Direct answer
What does Title insurance mean?
Insurance that protects against covered title defects under the terms and exceptions of the policy.
Exam cue: Distinguish an owner's policy from a lender's policy and read the policy exceptions.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
A title search misses a covered recorded defect and the owner's policy responds under its terms.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Title insurance does not promise that no title problem can ever exist.
Related property rights and title terms
DeedA written instrument used to transfer an interest in real property.EasementA nonpossessory right to use another person's land for a stated purpose.EncroachmentA physical improvement that crosses a property line or intrudes into another protected area.Fee simpleThe broadest private ownership estate, potentially lasting indefinitely and subject to government powers and private restrictions.FixtureAn item that began as personal property but is treated as part of the real property because of attachment, adaptation and intent.Joint tenancyConcurrent ownership that includes a right of survivorship when it is properly created.
Sources used2 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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