What Is Title Insurance? | Ridge Estate Buyer Guide

Title insurance is one of those things buyers hear about during closing—but don’t always fully understand. So let’s clear it up.

When you buy a home, your lawyer ensures the seller has legal ownership, but title insurance adds an extra layer of protection.

It’s a one-time cost (usually $250–$400) and protects you from surprises like:

• - undisclosed liens or unpaid debts on the property
• - survey or boundary disputes
• - errors in public records
• - fraudulent ownership claims
• - zoning violations or issues missed during searches

Some lenders require it before mortgage funds are advanced. In Ontario, most buyers purchase it at closing—even if it's not mandatory—because the peace of mind is worth it.

💡 ridge pro tip: title insurance doesn’t replace due diligence—it reinforces it. Think of it as legal backup for one of the biggest purchases of your life.

🔗 related articles: what does a real estate lawyer do?, closing costs you should expect

📜 ridge estate helps you understand exactly what title insurance covers—and what it doesn’t—so nothing catches you off guard.