> 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?
> 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?

The Government guarantees that the person named as the owner on the Land Titles register as the owner, has good title to that land. There are some legal exceptions to this but by and large the guarantee is effective.

But it is limited to pure title matters and there are exceptions. If all title insurance did was to replicate the Government guarantee of the registered title to land you wouldn't be logging on to this web site and First Title certainly wouldn't be here.

A title Insurance policy covers many more risks - risks that are more likely to occur than not getting good title to land. A Home Ownership Protection Policy is a valuable addition to the Government guarantee of title.

> 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.