Title Insurance

7 In the case of a refinance, if you have an existing title insurance policy, you may be entitled to a reissue or refinance discount. Also, if the previous owner of the house can provide proof of an owner’s policy, the new owner may be eligible for a reissue discount on an owner’s and lender’s policy (from NAIC and Entitledirect.com) Who does Title Insurance protect? Title insurance protects you and your lender if someone challenges the title to your property. This may be in the form of an alleged title defect, which was unknown to you at the time you purchased the property, but came to light at some future date during your owner- ship of the property. A title insurance policy contains provisions for the payment of losses which result from a covered claim. The title insurance policy also covers legal fees in defense of a claim against your property. Coverage can benefit the homeowner or the bank or mortgage company (lender). Choice of Title Insurer The choice of which title insurer to use belongs to the person who pays for the policy. Federal law, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) of 1974 (Public Law 93-533), prohibits the seller from requiring you to purchase title insurance from any particular company. Please visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau internet site at www.cfpb.gov for additional information on RESPA and title insurance.