Title insurance is little understood by most consumers. In fact, a recent survey by the American Land Title Association revealed that most home buyers think of title insurance as “just another fee” they have to pay to buy a home. They don’t really know what it does, or how it protects them.

A major reason for this is that buying a home has become a rather complex process. There are so many details to take care of that most people rely on the person handling the sale to take care of them—typically their real estate agent. They trust their agent to know the process and do what is required, including ordering services like the appraisal, home inspection, and title work. Since the buyer isn’t directly involved, they may not be knowledgeable about what many of these services entail.

What is Title Insurance?
An Owner’s Policy of title insurance assures that the home you are buying is free of issues that could cloud the title. Prior to issuing the insurance policy and before you close, title professionals conduct an exhaustive search to check for liens, encumbrances, easements, and other problems that could affect the status of the title. If a problem is discovered, title professionals typically take care of it, or notify you so that you can make an informed decision. If a title defect covered under the policy isn’t discovered until after you close, the insurance kicks in to cover your losses.

What are some typical problems that might cloud a title? There may be a lien on the property for unpaid property taxes by the previous owner, or a mechanic’s lien by a subcontractor who performed work on the property and was never paid. Other examples include a prior unpaid mortgage, or covenants and restrictions on the use of the property.

Sometimes there are problems that go undetected during the title search, such as fraud or forgery, a mistake in the public record, or an unknown heir claiming ownership. If this occurs, you would file a claim with your title insurance company.

The truth is, claims are rare in the title insurance business because of the due diligence that is performed before the policy is issued. Most of the premium dollar goes to pay for the upfront costs of performing the title search, and clearing up title issues before you close.

Understand Your Coverage

Title insurance is more than “just another fee”–it provides real protection should something happen to threaten the title to your home. Talk to your title representative to find out what is and isn’t covered in your title insurance policy.

For peace of mind, make sure you fully understand your coverage before you close.