Title insurance is typically purchased during the home-buying process and is a one-time fee. The title insurance company will thoroughly search public records to uncover any issues with the title, such as unpaid taxes or liens. If any problems are found, the title company will work to resolve them before you close on the home. Your title insurance policy will protect you if any issues arise after the sale.
Home title insurance provides peace of mind for homeowners and can save them from expensive legal battles in the future.
What Does Home Title Insurance Cover?
Home title insurance covers a variety of potential issues that may arise with the title of the property, including:
- Financial loss due to title issues such as ownership claims, title disputes and unpaid property taxes
- Unknown liens or encumbrances on the property
- Errors in public records or deeds
- Fraud or forgery in the title documents
- Invalid deeds due to improper execution or delivery
- Missing heirs or undiscovered wills
Why is a Title Search Required with a Mortgage?
To ensure that the property being purchased has a clear title, free of any liens or legal disputes that could impact the buyer’s ability to own and use the property, a title search is required.
When a person takes out a mortgage to purchase a property, the lender typically requires that a title search be conducted before the loan can be approved. The title search is a review of public records to determine the property’s ownership history and whether there are any outstanding liens, judgments, or other claims against the property.
The lender wants to be sure that the property can be used as collateral for the mortgage and that they will have priority in the event of a foreclosure. If the title search reveals any issues, the lender will require that those issues be resolved before the loan can be approved.
A title search also protects the buyer from unexpected claims on the property that could arise after the purchase.
- For example, if a previous owner didn’t pay their property taxes, the government could place a tax lien on the property, resulting in the property being sold to pay the debt.
- A title search can uncover such issues before the purchase is completed, allowing the buyer to negotiate with the seller or back out of the sale.
How to Save on Title Insurance Costs?
While title insurance costs in Illinois are relatively uniform, there may be some ways to save on these costs. Here are some tips.
Shop around for the best deal:
The most important aspect of the title insurance process is to search the property’s title history to look for errors or problems with the title. Some title insurance agencies charge a fee specifically for this search, while others include the costs of the search in the title insurance premium. Choosing the second type of provider can save you the fees associated with the search.
While the owner’s insurance policy is issued to protect the buyer from any issues that may arise, the seller generally pays for this policy. While most title agencies charge similar prices for these policies, you can potentially save money by shopping around for the best deal. For example, the law firm of Adler & Herbach works with a title company that charges half the rate of most other providers on all seller title fees.
Negotiate the add-on fees:
In addition to variation between providers in the cost of the title policy, you may also be able to negotiate the add-on fees, such as closing and escrow fees, courier fees, wire transfer fees, and other fees.
Ask for the ‘simultaneous issue rate’:
It is advisable to consider the possibility of purchasing both the proprietor’s title insurance and the lender’s title insurance at the same time when trying to reduce costs associated with insuring the title of a property during a home purchase.
Such an approach may lead to a reduction in cost, commonly referred to as the “simultaneous issue rate,” as the loan policy is categorized as an add-on policy.
When purchasing a home and procuring a mortgage, it is critical to inquire about the simultaneous issue rate in order to confirm receipt of the discounted rate provided for buying both policies at the same time.
Check for lender closing cost discounts:
Some lenders offer discounts on closing costs, including title insurance, if you use a title company with which they have an existing relationship. This is more applicable when refinancing a property than on a purchase transaction. If you use the lender’s preferred title company, you can take advantage of any discounts they might offer.
What Fees Are Included In Title Insurance Costs?
Here is a list of fees that may be included in title insurance costs in Illinois:
- Title search fee
- Owner’s Policy premium
- Loan Policy premium
- Endorsement fees
- Commitment and Policy update fees
- Closing protection letter
- Government recording charges
- Tax and other certificates
- Overnight mail charge
- Wire fee
- Transfer tax
- Settlement fee
- Notary fee
- Email/electronic document fee
Learn more about how much does a title company charge in title fees
Note that not all of these fees apply to every transaction, and the actual costs will depend on the specific details of the property and the transaction. It’s essential to review the closing disclosure document carefully to understand the fees being charged and to ask your title insurance company any questions you may have.
Types of Title Insurance Policies in Illinois
In Illinois, there are two main types of title insurance policies: owner’s title insurance and lender’s title insurance.
Owner’s title insurance protects the homeowner, while the lender’s title insurance protects the mortgage lender.
Owner’s title insurance: Coverage for you
Owner’s title insurance is an optional policy that protects homeowners from potential financial loss due to title issues arising after purchasing a property.
The cost of owner’s title insurance can vary depending on the purchase price of the home and the title company used.
Is owner’s title insurance required in Illinois?
Owner’s title insurance is not required by law in Illinois, but it is highly recommended for homeowners to protect against potential title issues that may arise after purchasing a property.
How much is an Owner’s Title insurance policy?
The cost of an owner’s title insurance policy in Illinois varies depending on the property’s purchase price.
Illinois has rates that are officially filed or promulgated, unlike in other states. The typical minimum owner’s policy one has to pay is $1,950, which applies to properties ranging from $0 to $200,000. After that, the policy price goes up by approximately $2 for every $1,000 that the property price increases.
