May 17, 2023

0 comments

In this comprehensive article, readers will learn about the importance of title insurance when purchasing real estate. The article covers the definition, purpose, benefits, limitations, and various types of title insurance policies available.

It delves into common types of title insurance claims, such as undisclosed liens, boundary disputes, errors in public records, forgery and fraud, and easement issues, and their impact on property ownership. The article also guides readers through the process of filing a title insurance claim, including identifying title problems, notifying the insurance company, and supporting the claim with documentation.

Furthermore, the article outlines preventive measures to avoid common title issues and emphasizes the importance of working with experienced professionals and maintaining accurate records. In summary, this article is a thorough guide to understanding and handling title insurance matters in real estate transactions.

Understanding Title Insurance

Title insurance is a form of indemnity insurance that primarily focuses on real estate properties. It plays a crucial role in the property buying process, providing both the buyer and the lender with protection against potential disputes or hidden defects in the title of the property. In this section, we discuss the purpose of title insurance, its benefits and limitations, and the different types of title insurance policies available in the market.

Definition and Purpose of Title Insurance

At its core, title insurance is a policy that safeguards the legal and financial rights of an individual or a lending institution involved in a real estate transaction. It provides coverage against defects or encumbrances on the property’s title that may not have been discovered prior to the policy’s issuance.


The central purpose of title insurance is to protect parties from potential risks or problems that may arise due to existing issues with the property, such as liens, encroachments, or even fraudulent conveyances. These problems can result in significant loss or damage to the new owner, hampering their rights to ownership or possession of the property.

The process typically begins with a title agent or attorney researching and examining historical records related to the property to identify possible red flags or discrepancies. If the property is deemed insurable, a title insurance policy is issued, providing the involved parties with the necessary protection.

Benefits and Limitations of Title Insurance

Title insurance offers several key benefits, making it an indispensable component of the property-buying process:

1. Protection against financial loss: Title insurance protects the buyer or the lender from potential financial losses resulting from claims or disputes over the title of the property.

2. Coverage for legal expenses: In the case of a legal conflict, the title insurance policy covers the cost of defending the policyholder’s legal rights.

3. One-time premium: Unlike other types of insurance that require periodic premium payments, title insurance only requires a one-time premium payment at closing, providing coverage for the entire duration of the policyholder’s ownership of the property.

4. Peace of mind: By identifying potential title issues prior to closing, title insurance provides the buyer with increased confidence and assurance in their investment.

However, there are some limitations to title insurance:

1. It does not cover defects or issues arising after the policy’s issue date or unknown defects that were not discovered during the title search.

2. Title insurance does not guarantee that any potential issues will be resolved in favor of the policyholder or that the policyholder will not face financial losses in case of a dispute.

3. Some types of claims, such as environmental or zoning restrictions, may not be covered under title insurance policies.

Types of Title Insurance Policies

There are two main types of title insurance policies: owner’s title insurance and lender’s title insurance.
1. Owner’s Title Insurance: This policy protects the buyer against potential claims or disputes regarding the property’s title. It provides the buyer with financial compensation for any losses suffered due to title defects discovered after the policy’s issuance. Owner’s title insurance is typically optional and paid for by the buyer. It remains valid as long as the buyer or their heirs have an interest in the property.
2. Lender’s Title Insurance: This policy protects the lender’s financial interest in the property, shielding them from potential losses resulting from title defects. Lender’s title insurance is usually mandatory for borrowers obtaining a mortgage and is paid for by the buyer. The coverage declines as the mortgage is paid down and expires once the mortgage is fully paid off.


In conclusion, title insurance serves as an essential tool for property buyers and lenders, providing them with protection against potentially costly disputes and title defects. By understanding its purpose, benefits, limitations, and the types of policies available, individuals can better navigate the process of buying a property with increased peace of mind and assurance.

Common Types of Title Insurance Claims

Undisclosed Liens

An undisclosed lien is when a claim or legal right against a property is not disclosed or discovered during a title search. Liens typically arise from unpaid debts, such as unpaid taxes or unpaid contractors, which become attached to the property. If left unresolved, these liens can make it difficult or impossible for a property owner to sell or refinance their property.

