Cockatoo guide

Title insurance: separate title risks from building cover

Title insurance concerns specified property-title or transaction-related risks under a specialist contract. It is different from building insurance for physical damage and does not replace conveyancing or a legal investigation.

Title insurance concerns specified property-title or transaction-related risks under a specialist contract. It is different from building insurance for physical damage and does not replace conveyancing or a legal investigation.

The distinction that matters

A title policy does not establish that every defect, unauthorised structure or known issue is accepted. The insured risks, exclusions and timing conditions must be read carefully.

What to check

  • The insured property and interests.
  • Known matters and disclosure conditions.
  • The title or transaction risks listed.
  • Limits, exclusions and the claims process.

Example to discuss

Ask the conveyancer and insurer which identified issue, if any, the policy addresses instead of treating it as a substitute for resolving every concern before purchase.

This is a hypothetical comparison, not a customer claim or a determination of cover.

Sources and further reading

General information only. The policy, schedule and applicable rules determine the actual position. For a personal decision, use an appropriately qualified adviser or the relevant provider.

Sources

References used in this guide