What does title insurance protect against?

Title insurance primarily protects against financial loss due to title defects. These defects could include issues such as outstanding liens, incorrect filings, fraud, or any other claims against the title that could diminish the owner's interest in the property. By obtaining title insurance, homeowners and lenders can safeguard themselves against unexpected claims that may arise after the property purchase, ensuring that their investment is secure.

In contrast, the other mentioned options do not fall within the scope of title insurance. For instance, loss of rental income from properties is typically addressed through other types of insurance, such as landlord or rental income insurance. Litigation costs in property disputes may require legal insurance or personal liability coverage, rather than title insurance. Lastly, changes in local zoning regulations are governed by municipal law and planning policies, which title insurance does not cover. Thus, title insurance specifically focuses on risks associated with the title itself, making the protection against financial loss due to title defects a crucial aspect of real estate transactions.