The title insurance business is an indispensable component of the real estate and mortgage finance business. Unlike a life insurance or property and casualty company, which will assume risk in return for a premium, the title insurance company and its agents will work with parties to eliminate all known risks prior to completing the transaction. This process of risk elimination is one of the most important services a title insurance company and its agents provide. A buyer or a mortgage lender needs to know that the seller or borrower is telling them the truth about what they own. Lenders and their investors need to know that they have a legally enforceable mortgage. A policy of title insurance eliminates many financial and legal risks inherent in even the simplest real estate transaction.

In addition to paying for any loss caused by errors it makes in searching the public records or in interpreting what it found, the title insurance company will pay any attorney fees incurred in defending the title. There are also many risks such as fraud and forgery which are covered by a title policy. Generally, the policies remain in force for as long as the insured owns the real estate interest covered in the policy and certain aspects of the coverage continue beyond ownership.

Title Insurance companies and agents often act as a neutral third party settlement facilitator in a real estate transaction. The buyer, seller, and lender all benefit when an impartial third party receives money, records documents and disburses sale and loan proceeds according to instructions agreed upon by all concerned. A settlement facilitator allows different parts of a transaction to happen simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby speeding up the closing process - the buyer moves in sooner and the sellers get their money faster.

As a courtesy, Patrick Abstract and Title Office provides local area realtors with information pertinent to the ownership of real property. Ordering this package is a crucial step in the listing process.