What is Title Insurance?

• Title Insurance insures against events that happened in the past that affect title to the property. 

• The title company agrees to defend the title or pay losses the Insured may suffer if the title is challenged or defective.

How does a title company determine if it will insure the property?

• Before issuing a title policy a search is made of county real property records. This search is done by using the company abstract plant which maintains references to deeds, mortgages, liens, deaths, divorces, etc. which might affect the property.

• These instruments are examined by the title company.

• The results of the examination determine whether the title company will issue a policy and what exceptions to coverage will be taken in the policy. The search and the commitment are not representations as to title but are done for title insuring purposes.

Why do I need Title Insurance?

• Many title problems can arise to cause the complete or partial loss of your home or business property.  Even the most careful search of the public records will not find every title problem. Because some problems are hidden, your title may appear to be perfect when in fact there may be a problem.

How much does Title Insurance cost?

• Title Insurance rates are set by the Texas Department of Insurance, so there is no difference between the rates offered by different companies.