> 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?
> Doesn't using a lawyer protect me?

Title insurance does not replace lawyers, it compliments and adds value to their services.

Purchasing your home is one of the most significant financial commitments you may ever make. Your lawyer has the skill and training to help guide you through this process and knows how to identify legal risks and protect you from them.

The law, however, is more complex than ever before and many existing legal risks are not always easily identified. Some of these risks may not even occur until after you have settled your purchase and moved in. To protect you from many of these risks, your lawyer can arrange for you to be covered by a title insurance policy.

Lawyers use their professional skill and expertise to identify and avoid risks. By contrast, a title insurer accepts many of the legal risks associated with buying and owning a home (or lending on mortgage) and provides coverage against loss should any of the covered risks happen.

Title insurance is not just about ensuring you get good title to your land (or your mortgage). Its also about insuring risk so you don't suffer loss when the quality of your rights to enjoy that land (or enforce that mortgage) is affected by the application of a wide variety of laws affecting real property.

> 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.