Title insurance is an agreement to indemnify against damage or loss from a defect in title as evidenced by a policy of title insurance to a specific parcel or real property. Following a search and examination of public records and in exchange for a premium paid, title insurance companies will assume the risk that title to a parcel of real property is as stated to be in the policy of title insurance.
Title companies provide services to buyers, sellers, real estate developers, builders, mortgage lenders and others who have an interest in the real estate transaction. Title companies provide assurances that the transfer of title takes place efficiently and that your interests as an insured are protected under the terms and conditions of the policy. Title insurance is different from many other types of insurances (casualty, auto, etc.). These other types of insurances assume risks by providing financial protection for losses arising from an unforeseen future event such as a fire, theft or accident. With title insurance, risks are examined and mitigated before the property changes hands.