When you close on a home in Virginia, Maryland, or DC, you'll be offered an owner's title insurance policy. Most buyers say yes, sign the form, and move on without looking closely at what they're actually buying.
Here's the thing: not all owner's policies are the same.
The ALTA Homeowner's Policy — sometimes called the enhanced title insurance policy — provides significantly broader protection than a standard owner's policy. It covers risks that the standard form doesn't touch. And in most cases, the cost difference at closing is modest compared to what you could be left holding without it.
This guide explains exactly what the ALTA Homeowner's Policy covers, how it compares to a standard owner's policy, and when it makes sense to ask for it by name.
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