What Is Owner’s Title Insurance?

By Atty Keith Hoffman

Owner’s title insurance is a one-time purchase made at the time of closing. This policy protects your legal ownership of the home you’re buying.

There are two types of owner’s policies:

• Standard Policy: Covers common risks, like claims from previous owners’ creditors or forged documents in the chain of title.
• Enhanced Policy: Offers broader protection, including future risks such as:
  • A fraudster forging your signature on a deed or mortgage
  • A neighbor building a fence that encroaches on your property

It’s important to note: if you’re getting a mortgage, your lender will likely require lender’s title insurance—but that only protects the lender, not you. To safeguard your own rights and investment, you need an owner’s title policy.

How Owner’s Title Insurance Protects You

Even with a thorough title search and a closing attorney involved, issues can still arise—many of them dating back years before you purchased the home. These might include:

• Recent loans or financial claims against the property that haven’t been recorded yet
• Fraudulent or forged deeds from a previous transaction
• Unknown heirs of a former owner making a claim on the property
• A seller who didn’t have full authority to sell because others held a partial ownership interest

For most people, buying a home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. An owner’s title insurance policy helps protect that investment—potentially saving you from costly legal disputes or even the risk of losing your home.

Want to Learn More?

Owner’s title insurance covers even more scenarios than what we’ve listed here. If you’d like a complete breakdown, please refer to the attachment included—or reach out to our office directly.

📧 Contact us at: attorneys@millertitlelaw.com
We’re happy to answer your questions.