What is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is different from other types
of insurance in that it protects you, the insured, from a loss that may
occur from matters or faults from the past. Other types of insurance
such as auto, life or health cover you against losses that may occur in
the future. Title insurance does not protect against any future faults.
Another difference is that you pay a one-time
premium. A title insurance policy will protect you from "risks" or
undiscovered interests.
There are two principal forms of title
insurance:
-
The lender's policy
-
The homeowner's policy
What is a Lender’s Policy?
A
lender’s policy protects the mortgage holder. If there is a fault in
title that results in a loss, the mortgage holder will be paid
back.
What is a Homeowner's Policy?
A
homeowner’s policy protects you, the purchaser, against a loss that may
occur from a fault in your ownership or interest you have in the
property. You should protect the equity in your new home with a title
policy.
What does a Homeowner’s Policy
provide?
Protection from financial loss due to demands that may
be charged against the title to your home, up to the cost of the title
policy. Payment of legal costs if the title insurer has to defend your
title against a covered claim. Payment of successful claims against the
title to your home covered by the policy, up to the cost of the policy.
There are many title insurance companies to choose from. Your attorney,
escrow company, or real estate agent should be able to help you make a
decision.