Do I need an Owners Title Insurance Policy?
Most definitely! Title Insurance is a means of protecting yourself from financial loss in the event that problems develop regarding the right to ownership of your property. There may be hidden title defects that even the most careful title search will not reveal. In addition to protection from financial loss, Title Insurance pays the cost of defending against any covered claim.
How will Owners Title Insurance protect me?
Some common examples of problems covered by an Owners Title Policy include:
- Improper execution of documents
- Mistakes in recording or indexing of legal documents
- Forgeries and fraud
- Undisclosed or missing heirs
- Unpaid taxes and assessments
- Unpaid judgments and leans
- Unreleased mortgages
- Mental incompetence of grantors on the deed
- Impersonation of the true owners of the land by fraudulent persons
- Refusal of potential purchaser to accept title based upon condition of title
What can make the Title to my home defective?
When you purchase your home, you take title to your property. Any number of problems that remain undisclosed after event the most meticulous search of public records can make a title defective. These hidden defects are dangerous indeed because you may not learn of them for many months or year. Yet they could force you to spend substantial sums on a legal defense and still result in the loss of your policy.
How much does Title Insurance cost?
The one-time premium is directly related to the value of your home. Typically, it is less expensive then your annual auto insurance. It is a one-time only expense, paid when you purchase your home. Yet it continues to provide complete coverage for as long as you or your heirs own property.