Key Questions to Ask Your Title Insurance Agent

18 October 2025

Buying a house is like getting married—you’re committing long-term, spending a ton of money, and hoping you won’t uncover any unpleasant surprises later. The last thing you want is a legal nightmare popping up like a bad ex, claiming they still have rights to your property. That’s where title insurance comes to the rescue!

But hold up—don’t just nod and sign whatever papers your real estate agent hands you. You need to have a chat with your title insurance agent first. Think of them as the wedding planner of your property purchase—they make sure everything’s in order before you say, “I do” to your new home.

So, what questions should you ask them? Let’s dive in.

1. What Exactly Does Title Insurance Cover?

Imagine buying what you think is your dream home, only to have some long-lost relative of the previous owner pop up and say, “Surprise! That’s actually MY house!” Yikes.

Title insurance protects you from legal claims like unpaid debts, boundary disputes, or sneaky people trying to stake a claim on your property. But not all policies cover the same things, so ask your agent for the specifics.

2. Do I Really Need Title Insurance?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Unless you enjoy high-stakes legal battles, you absolutely need it. Even if you trust your seller with your life, title issues can stretch back decades. You don’t want to find out after moving in that someone else's unpaid property taxes just became your problem.

3. What’s the Difference Between Lender’s and Owner’s Title Insurance?

Here’s a fun little twist—the lender's title insurance doesn't actually protect you, only the lender. Yep, that’s right! If something goes wrong with the title, your lender is covered, but you? Not so much.

That’s why you need Owner’s Title Insurance. It ensures you don’t end up homeless if a title issue pops up. So, when your agent asks if you want it, just say: “Is water wet?”

4. How Much Does Title Insurance Cost?

Unlike a Netflix subscription, title insurance is a one-time payment (thank goodness). Prices vary depending on where you live and the price of your home, but typically, it's around 0.5% to 1% of your home’s purchase price.

And if you’re thinking, “Ugh, do I really need to spend more money?” Just remember: title insurance is your financial seatbelt—it’s a small price to ensure you don’t crash into unexpected legal disasters.

5. Can I Choose My Own Title Insurance Company?

Yes, you can! And you should. Don’t just accept whatever company your lender suggests. That’s like letting your in-laws pick your wedding venue—you might get lucky, but you’re better off doing your own research.

Compare prices, read reviews, and make sure the company is legit before committing.

6. What Happens If a Title Problem is Found During the Search?

You know how people do background checks on their online dates to avoid surprises? That’s basically what a title search does—it digs up any skeletons hiding in your property’s past.

If issues appear—like unpaid taxes, old liens, or questionable transfers—your title agent will work on fixing them before closing day. But always ask what the process is in case things get messy.

7. How Long Does the Title Search Take?

You’re excited to move in, we get it. But rushing the title search is like microwaving gourmet lasagna—it’s just not a good idea.

Typically, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the property’s history. If your home was owned by the same family since the 1800s, brace yourself.

8. Are There Any Exclusions in My Policy?

Title insurance isn’t an all-you-can-eat buffet—there are limits. Some things won’t be covered, like:

- Issues you knew about before buying the home
- Problems that arise due to zoning violations
- Government claims on the property (because, well, Uncle Sam plays by his own rules)

Always ask for a list of exclusions so you know exactly what you’re getting.

9. Will My Policy Protect Me Against Fraud?

Scammers are out there, and some are sneaky enough to forge documents and move money around like they’re in a Hollywood heist movie.

Some title insurance policies do cover fraud and forgery, but not all of them. So, ask your agent to confirm—you don’t want to find out the hard way!

10. What Happens If Someone Challenges My Ownership in the Future?

Imagine you’ve been living in your house peacefully for years when suddenly, someone knocks on your door claiming, “Hey, this is actually my house.” Nightmare, right?

If this ever happens, your title insurance company should step in and handle the legal battle for you. Confirm with your agent that your policy provides legal defense costs—because hiring a lawyer out of pocket? No, thanks.

11. Who Pays for Title Insurance—Me or the Seller?

This depends on where you live. Sometimes the seller pays, sometimes the buyer does, and in some cases, it’s negotiable (just like who gets the last slice of pizza).

Ask your real estate agent and your title insurance agent about local norms so you know what to expect.

12. What Happens to My Title Insurance If I Refinance?

If you refinance your home, your lender’s title insurance policy will need to be replaced because it’s tied to the loan. But good news: Your owner’s policy stays in place as long as you own the home.

So, unless you plan on selling, you won’t need to repurchase your owner’s policy every time you refinance.

13. How Do I File a Claim If a Title Issue Arises?

In the unlikely event that a title issue sneaks up on you, knowing how to file a claim is crucial.

Ask your agent:
✅ Who do I contact?
✅ What documents do I need?
✅ How long does the process take?

Having this information upfront ensures you won’t panic if something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is already stressful—don’t let title issues add unnecessary drama to the mix. Asking these key questions will help you understand exactly what title insurance covers and how it protects you.

Because let’s face it—nobody wants to deal with unexpected legal battles while they’re just trying to enjoy their new backyard and binge-watch Netflix in peace.

So, next time you talk to your title insurance agent, come prepared with these questions. Future you will thank you!