Title insurance protects you against financial loss from defects in your property's title that occurred before you purchased it. Unlike other insurance that protects against future events, title insurance protects against past issues that could affect your ownership rights. These could include fraud, forgery, unpaid taxes, liens, undisclosed heirs, or improperly executed deeds.

Title insurance is a one-time purchase that protects you for as long as you or your heirs own the property. There are no renewal fees or ongoing premiums - just a single payment at closing.

Owner's Policy: Protects your investment in the property for as long as you own it

Lender's Policy: Protects only the mortgage lender's interest in the property

Title insurance protects against losses from:

- Fraud or forgery in previous documents

- Improperly executed deeds

- Unpaid liens, mortgages, or taxes

- Undisclosed heirs with claims to the property

- Recording errors in public records

- Easements or use restrictions

- Other hidden title defects

A title search is a detailed examination of public records concerning your property, including deeds, court records, and property indexes. The purpose is to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership and discover any claims or defects affecting the property.

The title examination determines which documents from the title search actually affect your specific property and whether those documents are properly prepared, executed, and notarized.

The title search and examination process typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the property's history and the availability of public records.