An owner's policy protects only the
owner while a Mortgage policy protects only the holder of the
mortgage on the property. Separate policies are required to protect
both interests. Special rates are available when both Owner's and
Mortgage policies are applied at the same time.
The Owners Policy of title insurance usually is issued after the
deed to the buyer is 'delivered' and recorded. A Purchasers Policy
is usually issued after the contract has been executed by both
parties or after the signed contract has been recorded. The mortgage
policy of title insurance is usually issued after the mortgage or
deed of trust has been properly executed and recorded.
The coverage of your policy is against all matters that appeared
of record up to the date of issuance of your policy. Since that time
many documents may have been recorded, some of which may affect the
title to your land. Taxes and assessments may have accrued and be
unpaid. There may have been actions in court affecting your title.
The purchaser is entitled to have full information and protection as
to the condition of the title right up to the date of his purchase.
In addition, there may be matters of record which would prevent
either the seller or buyer from selling, buying, or mortgaging land
until such matters have been cleared. These items include such
things as federal tax liens, judgements, incompetencies, divorce
actions and other conditions which the title search may disclose.