- For example, for a $1,000,000 property in Illinois, a title insurance owner’s policy would cost around $3,575.
- When purchased with the lender’s title insurance policy, the loan policy adds approximately $575.
- Outside of Illinois, title insurance costs vary widely from state to state and property to property. The average price can range between $800 and $4,000.
The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation monitors charges levied by title companies in Illinois.
Who pays for the owner’s title insurance and other title fees is often based on where you live. In several states, including Illinois, it is common for sellers to pay for the owner’s policy while buyers pay for the loan policy. For a more detailed breakdown of seller’s and buyer’s respective closing costs, see our closing costs on a house page.
Who pays Owner’s title insurance?
In Illinois, the seller typically pays for owner’s title insurance, but the responsibility can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller at the offer stage of the process.
Who picks the title insurance company?
The selection of the title insurance company is typically left up to the seller’s attorney in a purchase transaction. In a refinance, your lender may have a preferred list of title insurance companies that they work with.
Lender’s title insurance cost: Coverage for the mortgage company
A lender’s title insurance policy, also known as a loan policy, is a policy that covers the mortgage company’s financial interests in the property. Most lenders require a lender’s policy to protect their investment in the property.
How much is a Lender’s Title insurance policy?
The cost of lender’s title insurance in Illinois varies depending on the value of the property and the loan amount.
The average cost of lender’s title insurance in Illinois is around $575 when issued simultaneously with an owner’s policy.
Who Usually Pays For The Lender’s Title Insurance?
The buyer typically pays for the lender’s title insurance as part of their closing costs.
Lender’s title insurance vs. Owner’s title insurance
Here is a table of differences between lender’s title insurance and owner’s title insurance:
| Particulars | Lender’s Title Insurance | Owner’s Title Insurance |
| Purpose | Protects the lender’s investment in the property if a title defect is found | Protects the owner’s investment in the property if a title defect is found |
| Required? | Yes, usually required by the lender | Not by law, but recommended and typically required by the sale contract |
| Coverage duration | Coverage ends when the loan is paid off or refinanced | Coverage lasts as long as the owner owns the property |
| Coverage amount | Coverage is equal to the loan amount | Coverage is equal to the purchase price or property value |
| Cost | Paid for by the buyer | Typically paid for by the seller |
| Coverage for legal fees | Usually not covered | Sometimes covered |
| Coverage for property surveys | Covered with survey | Covered with survey |
| Claim filing process | Lender files the claim on behalf of the borrower | Owner files the claim |
| Claims payout | Paid to the lender to cover the outstanding loan balance | Paid to the owner for any losses suffered due to a title defect |
Note that lender’s and owner’s title insurance serve different purposes and provide different levels of coverage.
While lender’s title insurance protects the lender’s investment, owner’s title insurance protects the owner’s investment and provides greater peace of mind.
Your title insurance premiums quote might be different from your loan estimate
There are a few reasons why your quote for title insurance premiums might be different from your loan estimate:
Different providers: Your loan estimate and title insurance premiums quote may come from different providers, and each provider may have different fees and charges.
Inaccurate information: The information used to calculate your loan estimate and title insurance premiums quote may not be accurate or may change over time.
Different time periods: Your loan estimate and title insurance premiums quote may be provided at different times, and costs can change over time due to market conditions, fees and other factors.
Variations in coverage: Your loan estimate may not include all of the coverage options available for title insurance, while your title insurance premiums quote may be based on a more comprehensive coverage plan.
It’s important to review both your loan estimate and title insurance premiums quote carefully, ask questions about any discrepancies, and work with your lender and title insurance provider to ensure that you have a clear understanding of all the costs associated with your home purchase
How to Choose the Right Home Title Insurance Policy?
When selecting a home title insurance policy, it’s important to compare policies and rates from multiple title insurance companies. Homeowners should also review the policy coverage and endorsements to ensure that they have the necessary protection for their investment.
Tips For Shopping For Your Title Insurance Policy
Here are some tips for shopping for a title insurance policy:
- Shop around and compare title insurance costs from different title companies. Title insurance costs vary by provider, so it is wise to get quotes from several companies to find the best rate.
- Consider purchasing owner’s title insurance, even if it is not required by your lender. This policy protects your investment in the property and covers you against any unforeseen issues that may arise.
- Ask your real estate agent or attorney for recommendations on reputable title insurance providers in your area.
- Be aware that the cost of title insurance premiums may be different from the estimate provided in your loan estimate. It may include additional fees, such as title search fees or recording fees.
- Make sure to review the title insurance policy carefully before purchasing it. Understand what the policy covers, any exclusions or exceptions, and any conditions that must be met to qualify for coverage.
Conclusion
Home title insurance is an important investment for both homeowners and lenders.
While the cost of title insurance in Illinois may vary, it is essential to review the policy and ensure that it provides adequate protection for your investment in the property.
By following these tips and shopping around for the right policy, homeowners can save money while still obtaining the necessary protection for their investment.
Thanks to our exclusive affiliation with the title company United Settlement Services, Adler & Herbach’s clients save 50% on seller-side title fees. Contact us today to learn more.
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