Question 1

What is title insurance?

Accepted Answer

Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects the insured against loss should the condition of title to land be other than as insured.

Question 2

Why do I need title insurance?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a home, or any property for that matter, you expect to enjoy certain benefits from ownership. For example, you expect to be able to occupy and use the property as you wish, to be free from debts or obligations not created or agreed to by you, and to be able to freely sell or pledge your property as security for a loan. Title insurance is designed to ensure these rights.

Question 3

What does title insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies, depending mainly on the value of your property. The important thing to remember is that you only pay once, and the coverage continues in effect for so long as you have an interest in covered property. If you should die, the coverage automatically continues for the benefit of your heirs. If you sell your property, giving warranties of title to your buyer, your coverage continues. Likewise, if a buyer gives you a mortgage to finance a purchase of covered property from you, your coverage continues to protect your security interest in the property.

Question 4

If I have a problem, will I have to lose my property to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. At the mere hint of a claim adverse to your title, you should contact your title insurer or the agent who issued your policy. Title insurance includes coverage for legal expenses that may be necessary to investigate, litigate or settle an adverse claim.

Question 5

If my lender obtains title insurance, why do I also need it?

Accepted Answer

The lender's policy covers only the amount of it's loan, which is usually not the full property value. In the event of an adverse claim, the lender would ordinarily not be concerned unless it's loan became non-performing and the claim threatened the lender's ability to foreclose and recover its principal and interest. And, in the event of a claim, uninsured party must cover their own legal expenses. All in all, the small additional expense of an owner's policy is a bargain.

Question 6

What types of claims or risks are covered by title insurance?

Accepted Answer

Standard Coverage addresses:
forgery and impersonation
lack of competency, capacity or legal authority of a party
deed not joined in by a necessary party (co-owner, heir, spouse, corporate officer, or business partner)
undisclosed (but recorded) prior mortgage or lien
undisclosed (but recorded) easement or use restriction
erroneous or inadequate legal descriptions
lack of a right of access
deed not properly recorded
First American's Eagle Policy covers all of the risks listed above plus:
off-record matters, such as claims for adverse possession or prescriptive easement
deed to land with buildings encroaching on land of another (incorrect survey)
silent (off-record) liens, such as mechanic's or estate tax liens
pre-existing violations of subdivision laws, zoning ordinances or CC&R's (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions)
post-policy forgery
forced removal of improvements due to lack of building permit (subject to deductible)
post-policy construction of improvements by a neighbor onto insured land
location and dimensions of insured land (survey not required)

(703) 916-1800

Virginia Title Insurance Frequently Asked Questions