Title Company and Title Insurance Guides

Start with the fundamentals

• What is a title company? — understand title searches, insurance, escrow, settlement, and closing.
• What is a title search? — learn which public records are examined and what problems may be uncovered before closing.
• Home title insurance — learn the difference between owner’s and lender’s coverage.
• Owner’s vs. lender’s title insurance — compare who each policy protects, when it is required, and how long coverage lasts.
• Title company vs. escrow company — see where the roles differ and overlap.
• Title company costs — review the common categories of title, settlement, and closing fees.

Go deeper

• Title defects and clouds on title — what they are, common types, and how they typically get resolved.
• Closing costs explained — who typically pays what, and how buyers and sellers can negotiate credits.
• How to read a preliminary title report — a section-by-section walkthrough of the document your title company sends before closing.
• How to file a title insurance claim — the steps for notifying your insurer and what happens next.
• Real estate closing glossary — plain-English definitions for the terms you'll see on your closing paperwork.

Title insurance guides by state

Title insurance rules, rates, licensing structures, and closing customs vary by state. Use the state guides for general context, then confirm current requirements with the relevant state regulator or a qualified local professional.

• Title insurance in Texas
• Title insurance in Florida
• Title insurance in New Mexico
• Title insurance in Georgia

Find a local provider

When you are ready to compare providers, browse title companies by state and city. Confirm fees, services, availability, and licensing directly before making a decision.