What is Title Insurance

Real Estate has always been considered an individual's most valuable asset. For most people, it is the most expensive and important investment they will make in their lives. Because it is such an important factor in our society, it is granted unique treatment under the law.

When you purchase a home or other real estate, what you actually acquire is title to the property, rather than the land itself. Your title encompasses ownership, use and possession of the land. However, title to property may be limited by rights and claims asserted by others.

Problems with title can limit your use and enjoyment of real estate, and have negative financial consequences. Title defects also threaten the security interest your mortgage lender holds in the property.

Protection against hazards of title is available through a unique coverage known as title insurance. Unlike other kinds of insurance that focus on possible future events and charge an annual premium, title insurance is purchased for a one-time payment and is a safeguard against loss arising from hazards and defects already existing in the title, with extended coverage available to cover certain future events, as well.

Owner's vs. Lender's Insurance

There are two basic kinds of title insurance; Owners coverage and Lenders (or mortgagee) protection. Owners title insurance ordinarily is issued in the amount of the real estate purchase and may last forever, even after the insured has sold the property, depending on the type of owner's policy.

By contrast, the amount of lenders title insurance necessary decreases and eventually disappears as the loan is paid off. Most lenders require mortgagee title insurance as security for their investment in real estate, just as they require fire insurance and other types of coverage as investor protection.

Elimination of Risk...

An integral component of title insurance is its emphasis on risk elimination before insuring. This assures that the policy holder has the best possible chance for avoiding title claim and loss.

Title insuring begins with a search of title records- stored at the company's "title plant"-for matters affecting the title to the real estate concerned. The examination of evidence from a search is intended to fully report all material objections to the title. Frequently, instruments that don't clearly pass title are found in the title "chain" (or history) of ownership assembled from the records in a search. These need to be corrected before a clear title can be conveyed.

Some examples of instruments that can present concerns are:

• Outstanding mortgages, judgments and tax liens
• Deeds, wills and trusts that contain improper vestings and incorrect names
• Incorrect notary acknowledgments
• Easements

Through the search and examination, title problems like these are disclosed so they can be cleared up whenever possible. But even the most careful investigation cannot locate all hidden defects of title.

Hidden Defects - Dangerous Consequences!

In spite of all the expertise and dedication that go into a search and examination, hidden defects can emerge after completion of a real estate purchase, causing an unpleasant and costly surprise.

Some examples include...

• Previously undisclosed heirs with claims against the property
• A forged deed that transfers no title to real estate
• Instruments executed under expired or fabricated power of attorney
• Mistakes in the public records

Title insurance offers financial protection against these and other hidden defects of title through negotiation by the title insurer with third parties, payment for defending against an attack on title as insured, and payment of claims.

Insist on Title Insurance

Thanks to title insurance, home buyers can enjoy protection against many title claims and potential losses. When title insurance is provided, lenders are willing to make mortgage funds available in geographical areas where they know little about local market conditions.

Title insurance policies offer unique safeguards that are essential for secure investment by both real estate purchasers and lenders. Make sure you are fully protected. Insist on title insurance.