all monetary conditions of the escrow. The requirement of collected funds does not apply to collection or long term escrows. (3-31-22)

b. Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 021, an escrow agent may advance its own funds in an aggregate amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1000) to pay incidental expenses incurred with respect to the escrow. (3-31-22)

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Idaho may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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