Title Insurance in Washington, D.C.

Even the most thorough title search cannot guarantee that every defect will be discovered before closing. Public records can contain errors, prior deeds may have been signed without proper authority, and certain claims — such as those from unknown heirs or fraud victims — may not appear in any searchable record. Title insurance bridges this gap by providing financial protection against covered losses that arise after closing.

Here is why every buyer and lender in Washington, D.C. should have title insurance in place before closing:

• Risk Transfer: Title insurance shifts the financial risk of covered title defects from you to the insurer. Rather than facing potential losses on your own, your policy covers the cost of defending and resolving covered claims against your title.
• Due Diligence Protection: Even after a professional title search, examination, and curative work, unforeseen issues can arise. Title insurance provides a safety net for the rare defects that are missed or that become apparent only after closing.
• Marketability of Title: A clean, insured title improves your ability to resell the property and obtain refinancing in the future. Lenders and buyers expect clear title, and your policy helps demonstrate that your ownership rights are protected.
• Peace of Mind: Real estate is one of the largest investments most people ever make. Knowing that your title is covered by insurance means you can close with confidence and focus on enjoying your property — not worrying about claims from the past.

For buyers financing their purchase with a mortgage, the answer is straightforward: your lender will require a lender’s title insurance policy as a condition of the loan. This lender’s policy protects the lender’s investment — but it does not protect you as the owner.

An owner’s title insurance policy is separate and optional, but DC Mistry Closing strongly recommends it for every buyer. The owner’s policy protects your equity in the property for as long as you own it. If a covered claim arises — a hidden lien, a forged deed, a missing heir — your policy covers your defense costs and any resulting financial loss. The premium is paid once at closing and requires no renewal. For the protection it provides, owner’s title insurance is one of the best-value investments in any real estate transaction.

DC Mistry Closing partners with two of the nation’s most respected title insurance underwriters to issue policies for our clients:

• Old Republic National Title Insurance Company — One of the largest title insurers in the United States, with a strong financial strength rating and decades of experience providing title insurance coverage across the country.
• First American Title Insurance Company — A Fortune 500 company and one of the nation’s leading providers of title insurance and settlement services, trusted by buyers, lenders, and real estate professionals nationwide.

Both underwriters are licensed to issue title insurance in Washington, D.C. and carry the financial strength to pay covered claims reliably. DC Mistry Closing will work with you to determine which underwriter is best suited for your transaction.

Title insurance premiums in Washington, D.C. are regulated by the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) and are based on filed, approved rate schedules. This means the premium you pay is determined by the insured amount (typically the purchase price or loan amount) and is the same regardless of which title company you use.

• One-Time Premium: The title insurance premium is paid once at closing — there are no monthly payments, no annual renewals, and no ongoing costs. Coverage remains in effect for as long as you own the property (owner’s policy) or until the loan is paid off (lender’s policy).
• Rate Structure: Premiums are based on the policy amount and are calculated according to the D.C. filed and approved rate schedules. DC Mistry Closing will provide you with a clear, written premium estimate before closing so there are no surprises.
• Free Quote: Contact DC Mistry Closing for a no-obligation title insurance premium estimate as part of our closing cost quote. We will provide a complete, itemized breakdown of all title and closing costs specific to your transaction.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Title insurance coverage is determined solely by the terms and conditions of the issued policy or policies. Coverage, exclusions, and endorsement options vary by underwriter and transaction type. You are encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney or insurance professional regarding your particular facts, risk tolerance, and coverage needs before closing.