Q.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance is an
insurance policy that protects your
legal rights to own, possess, use,
control, and dispose of land.
Q. Why is transferring
the title to real estate different
from transferring the title to other
items such as a car?
Transferring a real estate
title can be complicated because
land is permanent and the usage of
land and the rights to use it can
change over the years.
Q. What is a title
search?
A title search is a
detailed examination of the
historical public records concerning
a property. These records include
deeds, court records, property and
name indexes, and many other public
documents.
Q. Why do I need title
insurance?
There are two types of
title insurance policies: a lender’s
policy and an owner’s policy. The
lender’s policy is required for a
mortgage, financially covers the
amount of the loan, and provides
protection to the lender. An owner’s
policy protects the land owner
against any title loss, which
ensures the value of the property.
With title insurance, if a claim is
made against the title, the
underwriter must pay any and all
costs associated with defense
against the challenge, and if
unsuccessful in that defense,
reimburse the land owner for any
reduction in the value of the land.
Q. Is title insurance as
important as homeowner’s insurance?
Homeowner’s insurance
typically provides protection
against theft or damage. If a fire
destroys your home, you can rebuild
and buy new possessions. If the
title to the land fails, you could
lose the right to inhabit your home,
as well as the land it occupies.
Q. How much does title
insurance cost?
Title insurance charges
vary in different parts of the
country. However, you pay for a
[owner’s policy of] title insurance
only once; there are no monthly
premiums.
Q. How long does title
insurance coverage last?
The lender’s policy of
title insurance lasts until the
mortgage is paid in full. An owner’s
policy of title insurance lasts for
as long as you or your heirs retain
an interest in the property.
Q. Where can I find
title insurance policy rates?
Title Insurance is regulated by
the Texas Department of Insurance,
you can see the rates on their
website.
http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/orders/titlerates2004.html
Q. Where can I get title
insurance?
All Texas Title, Inc.
All Texas Title, Inc.