OFIR Orders Detroit-Area Man to End Unlicensed Title Insurance Sales

LANSING, Mich., May 25 -- The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issued the following news release:

The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) has ordered Southfield title insurance company, G.I.A.F., Inc., its vice president Charles Brian Lovejoy and several other company officers to cease and desist from the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of any line of insurance in Michigan.

Initiated by a closing agent complaint, OFIR conducted an investigation and found that Lovejoy, through G.I.A.F., sold a title insurance policy in Sterling Heights without a license.

"Selling title insurance in this state without a license is illegal," OFIR Commissioner Kevin Clinton said. "Consumers who were sold coverage by Lovejoy should call us immediately."

If Michigan consumers were sold coverage by Lovejoy and G.I.A.F, they are encouraged to contact OFIR toll-free at (877) 999-6442. To find out if an insurance agent is properly licensed visit: www.michigan.gov/ofir.

Failure to comply with OFIR's order could subject Lovejoy, G.I.A.F and other company officers to one or more of the following:

. A civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each knowing violation, not to exceed an aggregate civil fine of $250,000.

. Complete restitution to all persons in the state damaged by the violation.

A copy of OFIR's cease and desist order can be found at: www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/GIAF_Inc__Lovejoy_Stewart_The_Kaizer_Group_LLC__385607_7.pdf.

TNS cp -120526-JF78-3888931 StaffFurigay