Many people feel that because a title search is performed or a new house is built on the property, title insurance is not necessary. That thought is a false sense of security. While there should be no risks in transferring property, they do exist.

Even though the house may be newly built, the land has been on this earth forever. Through the years, your new property may have changed hands many times through sale, inheritance, foreclosure or bankruptcy. Each transfer was an opportunity for an error in title to arise. If an error occurred, and has never come to light, it puts your title in jeopardy. You could lose your property and the money you paid for it. And even if you successfully defend your rights of ownership, the cost in time and legal fees could be prohibitive.

An Owner's Title Insurance Policy insures against title defects that would not be found despite the most thorough search of public records. Among the many risks against which title insurance protects you are:

		Clerical Errors in Public Records			Mechanics' Lien Claims Without Recorded Notice
		Confusion from Similarity of Names			Misrepresentation of Marital Status
		Forged Documents			Unpaid Taxes
		Fraud			Wills Not Probated

We investigate, defend, and pay losses in the following categories:

		38% Hidden Defects in the Title, Hidden Restrictions, Covenants
		27% Taxes, Assessments, Association Fees
		16% Searching and Closing Errors
		10% Undischarged Mortgages and Liens
		7% Legal Access, Undisclosed Heirs, Invalid Condo
		2% Errors in the Registry of Deeds

Here is just one example: A buyer purchases a house with a beautiful new deck. After moving in, the building inspector advises the new owner that the deck was built without a permit. It violated the setback requirement and it must be removed.

In the event of a claim, the Owner's Title Insurance Policy will either correct covered title problems or reimburse you for insured losses and will defend against any lawsuits attacking your title as insured.

FOR A ONE-TIME PREMIUM, an Owner's Title Insurance Policy remains in effect for as long as you or your heirs own the property. Owner's coverage takes the risk out of acquiring property and gives you the ultimate in peace of mind.