Coverages Under a Homeowner’s Title Insurance Policy
Title insurance offers financial protection against title problems that could not be found in the public records, are inadvertently missed in the title search process, or those that may arise from fraud or forgery.
The title policy a lender requires only covers the lender’s interest in a property.
The Homeowner’s Title Policy has a one-time charge and includes coverage for the homeowner on a number of items detailed below. If your home’s title is challenged based on a covered item, the title insurer will pay for defending against the challenge and will either “perfect” (make perfect) the title or pay the valid claim.
The ALTA* Homeowner’s Policy is a collection of coverages designed to meet the concerns of our homeowner customers.
*American Land Title Association
Comprehensive Coverage For Every Concern
The Homeowner’s Title Policy is Stewart’s premium title coverage for owners of single-family residences and condominiums.
From building permit and restrictive covenant violations, to living trust and zoning coverages, the Homeowner’s Policy protects against common, frustrating problems that can plague today’s homeowner.
Many of the coverages and protections available through our Homeowner’s Policy, such as post-policy encroachment and adverse ownership, ensure Stewart will pursue corrective action or provide additional compensation. And the policy protects your investment for as long as you or your heirs own the property.
Trust the Homeowner’s Policy backed by the company with more than 100 years of service and satisfaction.
More Coverage, More Peace of Mind
Our Homeowner’s Policy offers 12 extended coverages to accommodate your specific needs.
Building Permit Violation Coverage
Covers up to $25,000 after a deductible equal to the lesser of one percent of the policy amount, or $5,000. This coverage applies if the policyholder has to remove an existing structure built by a previous owner who did not obtain the required permits.
Subdivision Map Act Coverage
Pays up to $10,000 after a deductible equal to the lesser of one percent of the policy amount, or $2,500. This coverage applies if the policyholder cannot close a sale, secure a loan or obtain a building permit because the land, was improperly subdivided prior to purchase.
Location Coverage
Insures that the home has the same address as the property insured in the policy.
Restrictive Covenant Violations Coverage
Protects against loss of title if someone attempts to enforce an existing restrictive covenant due to a violation that occurred before the policy date. The only exception to this coverage would be loss relating to maintenance or repair on the land or due to environmental protection issues.
Zoning Coverage
Protects if the policyholder is forced to remove or remedy an improvement because it violates zoning laws. Protection for forced remedy of violations is subject to a deductible and a maximum dollar amount.
Post-Policy Coverage
Protects against possible post-policy ownership claims which may decrease property value.
Enhanced Access Coverage
Covers actual pedestrian and vehicular access.
Encroachment Coverage
Protects against someone building a structure (excluding boundary walls and fences) that encroaches on insured property.
Supplemental Taxes
Protects against supplemental taxes for construction, change of use or ownership.
Coverage for Structure Damage from Extraction of Minerals, Water and Other Substances
Protects all structures and landscaping on property, including future improvements, against damage caused by others using the land for extraction and development of minerals, water and other substances.
Automatic Coverage Increases
Each of the first five years, the policy amount will automatically increase by 10 percent in value, up to a total of 150 percent to cover increases in the value of the insured property.
Living Trust Coverage
Extends policy protection beyond the probate to include trustees.
For more information and details on the policy that is setting the standard for today’s homeowner, contact your Stewart representative and ask how the Homeowner’s Policy can benefit you.
