(a) In addition to other investments eligible under this article, a title insurer may invest and have invested an amount not exceeding 50 percent of its paid-in capital stock in its abstract plant and equipment and, with the Commissioner's consent, in stocks of abstract companies.

(b) Investments authorized by this Code section shall not be credited against the insurer's required unearned premium or guaranty fund reserve provided for under Code Section 33-10-10.