> 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?
> What additional level of comfort does Title Insurance provide?

A title insurance policy can protect purchasers and lenders against known and unknown property law problems that may affect their property or their mortgage. It provides a level of comfort way beyond:

> the basic Government guarantee that what you see on the title is what you will get;
> a lawyer's assurance that he or she has done everything professionally required of them to investigate the registered title and all potential off title property law problems with the property;
> reliance on a Land Information Memorandum that the local authority employee preparing it believes contains all of the information about the property held by the Council;
> relying on a right to sue a lawyer for negligence if, contrary to the lawyer's undertaking, the mortgage he or she prepared is unenforceable.

Most significantly, the insurance is a no-fault indemnity. This means you don't have to prove someone was negligent. If a claim arises, you only have to prove that you have suffered or are likely to suffer a loss that is insured by the policy and you are covered.

> 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.