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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. For anything about a specific file, your title officer is the best source.
Title insurance basics
What is title insurance?
It protects against covered problems with ownership that come from before you bought, such as forged documents, undisclosed liens or records errors. Unlike most insurance, it looks backward, not forward.
What’s the difference between an owner’s and a lender’s policy?
A lender’s policy protects the lender’s loan and is usually required. An owner’s policy protects you, the buyer, for as long as you or your heirs own the property, under its terms.
Do I pay for title insurance every year?
No. Title insurance is paid once, at closing. For what a policy costs on your transaction, ask your escrow officer.
Is Priority Title the insurance company?
Priority Title is a title insurance agent. The policies we issue are underwritten by national title insurers.
The title process
What is a preliminary report?
The “prelim” shows who owns the property, the loans, liens, easements and restrictions on record, and what must happen before a policy issues. It isn’t a policy or a commitment to insure.
Why do I have to fill out a Statement of Information?
It helps us tell you apart from people with similar names who have judgments or liens, so those don’t get attached to your file. The information is kept confidential.
What does it mean when a document “records”?
The county enters it in the public record. Once your deed records, the public is on notice that you own the property.
How long does title take?
It depends on the property and what the search finds. Your title officer can tell you where your file stands.
What if there’s a problem on the prelim?
Most items are routine, such as a loan that will be paid off at closing. When something needs work, your title officer will explain what’s needed, who signs and why.
Ownership and vesting
How should I hold title?
That choice has legal and tax effects, so it’s one to make with an attorney or CPA. We can explain how each option works.
Someone on title has died. What now?
What’s needed depends on how title was held. It might be an affidavit with a death certificate, trust documents or a court order. Call us and we’ll tell you what title will need.
Can you tell me which deed to use?
We can’t give legal advice on which document to use or how to fill it out. An attorney can help. We’re glad to record it once it’s ready.
Safety and fraud
I got an email with new wiring instructions. Is it real?
Treat it as a red flag. Call your escrow officer at a number you already know is genuine, never one from the email, before you send anything.
I think I wired money to the wrong account. What do I do?
Call your bank immediately and ask them to recall the wire, then call your escrow officer. Report it at ic3.gov.
Do I need to pay for a home title monitoring service?
That’s your call, but many counties offer free recording alerts, and you can check the county record yourself.
Working with us
How do I open an order?
Online any time, or by phone with customer service.
Where are your offices?
Encino, Camarillo, Riverside and Gold River. We’re licensed statewide across California, focused on Southern California.
How do I reach customer service?
Call 800-982-4637 or email PriorityTitleCs@PriorityTitle.biz.
General information, not legal or tax advice.