What is the purpose of title insurance?

The purpose of title insurance is to shield against title defects that may result in loss. Title insurance provides protection to the property owner and the lender against any claims or issues that could arise relating to the ownership of the property. This includes problems such as undisclosed liens, forgery, or errors in public records that could challenge or invalidate a property title.

Having title insurance is crucial when purchasing real estate, as it ensures that the buyer is receiving a clean title and reduces the risk of future legal disputes concerning ownership. Thus, if a claim arises, the title insurance company will defend against the claim and cover any resulting losses, ensuring that the property owner retains their ownership rights.

The other options address unrelated issues; for instance, repairs before closing deal with the condition of the property rather than ownership rights, while covering mortgage payments involves borrower defaults, not title issues. Protection against natural disasters pertains to homeowners' insurance, which is also separate from the title insurance focus.