Types of Liens

Liens can take many forms, with some of the most common types including:

1. Mortgage liens: When a homeowner takes out a mortgage, the lender places a lien on the property to secure repayment of the loan.

2. Tax liens: These are placed on a property by local, state, or federal governments when the owner has unpaid taxes.

3. Mechanic’s liens: Contractors or suppliers who have not been paid for their work or materials provided can file a mechanic’s lien against the property.

4. Judgment liens: These liens arise from an unpaid judgment from a court case.

How Liens Affect Property Ownership

The presence of a lien can significantly affect a property owner’s rights and ability to sell or refinance their property. When a lien is attached to a property, it usually must be satisfied or removed before the property can be sold or transferred. This means that the property owner may need to pay off the lien or negotiate with the lien holder to have it removed. In some cases, a property may need to be sold to satisfy the lien, meaning the owner could lose their property due to the lien.

Boundary Disputes

Boundary disputes occur when two or more property owners disagree on the location of their common property line. These disputes can arise from various sources, such as errors in previous surveys, encroachments by neighboring owners, or ambiguities in legal descriptions.

Causes of Boundary Disputes

Some common causes of boundary disputes include:
1. Inaccurate or outdated surveys: A previous survey of the property may have contained errors or relied on old information, leading to incorrect boundary lines.

2. Ambiguous legal descriptions: The written descriptions of the property’s boundaries in deeds or land records may be unclear or open to interpretation.

3. Encroachments: A neighboring property owner may have built structures, such as fences or buildings, that cross the property line.

Resolving Boundary Disputes

Resolving boundary disputes typically involves obtaining a new survey of the property, reviewing the legal descriptions, and negotiating with the neighboring property owners. In some cases, property owners may need to seek legal assistance to resolve the dispute and protect their property rights.

Errors in Public Records

Public records are the official documents that record information about property ownership, liens, easements, and other property-related matters. Errors in these records can lead to title defects, which can impact a property owner’s ability to sell or refinance their property.

Types of Public Record Errors

Errors in public records can include:
1. Incorrect or missing information: The records may contain inaccuracies, such as incorrect owner names, legal descriptions, or lien information.

2. Clerical errors: Mistakes made by record-keepers during the recording process, such as misspellings or incorrect document references.

3. Unrecorded documents: In some cases, important documents, like deeds or releases of liens, may not have been recorded in the public records, leading to gaps in the property’s chain of title.

Impact of Errors on Property Ownership

Errors in public records can make it difficult for property owners to prove their ownership, sell their property, or obtain financing. Title insurance can help protect property owners in these situations, providing coverage for legal expenses and potential losses that may result from title defects caused by errors in public records.

Forgery and Fraud

Forgery and fraud in real estate involve the use of false or altered documents to deceive others, usually with the intent to gain financially. These acts can significantly impact a property owner’s rights and may result in losses or legal challenges.

Examples of Forgery and Fraud in Real Estate

Some common examples of forgery and fraud in real estate include:

1. Forged deeds or mortgage documents: An individual may forge a deed or mortgage document to transfer ownership of a property or obtain a loan without the actual owner’s knowledge or consent.

2. Fraudulent impersonation: A fraudster may pretend to be the property owner or another party involved in a real estate transaction to deceive others and gain financial benefits.

3. Concealment of material facts: An individual may intentionally withhold important information about a property, such as existing liens, defective title, or other issues, to induce another party to enter into a transaction.

Impact of Forgery and Fraud on Property Ownership

Forgery and fraud can create significant problems for property owners, including financial losses, legal challenges to their ownership, and difficulty in selling or refinancing their property. Title insurance can help protect property owners from these issues, providing coverage for losses resulting from forgery and fraud in connection to the property’s title.

Easement and Right-of-Way Issues

Easements and rights-of-way are legal rights granted to others to use a portion of a property owner’s land for a specific purpose. These rights can affect a property owner’s use and enjoyment of their property, as well as their ability to sell or refinance the property.

Definition of an Easement

An easement is a legal right granted to another party to use a portion of a property owner’s land for a specific purpose, such as accessing a neighboring property, installing utility lines, or maintaining a shared roadway. Easements can be temporary or permanent, and can be granted through written agreements, recorded in public records, or acquired through long-term use.

