For most consumers, buying a home is their largest investment. It only makes sense to have this investment adequately insured. Title insurance is NOT homeowner’s insurance. Title insurance is an indemnity contract between the insured (titleholder) and the insurer (Title Company). This policy protects the titleholder from loss or damage sustained as a result of the title being other than is represented in your Owner’s Title Insurance Policy. Title insurance affords protection from past events, which may or may not be revealed in the public records, but can adversely effect a new owner’s interest.

For a one-time premium, an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy is the greatest protection against countless potential title defects that can occur when purchasing real estate. While not an exhaustive list, the following are examples of some common defects:

• Forgery
• Fraud in connection with the execution of documents
• Undue influence on a grantor or executor
• Inaccuracies made by purported owners of the property
• Undisclosed or missing heirs
• Dower rights of ex-spouses of former owners
• Wills not properly probated
• Incorrect legal descriptions

A title examination can reveal title defects and liens, as well as, other encumbrances and/or restrictions, conditions and easements limiting the use of the land. An Owner’s Title Insurance Policy insures that if a defect in the property title occurs, you, as the property owner, is defended against all covered claims contained in the Title Insurance Policy. Although the premium for this coverage is paid just once, at the closing of the real estate transaction, title insurance continuously protects the while the owner retains title to the property.