What is title insurance?

Title insurance is a specific type of insurance that provides protection to both buyers and lenders against loss or damage due to defects in the title of a property. This type of policy is crucial in real estate transactions because it helps ensure that the purchaser holds clear ownership rights without any unforeseen legal issues that could arise from past ownership, claims, or liens against the property.

When a title insurance policy is issued, it typically involves a thorough examination of public records to identify any potential problems with the title before the transaction is completed. This proactive approach protects the buyer from hidden defects that may not be discovered in a standard property search, such as outstanding mortgages, unpaid taxes, or claims from previous owners.

Other options describe different aspects of real estate transactions or cover different types of insurance and services but do not accurately represent title insurance. For instance, a warranty that guarantees the quality of construction pertains to builders' insurance and is unrelated to title issues. Meanwhile, insurance that protects against physical damages to the property serves a different function altogether, focusing instead on the property's physical state rather than legal ownership. Lastly, a service that handles closing document preparations deals with the administrative and procedural tasks at closing rather than providing insurance coverage for title-related concerns. Thus, the essence of title insurance is about