Purchasing a home is probably the single biggest investment you will ever make. Before closing on the house, you’ll want to know that no other individual or entity has a right, lien or claim to the property.

For a modest, one-time title insurance premium, you will receive continuous title insurance protection in an amount equal to the purchase price of the property or its current market value. This premium typically includes your “owners” policy as well as the “lenders” policy.

Prior to a policy being issued, the title insurance company completes extensive research into relevant public records, maps and documents to trace ownership of the property and determine if anyone other than you has an interest in the property. The title insurance company can identify any title problems that may arise and have these problems cleared-up prior to closing.

Your title insurance will protect you from loss:

•if someone contests your title in legal action
•or if there is a title defect that cannot be eliminated