- Auto InsuranceTitle insurance protects against losses arising from events that occurred prior to the policy date. Policy coverage extends back in time for an indefinite period. Title insurance is the only type of insurance that insures past events. This is contrary to property, life or auto insurance, which protect against losses resulting from future events.
- Title InsuranceYes. Most buyers leave it up to the real estate agent, lender or attorney, however, this may be a mistake. If the real estate agent, the lender, or the attorney owns a title agency then there could be a conflict of interest. In some states, attorneys can be dis-barred if they refer title insurance from their own law firm to their own title insurance agency. The Virginia State Bar Association considers it a conflict of interest. If the bar association considers it a “conflict”, maybe you should consider using a neutral title insurance agent. If your real estate agent, lender or attorney owns a title agency, it is probably a good idea to get a (neutral) third party to act as the title insurance agent.
- Life InsuranceThere are two primary types of title insurance policies: lender’s title insurance, also called a Loan Policy, and owner’s title insurance, also called an Owner’s Policy. Most lenders require a Loan Policy when they issue you a mortgage. The Loan Policy is usually based on the dollar amount of your mortgage. It protects the lender’s interest in the property should a problem arise with the title. The Owner’s Policy protects you! It is usually issued for the total purchase price of the real estate. It is purchased for a one-time fee at closing and lasts as long as you or your heirs have an interest in the property. Owner’s title insurance informs you of any other interests in the property and protects you against hidden claims of owner-ship to or interests in your property. Owner’s title insurance also pays for any legal fees involved in defending a claim to your title. Most people have fire, automobile, and life insurance. You pay premiums every year to continue your protection. When you purchase an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy, you pay your premium only once for coverage that will protect your initial investment for as long as you own your home. If policies are issued simultaneously to both owner and the lender on the same property, a premium discount may be applied.