Buying a home is a big deal. It’s exciting, emotional, and sometimes a little overwhelming. You’ve picked the perfect place, signed a mountain of paperwork, and maybe even popped a bottle of bubbly. But before you settle in and start planning your housewarming party, there’s one behind-the-scenes superhero you need to thank: title insurance.
Think of title insurance as the bodyguard for your property rights. It’s not flashy, but it’s fiercely protective. While homeowners’ insurance covers things like fires and floods, title insurance protects you from hidden hazards lurking in your property’s past—like unpaid taxes, forged documents, or a long-lost heir who suddenly claims your new home was promised to them in a handwritten will from 1972, or a neighbor who suddenly claims part of your backyard.
But let’s talk about one of the sneakiest threats title insurance helps with, encroachments.
Imagine this: You move into your dream home, and everything’s perfect—until you discover your neighbor’s fence that’s a little too friendly with your property line. Or maybe there’s a shed, a driveway, or even a tree that’s technically on your land. That’s an encroachment. It’s when someone else’s structure crosses into your property, and it can lead to some seriously awkward conversations (and expensive legal battles).
Title insurance steps in like a referee with a rulebook. During the title search process, professionals dig into public records and surveys to uncover any encroachments or boundary disputes. If they find something fishy, you’ll know before closing—and if something slips through the cracks, your title insurance policy can help cover legal costs or even financial losses.
Here’s another twist: Encroachments aren’t always obvious. Sometimes they’re discovered years later during a remodel or a land survey. Without title insurance, you could be stuck footing the bill to move a fence, settle a lawsuit, or even lose part of your land. With it, you’ve got backup.
Other perks of title insurance:
• Peace of Mind. You’re covered if a hidden issue pops up after closing.
• Legal Protection. If someone challenges your ownership, your policy can cover legal fees.
• One-Time Cost, Lifetime Coverage. Pay once at closing and you’re protected for as long as you own the home.
Bottom line: Title insurance isn’t just a box to check—it’s your safety net. It protects your investment, your peace of mind, and your future.
Questions about title insurance? Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about your title quote or the closing process.
Jean Clements is Vice President, Marketing at Fidelity National Financial.
