TITLE INSURANCE . . . BASIC
INFORMATION!
Title Insurance, while seldom used for claim purposes, provides considerable
protection for a homeowner at a bargain price. While it is unlikely that one
can acquire a home mortgage without title insurance, it is widely accepted that
every home loan borrower, even if not required, should avail themselves of this
protection. Unlike other forms of insurance, title insurance requires only one
premium payment at the time of purchase or refinance and the coverage continues
as long as you own the property.
Title insurer's research all of the records affecting the property to be
purchased or refinanced. And determine if they can insure "marketable
title". If the title is found to be defective or questionable, the title
insurer will either decline to insure or will insure with exceptions. A
lender/investor will then review the policy exceptions to determine if they
will provide a loan.
Title insurers devote nearly 90% of insurance premiums on researching titles
before insuring them in the attempt to avoid major risks. Title risks can
involve anything from minor recording errors and copying and indexing snafus to
the more serious forged signature on a deed, unpaid tax or other liens, etc.
There are two forms of title insurance. The California Land Title
Association (CLTA) policy, known as the owner/lender policy, typically insures
the lender and guarantees the priority of the lender's loan (i.e; that the
lender's loan is in first position in the recordation process). Additionally,
it identifies that the current owner (seller) of the property has "good
title" to convey. This coverage is usually based upon the amount of the
mortgage loan and the amount of coverage decreases as the mortgage is paid.
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) policy, sometimes known as the lender/buyer's
insurance, typically protects the owner's equity in the property. The ALTA
basic policy generally covers Insuring Provisions, Exclusions from Coverage,
Conditions and Stipulations and finally Schedule A and Schedule B comments. It
is important the borrower read and understand the coverage provisions and
exclusions.
The decision regarding "who pays" for title insurance is a matter
usually resolved in the original purchase contract between buyer and seller. It
is often also a matter of local "custom". In many places, the CLTA
policy (usually the more expensive of the two) is paid by the seller and the
ALTA cost (usually less expensive) is paid by the buyer. In our local area (Humboldt County), it seems that the buyer most
frequently pays for the ALTA coverage and, in addition, pays for one-half of
the CLTA coverage. This "custom" sometimes conflicts with what is
actually determined in the purchase contract and can result in some last minute
confusion. Everyone is urged to be clear as to the decision(s) being made
regarding title insurance costs.
Every title insurer has the authority to issue policy endorsements . . .
usually resulting in additional coverage/protection and, of course, at an
additional cost. One example noted in this county (Humboldt) by this writer, is
the specific exclusion of Endorsement 126.1 or 126.2 (that the owner of the
land described in the policy has access to a public street) and the indication
that said endorsement "will not apply". Perhaps if it requires
language to specifically exclude it, it is important to know what impact it
might have on one's title? The rule is, inquire about anything you don't
understand and be sure you are comfortable with the answers you receive.
The following links to other tip sheets regarding title insurance
information may be of interest:
Holding Title
Title . . . A New Form
Web Page/Title Insurance Basics