County Clerk Russell told the Government Services Committee and attendees that a free deed-fraud alert service is available on the county clerk's website and urged residents to sign up to receive email alerts if someone attempts to transfer a deed or otherwise act on a property record.

Russell also warned that insurance lapses on vehicle registrations are a growing problem. He said lapses can trigger fines and, after 90 days, suspensions of vehicle registration and possibly the driver's license. Russell advised people who do not use email to provide a family member's or trusted person's email to receive alerts and recommended contacting the clerk's office or an insurance agent with questions.

A committee member asked for the initial daily fine amount for lapses; Russell said fines “start out at $8 a day” and explained that the system may forgive a first offense if corrected within the 90-day window but will lead to automatic suspension for a second offense. The clerk described how changing insurance companies can create a temporary electronic lapse if records are not updated, and that the clerk's office can correct the computer records when proof of continuous coverage is available.

Why it matters: residents who register vehicles in the county should maintain continuous insurance coverage on plates registered in their name to avoid fines, administrative suspensions and potential insurance consequences after a lapse.

What the county will do: Russell said his office will issue additional press releases about deed-fraud alerts and insurance-lapse reminders. He invited residents to visit the county clerk web page and to contact the office with questions.