> Although new to New Zealand, Title Insurance has been around overseas for over 130 years - the cover it provides for off title risk has been proven to be relevant and of real value in similar title jurisdictions.

> Where did Title Insurance originate?
> What Is Title Insurance?

Put simply, title insurance is a contract that protects the owner of an interest in land for that interest. These interests may be described as "title" risks and "off title" risks and may arise through the operation of a variety of laws affecting real property - Acts of Parliament, Regulations made by Order in Council, Local Authority by-laws or the application of common law rights - or through the conveyancing process itself.

One of the significant benefits of a title insurance policy is that the insurer assumes a "duty to defend" and the responsibility and the attendant costs of resolving a property law problem are passed to the insurer. Internationally between 45% and 50% of all payments of claims under title insurance polices are to lawyers to cover the costs of resolving a problem covered by the policy.

In many respects it is like a prepaid legal agreement to solve problems - at the expense of the Title Insurance company. It is also protection against a range of risks that could not be determined from a title search alone.

> Does someone have to be at fault before I can make a claim?
> What risks does a title insurance policy cover for a Home Owner?
> What risks does a title insurance policy cover for a Lender?
> Title Insurance is an American concept - does it work in any other countries with a > > title system like ours?
> Why do we need title insurance in New Zealand when the Government guarantees > > title to land?
> Doesn’t using a lawyer protect me?
> What additional level of comfort does Title Insurance provide?
> I’m buying a property so I can re-develop it, does the policy cover this?
> How does the policy fit within my current insurance portfolio?

Click on Claims Examples to read about situations in New Zealand where Title Insurance would have prevented a lot of hassle and concern for both purchasers and lenders.