Frequently Asked Questions: > Title Insurance > Why do I need it?

Lenders require title insurance as a condition for your loan. Two types of policies are available: an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy. A lender’s policy insures that the lender’s security interest in the property has priority over claims that others may have in your property. A lender’s policy does not protect you. Similarly, the prior owner’s policy does not protect you. If you want to protect yourself from claims by others against your new home, you will need an owner’s policy. An owner’s policy insures the buyer for as long as he or she owns the property. This protection is limited to the value of the property. It is usually less expensive to purchase a lender’s policy and owner’s policy at the same time from the same title insurer.