How Easements Affect Property Ownership

Easements can impact a property owner’s ability to fully use and enjoy their property, as they may restrict certain activities or limit the owner’s control over the portion of the property subject to the easement. Additionally, the existence of easements may affect a property’s value and marketability, as potential buyers may be deterred by the restrictions imposed by the easements.

Title insurance can help protect property owners from losses related to undisclosed or unknown easements, providing coverage for legal expenses and potential damages resulting from easement-related disputes.

Filing a Title Insurance Claim

Title insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects property owners and mortgage lenders against any loss or damage due to defects in the title to a property. Filing a claim can seem daunting, but by following a few key steps and understanding the process, you can ensure that your rights are protected.

Identifying a Problem with Your Title

The first step in filing a title insurance claim is identifying a problem with your property’s title. An issue with the title can include:

  • An ownership dispute, where another party claims they own your property
  • Unpaid taxes, liens, or other financial encumbrances
  • Errors or omissions in deeds or other legal documents
  • Fraudulent or forged documents
  • Unknown or missing heirs

If you are not sure whether there is an issue with your title, consult with a real estate attorney or a title insurance agent for advice. Conduct a thorough search of the property records to ensure that you have a complete and accurate understanding of the title’s history.

Notifying Your Title Insurance Company

Once you have identified a problem with your title, it is crucial to notify your title insurance company as soon as possible. Delaying this action can negatively affect your claim. Most title insurance policies contain specific provisions regarding the timeframe and the manner in which the insurer must be notified.

Review your policy and determine the appropriate method for submitting your claim. This may include writing a letter or sending an email to the claims department. Include relevant information such as:

  • Your policy number
  • A detailed description of the title issue
  • Copies of any relevant documents, such as letters from a claimant or a notice of a lien
  • Contact information for any relevant parties, such as your attorney or the party asserting the claim

Documenting and Supporting Your Claim

While notifying your title insurance company, it is important to document and support your claim with as much evidence as possible. This may include:

  • Property records or title reports indicating the issue with your title
  • Affidavits, depositions or expert opinions supporting your ownership rights
  • Correspondence with any other parties involved in the dispute

Compile a comprehensive and organized file to share with your title insurance company, including all the relevant documents as mentioned above. This will help your insurer better assess the claim, determine appropriate action and work more efficiently to resolve the dispute.

Resolving Title Issues

After filing your title insurance claim, the insurer will investigate the issue and determine the best course of action for resolution. The process for resolving the issue can vary, but common solutions include financial compensation and legal defense.

Financial Compensation

In some cases, your title insurer may determine that financial compensation is the best way to resolve a title defect. This may involve paying you the policy limits (the amount you paid for the property), providing funds to clear liens or satisfy other financial encumbrances or compensating you for any actual loss you suffered as a result of the title issue. The specific terms of your policy will dictate the extent of financial compensation provided.

Legal Defense

If a third party is asserting a claim against your property, your title insurance policy may include coverage for legal defense costs. In this instance, your insurer will either hire an attorney to defend your rights or reimburse you for legal fees incurred. If your case goes to court, your insurer will work with your attorney in negotiating settlements or preparing for trial.

In conclusion, knowledge of the claim process and maintaining clear communication with your title insurer can ensure your claim is handled efficiently and effectively. Remember to identify title problems, notify your insurer promptly, and provide supporting documentation. Resolving title issues can seem challenging, but with the assistance of a title insurance company, you can take the necessary steps to protect your investment and your rights as a property owner.

Preventing Title Insurance Claims

Title insurance is a form of indemnity insurance that protects against financial loss due to defects in a property’s title, liens, or other issues related to its ownership. By taking preventive measures, property owners can reduce the likelihood of needing to file a claim on their title insurance.

Conducting Thorough Title Searches

A title search is a critical step in the property purchasing process, as it helps uncover any potential issues with the property’s history and ownership. The search should be thorough to identify any errors, fraud, or undiscovered liens on the property.

It is essential to request a title search report from a reliable title company, which will provide a detailed history of the property, including any issues discovered during the search. The report will uncover recorded liens, easements, encumbrances, and other items related to the property. Carefully reviewing this report can help address any concerns and resolve any discovered issues.

