Closings glossary

Owner's policy

Title insurance protecting the buyer's ownership interest, issued for the purchase price with a single premium. Coverage continues while the insured or their heirs own the property.

Do I need an owner's title policy?

Quick Answer

An owner's policy protects the buyer's own ownership and equity, and it is the only title coverage that does, because the lender's policy protects the bank alone. It is written for the purchase price, paid once at closing, and it lasts as long as the buyer or their heirs hold the property.

The full definition

Title insurance protecting the buyer's ownership interest, issued for the purchase price with a single premium. Coverage continues while the insured or their heirs own the property.

Also called: Fee policy.

Where does owner's policy come up in a New York City closing?

A cash buyer of a Staten Island house has no lender and therefore no loan policy, so the owner's policy is the only title coverage on the deal.

What else should you read before closing?

In the glossary

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