TITLE POLICY COVERAGES

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Title insurance offers financial protection against title problems that might not be found in the public records, are inadvertently missed in the title search process or that may arise from fraud or forgery.

The title policy required by a lender covers only the lender’s interest in a property.

The homeowner’s policy, purchased at closing, provides coverage for the homeowner. If your home’s title is challenged, based on a situation covered in the policy, the title insurer will either perfect (establish a valid title) or pay for defending against the challenge and will either make perfect the title or cover the costs in the case of a valid claim.

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE

There are two types of Owner’s title insurance policies certified by the American Land Title Association® – the Owner’s policy and the Homeowner’s policy.

The Owner’s policy protects you from defects and liens in the history of your title through the date and time your deed is recorded in the public records.

The Homeowner’s policy takes your protection to a higher level by providing coverage for many additional risks, including some that might occur after the deed has been recorded.

The Homeowner’s policy protects against many common, frustrating problems, and the policy protects your investment for as long as you or your heirs own the property. Read on for a description of some of the additional coverages you’ll receive when you upgrade to a Homeowner’s policy.

MORE COVERAGE, MORE PEACE OF MIND

Building permit violation coverage

Covers up to $25,000 after a deductible equal to the lesser of 1% of the policy amount or $5,000. This coverage applies if the policyholder has to remove an existing structure (excluding boundary walls and fences) built by a previous owner who did not obtain the required permits.

Subdivision coverage

Covers up to $10,000 after a deductible equal to the lesser of 1% of the policy amount or $2,500. This coverage applies if the policyholder cannot close a sale, secure a loan or obtain a building permit because the land was improperly subdivided prior to purchase.

Address coverage

Insures that the home has the same address as the property insured in the policy.

Restrictive covenant violations coverage

Protects against loss of title if someone attempts to enforce an existing restrictive covenant due to a violation that occurred before the policy date.

Zoning coverage

Protects if the policyholder is forced to remove or remedy an improvement because it violates zoning laws. Protection for forced remedy of violations is subject to a deductible and a maximum dollar amount.

Post-policy coverage

Protects against possible post-policy ownership claims.

Enhanced access coverage

Covers actual pedestrian and vehicular access to the property.

Encroachment coverage

Protects against someone building a structure (excluding boundary walls and fences) that encroaches on the insured property.

Supplemental taxes

Protects against supplemental taxes for prior construction, change of use or ownership.

Coverage for structure damage from extraction of minerals, water and other substances

Protects all existing structures and landscaping on property, including future improvements; and against damage caused by others using the land for extraction and development of minerals, water and other substances.

Automatic coverage increases

Each of the first five years, the policy amount will automatically increase by 10% in value, up to a total of 150%.

Trust coverage

Extends policy protection to include a trust that you create.

Trust the Homeowner’s policy backed by the company with well over a century of service and satisfaction – Stewart Title Guaranty Company – and you’ll have the peace of mind you need from your title insurance policy.

For more information, contact us to find out how the ALTA Homeowner’s policy can benefit you.