Title insurance: owner's vs. lender's

Two policies, two different people protected

Title insurance protects against covered losses from problems with title that existed before you bought, such as a forged deed, an undisclosed heir, an unreleased lien, or a recording error. Florida transactions usually involve two policies:

The CFPB explains that most lenders require a lender's policy, which protects the amount they lend, and that an owner's policy can help protect your own investment in the home. It also notes it is usually less expensive to buy both policies from the same provider at the same time.

Who pays in Florida?

There is no single statewide rule. Who pays for the owner's policy, and who chooses the title agent, is set by the contract and often follows local custom, which differs between counties. Read your contract's title evidence paragraph.

How premiums are set

Florida title insurance premium rates are promulgated by the state (§ 627.782, Fla. Stat.; Fla. Admin. Code R. 69O-186.003). That means the premium for a given policy amount is set by rule, not negotiated. We don't publish a premium calculator because endorsements, reissue credit and simultaneous-issue rules change the result. Ask us for a quote on your transaction.

The commitment comes first

Before closing you'll receive a title commitment: the insurer's promise to issue a policy once listed requirements are met, subject to listed exceptions. Learn how to read a title commitment.

Our underwriting

Policies are issued through Bradley Friedman, Esq., as title agent, and are underwritten through Old Republic National Title Insurance Company and Attorneys' Title Fund Services, LLC.