What does title insurance cover?
Once the title is transferred into your name, its accuracy is ensured by the title company that holds the policy. This places the liability for any damages incurred due to errors in the report squarely on the shoulders of the title company. That said, the scope of that coverage will depend on the buyer.
It’s also important to note that while lenders require borrowers to purchase a lender policy, they might not require borrowers to purchase an owner policy as well. A lender policy relieves you of any obligation to your lender; however, it will only cover their losses, not yours. For that reason, it’s smart to consider getting a policy to protect yourself from ownership claims.
Ownership claims can come at any time and in many forms. A claim can come in the form of a spouse whose name was never removed from the title after a divorce or even an unknown heir of the estate of the previous owners. Any errors in the report could result in you losing your right to ownership as well as any money you have invested into the property. An owner policy will help you recoup any financial losses caused by an error in the title report. A good REALTOR® can aide you make the right offer for the property you’re interested in buying. For free valuation, contact us at 401-396-2888. We’re always glad to help!
