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Standard vs. Enhanced Title Insurance

Washington, D.C. Rates :: Maryland Rates :: Virginia Rates

Why Select Enhanced Title Insurance over Standard Title Insurance?
The difference between the two is based on pre-purchase problems, such as a deck addition that was erected without a proper building permit, and post-purchase problems. While the Standard policy would not cover such a problem, the Enhanced policy does.

The Enhanced Policy covers a host of "post policy" issues such as forgery, building permit violations, as well as, the living trust coverage which allows you to pass your home down to your heirs without purchasing a new owner's title policy. But the most important coverage is the "Automatic increase in coverage to 125%." Should there be a discrepancy down the road, your policy would allow you to be reimbursed up to 125% of the original purchase price, so your $100k home would be reimbursed up to $125k depending on market value.

Comparison of Title Insurance Coverage
Residential Owner's Title Policy
Coverage  Standard Coverage   Enhanced Coverage 
1. A third party claims interest in the title x x
2. Improperly executed document x x
3. Pre-policy forgery, fraud or duress x x
4. Defective recording of documents x x
5. Undisclosed restrictive covenants x x
6. A lien on your title because:
    a. a security deed
    b. judgement, tax, special assessment or
    c. a charge by a home owner's association 		x x
7. Unmarketable title x x
8. Mechanics' liens -- x
9. Forced removal of structure because:
    a. it encroaches onto another property or
        an easement
    b. it violates an existing zoning law*
    c. of violations of a restriction in Schedule B
 -- x
10. Land cannot be used for a Single Family Dwelling (SFD) because use violates a restriction in Schedule B or a zoning ordinance. -- x
11. Unrecorded easements -- x
12. Pays rent for substitute land or facilities -- x
13. Rights under unrecorded leases -- x
14. Plain language -- x
15. Building permit violations* -- x
16. Compliance with Subdivision Map Act, if any* -- x
17. Restrictive covenant violations -- x
18. Discriminatory covenants -- x
19. Convenant violation resulting in reversion -- x
20. Violations of building setbacks -- x
21. Enhanced marketability -- x
22. Access - Enhanced vehicular and pedestrian access -- x
23. Map, if any, not consistent with legal description -- x
24. Post-policy forgery -- x
25. Post-policy encroachment -- x
26. Post-policy damage from minerals or water extraction -- x
27. Post-policy living Trust Coverage for Trustee -- x
28. Post-policy living Trust Coverage for Beneficiary -- x
29. Post-policy automatic increase in value up to 150% -- x
30. Post-policy adverse possession -- x
31. Post-policy cloud on title -- x
32. Post-policy prescriptive easement -- x
33. Boundary walls and fence encroachment* -- x
34. Insurance coverage forever -- x

*Subject to a deductible and maximum indemnity liability, which may be less than the policy amount.

While offering more comprehensive coverage, the Enhanced Policy (also known as the "Eagle" policy) costs 20% more than the Standard Policy. Note: You may change your type of coverage anytime prior to closing.