best owner’s title insurance companies
What Is Owner’s Title Insurance?
- It protects homeowners if someone makes a claim against their property that arises from events before they bought it—such as unpaid taxes or liens. It covers legal defense and financial losses tied to these issues. (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, NerdWallet)
- Unlike lender’s title insurance (which protects the lender’s investment and is often mandatory), the owner’s policy safeguards your equity and stays in effect as long as you or your heirs own the property. (Stewart, NerdWallet)
Top Owner’s Title Insurance Companies in the U.S.
According to recent industry insights:
- The largest title insurers by market share (2023 data):
- First American Title — 22%
- Old Republic National Title — 15%
- Fidelity National Title — 13%
- Chicago Title — 13%
- Stewart Title — 9% (ValuePenguin)
- As of Q1 2024:
- First American — 22.6%
- Old Republic — 14.2%
- Fidelity National — 13.9%
- Chicago Title — 12.8%
- Stewart — 9.9% (ALTA.org)
Best Overall Providers (Based on Complaints & Financial Stability)
- Old Republic National Title and Chicago Title stand out as top-rated: they have exceptionally low complaint rates and strong financial resilience (rated A+ by Demotech). (ValuePenguin)
Company Overviews
| Company | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Old Republic National Title | Over a century in operation, backed by Old Republic International (Fortune 500, $28B in assets); unmatched financial strength. (Old Republic Title) |
| First American Title | Largest by market share; offers extensive data, settlement, and warranty services nationwide — ideal for comprehensive coverage. (First American, Wikipedia) |
| Fidelity National Title | Renowned for efficient processing and quality service. (FNTIC, Kiavi) |
| Chicago Title | Established legacy (170+ years), reputable reliability and service for complex transactions. (Kiavi, ValuePenguin) |
| Stewart Title | Founded 1893, global reach across 80+ countries, recognized for trustworthiness and excellence. (Wikipedia, Kiavi) |
Types of Owner’s Title Insurance Policies
- Standard Owner’s Policy
Covers hidden title defects existing before the policy date—like liens, forgery, or recording errors—through recording time. (Stewart, South Oak Title) - Enhanced/Homeowner’s Policies (e.g., Eagle Policy® by First American)
Offer extended protection—cover up to 33 risk items, including post-policy forged documents, rental assistance if property is unusable, and increasing coverage over the first 5 years. (First American) - Enhanced Owner’s Policies (third-party descriptions)
May cover post-closing risks like undisclosed heirs, mechanics’ liens, HOA covenant violations, and can offer coverage up to 150% of the purchase price for several years. (South Oak Title)
Tips for Shopping Title Insurance
- In states with regulated rates, pricing is more uniform. In unregulated areas, you can shop around for better pricing. (NerdWallet, Reddit)
- Always review the policy exceptions and compare offerings—these define what’s not covered. (Reddit, Maryland Insurance Administration)
- Ask for referrals from your real estate agent, lender, or closing attorney – they might even help negotiate rates or recommend a reputable provider. (ValuePenguin)