July 16, 2026 · 4 min read
What Is Title Insurance?
Learn what title insurance is, what it covers, and why it's a one-time investment that protects Tennessee homebuyers for as long as they own their property.
We strive to provide helpful, accurate information for general educational purposes. However, this content is not intended as legal advice. For guidance on your specific legal situation we recommend consulting a licensed attorney.
When you're buying a home, everyone is familiar with homeowners insurance — but what about title insurance? While homeowners insurance protects against future events like fire, storm damage, or theft, title insurance protects against problems that may have existed long before you ever set foot in the property. (In some cases, title insurance can also protect against post-policy fraud and forgery, but we'll dive into that next week when we discuss the differences between basic and enhanced title insurance policies.)
What title insurance covers
Title insurance protects you and your lender from financial losses caused by issues with a property's ownership history. Even after a thorough title search, certain problems can remain hidden in public records or surface years down the road. A title insurance policy can help cover claims arising from:
- Unknown liens against the property
- Errors or omissions in public records
- Forged documents or fraudulent signatures
- Undiscovered heirs claiming ownership
- Boundary or ownership disputes
How it works at ClearPath
Before closing, our ClearPath title attorney performs a thorough title search to identify and resolve as many issues as possible. We examine public records going back decades, looking for anything that could cloud the title or affect your ownership rights.
Once the transaction is complete, title insurance provides an extra layer of protection if a covered title issue is discovered later. For Tennessee homebuyers, that means peace of mind that your investment is protected and that you can enjoy your new property with confidence.
A one-time fee for lasting protection
One of the best things about title insurance is that it's a one-time fee paid at closing. There are no annual premiums or renewals, and your owner's policy remains in effect for as long as you own the property.
Most lenders require a lender's policy to protect their investment. An owner's policy is optional but strongly recommended, because it protects the equity you build in your home over time.
Ready to schedule your closing?
Talk with our team about your next Tennessee real estate transaction. Have questions about title insurance or your closing? Ready to schedule? We're happy to help.