In title insurance, what is typically the responsibility of the insured?

The responsibility of the insured in title insurance largely encompasses addressing any liens or claims that may arise after the policy has been issued. Title insurance is designed to protect the insured against losses stemming from defects in the title that were not revealed during the title search, and it covers issues present at the time of issuance that the insured was unaware of. If a lien or claim is discovered after the policy is in effect, the insured must take appropriate steps to resolve it, which may include paying off the lien or negotiating with the lien-holder.

While paying property taxes and mortgage payments is important for maintaining ownership and preventing claims against the title, it does not relate specifically to responsibilities under the title insurance policy. Obtaining a survey of the property may be a recommended step during the buying process but is not typically mandated by title insurance agreements and is often more relevant to understanding the boundaries and physical aspects of the property itself. Providing accurate property descriptions, while crucial in the context of clear communication and documentation, does not directly fall on the insured after the policy is issued since the title company usually relies on the information provided during the transaction.

Thus, addressing any liens discovered post-issuance is an essential part of the insured's responsibility within the framework of title insurance.