Old Republic Title Insurance Why It Matters for Your Property

When you purchase or finance real estate, a key but often overlooked risk lies in the property’s title history. Issues like undisclosed liens, forged documents, or ownership disputes can threaten your ownership or loan security. That is where Old Republic Title (ORT) steps in. With more than a century of experience, this title insurer provides both homeowner and lender policies to safeguard against such risks.

In this article, you will learn how Old Republic Title Insurance works, the benefits it offers, real-world policy products you can purchase, how to buy them, and why they are a smart part of any real-estate transaction.

How Old Republic Title Insurance Works

The process begins with a title search and examination. Old Republic’s teams review public records, including prior deeds, liens, judgments, easements, and other encumbrances. Their goal is to identify and correct issues before closing.

After the search, if acceptable, a title insurance policy is issued either for the homeowner (owner’s policy) or for the lender (lender’s policy). This one-time cost (paid at closing) protects you for as long as you or your heirs own the property (for owner’s policies) or until the loan is satisfied (for lender’s policies).

Should a covered defect arise, such as a forgery, missing heir claim, or hidden lien, the policy provides for legal defense and financial reimbursement up to the policy’s limit. Old Republic emphasizes prevention but stands ready for claims.

Key Benefits of Old Republic Title Insurance

Robust Financial Strength and Reputation

Old Republic Title boasts high financial strength ratings, reflecting its ability to handle claims and secure its policyholders.
With that backing, you gain confidence that your investment is protected by a carrier with proven stability.

One-Time Premium for Long-Term Protection

Unlike homeowners’ insurance, which is renewed annually, title insurance with Old Republic is purchased once at closing. Then you’re covered indefinitely (owner’s) or for the term of the loan (lender’s).
This makes title insurance a cost-efficient risk hedge for what may be your largest investment.

Covers Hidden & Unexpected Title Risks

Even the most thorough title search can miss issues. Old Republic explains these typically include forgery, unrecorded liens, missing heirs, or defective deeds.
By purchasing title insurance, you transfer those latent risks away from yourself.

Peace of Mind for Homeowners, Lenders & Investors

Whether you’re buying a home, refinancing, or holding commercial property, Old Republic provides products that match your transaction. For homeowners, you gain protection. For lenders and investors, you enhance collateral security.

Efficient Service & Nationwide Coverage

Old Republic operates through a national network of branches and agents. Their systems are designed to support smooth closings and title underwriting across multiple states.

Real-World Policy Products by Old Republic Title

Here are five real-world product offerings from Old Republic Title. Each includes a detailed explanation of coverage, benefits, use cases, and how you can purchase.

1. Owner’s Title Insurance Policy – Residential

Description: This policy protects the homeowner’s equity and ownership rights in a residential property. It covers defects in the title that occurred before policy issuance. Highlights that an owner’s policy protects you “for as long as you or your heirs own the property.” 
Benefits: You obtain long-term legal and financial protection. If someone later claims ownership or a lien surfaces, you are defended and reimbursed.
Use Case: A first-time homebuyer purchases a house. Two years later, an undisclosed lien surfaces from years prior. The homeowner files a claim under their Old Republic owner’s policy. Costs are covered, and the homeowner remains secure.
Why People Need It: Real estate records are imperfect. Hidden defects can exist. An owner’s policy shields you from that.
How to Buy / Where: Typically offered during your closing process via your title company or agent who works with Old Republic.

2. Lender’s Title Insurance Policy

Description: A lender’s title policy protects the lender’s interest in the property (loan collateral). It ensures the lien is valid, enforceable, and has priority against other claims.
Benefits: For borrowers, this may be required by the lender. It speeds up funding and ensures a smooth closing. For lenders, it mitigates risk.
Use Case: A homebuyer takes out a mortgage. The lender mandates the policy from Old Republic. Later, a prior recorded but unresolved judgment threatens the lien’s priority. The lender’s policy protects the lender’s financial interest.
Why People Need It: Without a lender’s policy, the lender may refuse to lend or require a higher interest rate.
How to Buy / Where: It is typically arranged by the lender or closing agent, using the Old Republic underwriter.

3. Commercial/Investment Property Title Insurance

Description: This product is designed for larger-scale real estate transactions, commercial buildings, multi-unit properties, and development sites. Old Republic provides underwriting and title services for these complex deals. 
Benefits: You gain protection tailored for high-value assets with multiple risks, leases, easements, sub-parcel, and multiple ownership layers.
Use Case: An investor acquires a small shopping center. The title search finds multiple parcels under different tax IDs. Old Republic’s commercial policy is issued, providing coverage for the full complex.
Why People Need It: The stakes are higher in commercial deals, and the potential exposure is huge. Title coverage from a strong underwriter is invaluable.
How to Buy / Where: Engage your real-estate counsel or closing agent early. Specify the need for a commercial title insurance policy under Old Republic.