Organizing a thorough title search is essential to avoid potential title insurance claims. It is a critical step to ensure a smooth and safe property transaction and provides the buyer with the necessary information to make an educated decision about the purchase.

Understanding the Limitations of Title Insurance

Title insurance policies generally offer protection against defects that exist at the time of the policy’s issuance. However, the policy may not cover future events, such as boundary disputes or forged documents after the policy’s effective date. Therefore, understanding the scope and limitations of the coverage before purchasing a policy is crucial.

Some of the common exclusions of title insurance include unrecorded liens, zoning and building ordinance violations, rights of parties in possession, and disputes over property boundaries. Knowing these limitations can help the buyer take preventive actions, such as ordering a professional survey of the property to identify potential boundary issues, which might be excluded from the title insurance coverage.

Working with Experienced Professionals

An essential preventive measure is hiring competent and experienced professionals, such as real estate attorneys, title companies, and escrow agents, to ensure a smooth property transaction. These professionals can help identify potential title problems and address any issues that could lead to title insurance claims.

A skilled real estate attorney can review the property’s legal documents, guide the buyer through the escrow process, and help settle any disputes that may arise. Experienced title companies have the expertise to conduct thorough title searches, provide appropriate coverage, and handle any claims that may occur.

Maintaining Accurate and Up-to-Date Records

One of the primary causes of title insurance claims is inaccurate or outdated records. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records is an essential part of preventing title insurance claims. For instance, by ensuring that property deeds are properly recorded, and all liens and other encumbrances are settled and released, property owners can prevent potential claims.

Additionally, creating a comprehensive file or database that contains essential property documents, including the title search report, the title insurance policy, surveys, and any other relevant legal documents, can help prevent future disputes over the property’s ownership and rights.

In summary, preventing title insurance claims involves conducting thorough title searches, understanding the limitations of the coverage, working with experienced professionals, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. These preventive measures can help property owners and buyers minimize the risk of title insurance claims and ensure a smooth and hassle-free property transaction.

Title Insurance Claims FAQs

1. What are the main categories of title insurance claims?

There are generally two main categories of title insurance claims: hidden hazards and errors in public records. Hidden hazards involve issues such as forgery or unknown liens, while errors in public records include mistakes in indexing or recording legal documents.

2. What is a boundary dispute, and how does it relate to title insurance claims?

A boundary dispute arises when two parties disagree on the property lines separating their land. In title insurance claims, boundary disputes often pertain to unrecorded or improperly recorded easements, which may affect property ownership or the extent of property rights, thus invoking the policy coverage.

3. How do various types of liens factor into title insurance claims?

Various types of liens (e.g., tax, construction, or judgment liens) can lead to title insurance claims. If a lien was undisclosed, improperly discharged, or unknown when the policy was issued, enforcers may seek repayment, requiring the title insurance company to address the claim and protect the policyholder’s property interests.

4. Why are claims related to forgery and fraud significant in title insurance?

Forgery and fraud are key concerns in title insurance because these activities can result in a “cloud” on the title, negatively impacting property ownership. Forged deeds, fraudulent transfers, or other such malicious activities can create potential claims for title insurance, making it essential for policyholders to be protected.

5. What role do easement disputes play in title insurance claims?

Easement disputes often involve disagreements over shared property use or access rights, which can result in legal conflict. If an easement issue surfaces after the title insurance policy issuance, the policyholder may need to file a claim to protect their property interests and resolve the dispute under the policy provisions.

6. How can title insurance claims arise due to errors in public records?

Errors in public records, such as incorrect indexing, clerical mistakes, or inaccuracies in legal documents, can lead to disputes over property ownership or rights. In such cases, title insurance claims become pertinent to rectify the issues and safeguard the policyholder’s interests in the property.

About the Author

As a native Washingtonian, Carlos Reyes’ journey in the real estate industry began more than 15 years ago when he started an online real estate company. Since then, he’s helped more than 700 individuals and families as a real estate broker achieve their real estate goals across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.

Carlos now helps real estate agents grow their business by teaching business fundamentals, execution, and leadership.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>