NEW YORK TITLE INSURANCE FAQS

Do I have to purchase Title Insurance?

Although highly recommended by experts, you do not have to purchase title insurance if the buyer is paying cash for a home. The vast majority of banks and other mortgage lenders, however, require that the borrower obtain a Lender's Policy of Title Insurance equal to the loan amount.

What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is an obligation between a homeowner and/or lender and the title insurance company, wherein the insurer, in exchange for a premium payment, provides protection against future losses that might result from a variety of possible title defects or encumbrances that existed at the time of closing. 

What will Title Insurance protect me from?

Some common examples of problems covered by title insurance include: Improper execution of documents, Mistakes in recording of legal documents, Mistakes in the indexing of legal documents, Mistakes in legal descriptions of property, Forgeries and fraud, Undisclosed or missing heirs, Unpaid taxes and assessments, Unpaid judgments and liens, Unreleased mortgages, Incorrect interpretation of wills, Mental incompetence of grantors of property, Impersonation of the true owners of the land by fraudulent persons, Fraud in securing essential signatures, Refusal of lender to provide financing based upon condition of title, Refusal of potential purchaser to accept title based upon condition of title.

Who pays for Title Insurance?

Often, local custom dictates whether the buyer or seller pays for the premium, but sometimes sellers and buyers negotiate who will pay the premium without regard for local customs and procedures. Be sure to ask your real estate professionals what is predominant in your area. 

Can i choose my title company?

Yes. You have the absolute right to choose your own title insurance company. Simply provide your attorney, lender, or realtor with the "Certificate of Entitlement" that is available to be printed from this site early in the closing process to avoid confusion. Also, if anyone insists that you use a company they recommend, it's in your best interest to ask them if they are receiving a commission or referral fee from the company or if they are affiliated with the company they are recommending. 

When do I purchase Title Insurance?

The title insurance policy is purchased at closing for a one-time premium, based upon the loan amount and/or purchase price. However, the preparation that leads to the title insurance policy being issued begins in the very early stages of the closing process. 

Are Title Insurance Policies the same from company to company?

Title insurance companies offer industry-standard title policies adopted by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) or an individual state's land title association. You can be assured that the policy protection provided in an CIS Abstract Inc policy is identical to that of our competitors.

If my title has been examined for defects, why do I need Title Insurance?

There are some title defects that cannot be uncovered with even the most thorough search. For example, a search will not uncover that a valid deed was indexed improperly in the land records. Title insurance will protect you from these types of defects.