4. Title Search & Examination Service

Description: Before issuing any policy, Old Republic’s title professionals conduct exhaustive searches of public records, historical ownership, taxes, liens, easement statutes, and more
Benefits: Identifies and clears many issues before closing, reduces risk, avoids surprises, and speeds up the transaction.
Use Case: A buyer is purchasing a historic home. Title search uncovers a decades-old tax lien. Old Republic works with the agent to clear this before closing, ensuring policy issuance is smooth.
Why People Need It: Without a thorough search, you risk unresolved liabilities. Title search is the foundation of insurance.
How to Buy / Where: Typically ordered by your title agent or attorneythey coordinate with Old Republic’s search team.

Remote/Online Closing & Digital Title Services

Description: In modern real-estate transactions, Old Republic supports digital workflows, remote closing platforms, online document review, e-notary, and secure escrow fund handling.
Benefits: Enables buyers or investors to close from distant locations, reduces travel/time cost, and improves transparency with portal tracking.
Use Case: An international investor buys U.S. property. Through Old Republic’s approved digital system, the investor signs documents online, wires funds securely, and the closing is completed despite being abroad.
Why People Need It: Real estate is increasingly mobile; tech-enabled closing is no longer optional.
How to Buy / Where: Ask your title agent if they partner with Old Republic’s digital closing services.

Problems That Old Republic Title Insurance Solves

• Hidden Liens & Unrecorded Judgments: These can surface after closing and threaten your ownership or the lender’s lien. An Old Republic policy covers such risks.

• Forgery or Fraudulent Deeds: Cases happen where earlier deeds were forged or mis-executed; policy covers legal defense and losses.

• Missing Heirs or Ownership Disputes: Someone may claim rights years later; with coverage, you are defended.

• Title Search Misses: Even the best search may fail to catch everything; title insurance covers the gap.

• Complex Ownership Structures (Commercial): Many parcels, tenants, easements, or financing layers increase risk; Old Republic’s commercial products address this.

• Remote or Interstate Closings Without Oversight: Digital solutions ensure the same protection applies when parties are remote.

By purchasing title insurance and related services from Old Republic, you shift these latent risks away from yourself and onto a professional entity built to manage them.

How to Buy Old Republic Title Insurance

Step 1: Decide Which Policy You Need

Are you a homeowner, lender, investor, or developer? Choose owner’s, lender’s, or commercial coverage accordingly.

Step 2: Engage Your Title Agent or Attorney

Most title insurance purchases are arranged via your title agent or real estate attorney. Inform them you want the policy issued by Old Republic Title.

Step 3: Review Title Search and Commitment

Old Republic will perform or accept the title search, then issue a preliminary commitment showing conditions and exceptions. Review these carefully and ask for clarification if needed.

Step 4: Pay the Premium at Closing

The premium is typically paid at closing as a one-time fee. Coverage begins once documents are recorded and the policy is issued.

Step 5: Keep Your Policy Documents Safe

Once issued, store your policy documents securely. They represent your long-term protection. For owner’s policies, keep them as long as you own the property; for lender’s, until the mortgage is cleared.

Where to Buy: Use the provided buttons above to connect with Old Republic Title’s website and request information or coverage.

Why Investing in Old Republic Title Insurance Is Smart

Real estate is often your largest investment. Therefore, protecting its legal foundation makes sense. With Old Republic Title Insurance, you receive:

• Proven underwriting by a financially strong company

• Broad coverage for hidden risks

• One-time cost for long-term protection

• Products suited to residential, commercial, lending, and remote transactions

• Peace of mind and risk management that enables you to focus on your proper, ty not the paperwork

In a world where real-estate records are imperfect and risks exist, paying for title insurance is not just optional; it is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy?
An owner’s policy protects the homeowner’s equity and rights; a lender’s policy protects only the lender’s interest in the property (the loan collateral).

Q2: Does Old Republic Title Insurance cover everything?
No insurance covers everything. Policies include standard exceptions (zoning violations, eminent domain, environmental hazards). You must review the commitment and ask about endorsements for additional coverage.

Q3: How long does title insurance remain in effect?
For owner’s policies, coverage remains as long as you or your heirs own the property or until the policy is canceled or transferred. Policies last until the mortgage loan is paid in full or refinanced.

Conclusion

Investing in a property without securing its title is like driving a car without insurance. With Old Republic Title Insurance, you don’t just acquire a policy, you gain protection, assura,,nce, and peace of mind for one of your biggest assets. Whether you are a homeowner, lender, or investor, the value of strong title coverage cannot be overstated. Act early, select the right product, purchase with confidence, and let your property stand on solid legal ground.