What is Title Insurance and should you have it?

Title Insurance is a policy of insurance that provides coverage for the title related risks associated with real estate transactions. It is designed to cover the unpredictable or undetectable issues such as forgery, fraud, missing heirs, etc. that can affect rights of ownership. Because it is insurance, a Title Insurance policy moves the risk associated with title from the home buyer, the lending institution or the lawyer, to the title insurer.

If there is a problem with title that only becomes known after closing, the title insurer may rectify the problem or compensate the Title Insurance policyholder, provided the type of problem that surfaces is covered by the Title Insurance policy.

A Title Insurance policy will contain:

  • risks or losses the policy will cover;
  • risks or losses the policy will not cover; and
  • general terms governing the insurance coverage.

Should a policy holder suffer a loss of title through title/identity theft, the insurance will provide funds to discharge the mortgage or compensate for the loss of the property. Without Title Insurance the home owner is forced to make a claim to the government’s Assurance Fund — a long and expensive process which is not always successful.

Some insurers will provide Title Insurance for clients who already own their home, but did not obtain the protection of Title Insurance when they first purchased their home.

Title Insurance is available in Ontario through at least 4 separate insurers in addition to the old method of solicitor certification. For the most part title insurance provides broader protection at lower costs, and is especially useful in protecting against title fraud.

Reputable Companies Providing Title Insurance



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Precious Eyesan
  May 12, 2023

We enjoyed our house buying experience with Kimberley. She was very knowledgeable and professional, at the same time friendly, patient, full of humor and made us feel well taken care of. We would absolutely work with her again.

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kathie decoste
  May 10, 2023

Kimberly was super. Great communication and follow up. Would recommend her to everyone.

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Barb Skanes
  April 26, 2023

Lori and her team came highly recommended and after listing and selling our aging parents home, I can understand why. When we met with Lori, she was friendly, approachable and professional. She had an excellent handle on the market and area. What complicated the sale for us is, we don't live in the area. Lori made sure the final details before listing were looked after. She brought in cleaners to give the house a thorough cleaning and freshening up. Lori and her team, Morgan and Laurie, kept us informed every step of the way. They were in constant communication making sure we knew what was happening. It was a very quick sale and couldn't be happier with the results. After our interactions with the team, we would also highly recommend them.

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Craig McL
  April 22, 2023

Lori and Kim have helped us on numerous real estate transactions and we have always been thrilled with their level of service and professionalism. Selling or buying, we highly recommend the VanDinther team.

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