GET TO KNOW TITLE INSURANCE

Title insurance is one of the most overlooked protections in homeownership — especially once a mortgage is fully paid off and the lender’s policy disappears. Many owners don’t realize that after becoming mortgage-free, they are no longer protected unless they purchase their own policy.

See why title insurance is one of the smartest, lowest-cost safeguards for Ontario homeowners. 👇

When your mortgage was active, your lender likely had their own title insurance policy — but that policy only protected *them*, not you. Once the mortgage is discharged, that coverage ends. A homeowner policy ensures YOU are protected from fraud, defects, legal disputes, building-permit issues, and title-related surprises that surface years after closing.

1️⃣ What Title Insurance Actually Protects

Unlike traditional insurance that only covers future events, title insurance protects against issues from the past AND the future.

It can cover:

✔️ fraud or forged signatures

✔️ unknown liens or mortgages

✔️ incorrect property boundaries

✔️ building-permit violations

✔️ legal fees to defend and restore title

This protection applies even if the issue started long before you purchased the property.

2️⃣ Protection Against Fraud & Forgery

Title fraud continues to rise in Ontario, especially with absentee owners and seniors.

Coverage includes:

✔️ someone fraudulently selling your home

✔️ a fake mortgage being registered against your title

✔️ forged signatures on transfer documents

Without title insurance, homeowners face massive legal bills to correct the title — often tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

3️⃣ Coverage for Missing Building Permits

If previous owners completed renovations without proper building permits, YOU may inherit the problem.

Title insurance may cover:

✔️ costs to remedy unpermitted structures

✔️ legal fees if the municipality requires removal

✔️ expenses tied to correcting safety or code violations

This coverage alone can save homeowners thousands.

4️⃣ Boundary & Encroachment Issues

Disputes with neighbours over property lines can trigger expensive surveys or court involvement.

Coverage helps resolve issues such as:

✔️ a previous owner building over the lot line

✔️ neighbour’s structures intruding on your land

✔️ unknown easements affecting your use of the property

Title insurance protects your rights and pays for legal support.

5️⃣ Low Cost — One-Time Fee

A title insurance policy is:

✔️ a single payment (no renewal)

✔️ typically $200–$400 in Ontario

✔️ valid for as long as you own the property

Considering the legal risks, it’s one of the highest-value protections available in real estate.

📌 Real Example: How Title Insurance Saved a Homeowner

A woman discovered her secured line of credit had been paid off — by fraudsters who had sold her property without her knowledge.

The fraudsters:

• registered a fake sale for $350,000

• placed a $325,000 mortgage on her home

• collected the proceeds and disappeared

Her title insurance covered:

✔️ legal fees

✔️ removal of the fraudulent mortgage

✔️ restoration of ownership

This saved her approximately **$12,000** in legal costs alone, plus months of stress and uncertainty.

💬 Final Thought

Your home is likely your largest asset — and title insurance is one of the most affordable ways to protect both your property and your peace of mind. From fraud to boundary disputes to unpermitted renovations, one policy can shield you from financial and legal risk for as long as you own your home.

If you’d like a quote or want us to help secure a homeowner title insurance policy, send The Frontline Mortgage Group a message anytime.