With few exceptions, a home represents the largest single investment most people make in their lifetimes. Thus it is only natural that an owner will want to make that investment secure by protecting the basic proof of ownership. Title insurance is the most effective and lowest cost way of doing just that.

When a person buys a car or consumer goods, they seldom need to know whether the former owner is married, single or divorced: whether they have paid their taxes or are involved in a lawsuit. But when a person buys a home it is necessary to have all that information and much more. For while he may own the property, others such as lenders and lien holders, may also have rights in that same real estate.

Title Insurance is a contract to protect an owner against losses arising through defects in the title to real estate owned. If the title is insurable, the company guarantees the owner against loss due to any defect in title or expenses in legal defense of the title pursuant to the terms of the policy.

The cost of title insurance is directly related to the value of the property. The premium is small compared to the total purchase price. It is paid only once and remains in force for as long as the property is owned by the insured and continues to protect the insured on warranties after it is sold.

The two common types of Title Insurance Policies are:

• A Lender's Policy of Insurance - only insures that your Mortgage Lender has a valid, enforceable lien on the property.

• An Owner's Policy - Protects you, the Owner, from “defects” that existed prior to the effective date of your Policy. In the case of a valid claim, in addition to actual financial loss up to the face amount of your Policy, your Owner’s Title Policy covers the cost of any legal defense of your Title.