What is title insurance, and what does it protect?
Understand what title insurance covers, how it differs from other home insurance, and what to ask before choosing a policy.
Read the guide : What is title insurance, and what does it protect?Rhode Island & southeastern Massachusetts
Title insurance in Rhode Island and selected Massachusetts communities
Discuss title insurance with Balkun for a property in Rhode Island or a selected Massachusetts community. We help coordinate the title work and policy questions involved in your purchase or refinance so you can review the proposed coverage, charges and remaining requirements before closing.
Start with the title. Understand the policy.
A title search examines available records for matters affecting ownership. Title insurance addresses covered risks under the terms of an issued policy. They work together, but they are different parts of a transaction. A lender’s policy protects the lender’s interest; it does not replace a policy protecting you as the owner.
A quote should make the choices clear.
Ask which policy is being quoted, the proposed insured amount, the insurer, applicable exceptions and any additional endorsements. Ask for the premium to be identified separately from closing and other transaction charges. Coverage, exclusions and pricing depend on the actual policy and transaction.
Compare the policy and the closing costs separately
A useful quote identifies the proposed policy, insured amount and premium alongside the other services in your transaction. Ask which coverage is for the lender and which is for you as the owner. Review exceptions and any proposed endorsements with the appropriate title professional or insurer.
Title and escrow can appear in the same closing conversation, but insurance coverage and the handling of transaction funds are different matters. Ask what each charge pays for and who is responsible for each step. Money collected for a lender's ongoing taxes-and-insurance escrow is different again.
Bring your questions forward.
Before signing, discuss any ownership concerns, known easements, prior work on the property or documents you do not understand. Our team can coordinate the title and closing questions and identify when a matter needs review by the appropriate attorney or insurer.
For general guidance, see CFPB: Shopping for title insurance and closing services. For coverage, rely on the specific policy and the insurer’s explanation.
Planning a local transaction? See our Providence title and closing services, Newport title and closing services and Boston title and closing services for property-specific preparation, then contact the team about your closing.
Make the next step specific.
Ask Balkun to explain the proposed title insurance and costs for your transaction.
Use the existing inquiry route for general questions. Call the office for the appropriate secure document or title-order instructions.
Request a closing quoteMore clarity, one guide at a time
Useful before your next step.
Owner's vs. lender's title insurance: what each protects
Two policies can appear in one closing. Learn what each is intended to protect and how to compare the proposed coverage.
Read the guide : Owner's vs. lender's title insurance: what each protectsWhat goes into the cost of title insurance?
Separate the insurance premium from other closing services and learn how to request quotes you can fairly compare.
Read the guide : What goes into the cost of title insurance?Before you get started
A few good questions.
Clear answers to help you take the next step.
Ask us a questionDoes a lender's title policy also protect my ownership interest?
A lender's policy protects the lender's interest. Ask about an owner's policy for protection of your ownership interest against covered risks. The protection depends on the actual policy's terms, exclusions and exceptions; compare the proposed policies before deciding.
What should I include when asking about title insurance?
Start with the property location and whether you are purchasing or refinancing. Tell the team if you have a prior policy or a known ownership concern, and ask for the approved secure route before sending documents. Request a breakdown that separates the premium from other closing charges.
What do I need to request a closing quote?
Start with your name and email. The quote form also has optional space for the property address and a message. If you know whether you are buying, selling or refinancing, include that so the team can identify what else is needed.
Request a closing quoteCan I choose my title and closing company?
You can generally shop for title and closing services. For a financed purchase, ask your lender which services you can choose and review the providers and charges in your Loan Estimate. Coordinate your selection early with the professionals handling your transaction.
What to ask when choosing a companyWhere will my closing take place?
Balkun has offices in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Fall River, Massachusetts. Confirm your assigned office, appointment and signing arrangements with the team before visiting.
Contact details and office locationsHow should I confirm closing funds and documents?
Call a trusted number you independently verified to confirm payment instructions. Do not rely on an email announcing a last-minute change. For identification, financial records or closing packages, ask the office for its approved secure delivery route.
Read the closing funds safety guideLet’s talk about your closing