Title Search & Insurance Cost Calculator
Estimate title-related closing costs — title search, examination, owner's title insurance, lender's title insurance, and settlement fees — for any US state and purchase price.
| Title search | — |
| Title exam / abstract | — |
| Owner's title insurance | — |
| Lender's title insurance | — |
| Settlement / closing fee | — |
| Total estimated | — |
Title-related closing costs typically run 0.5–1.5% of purchase price, mostly driven by title insurance premiums. Eight states use state-regulated promulgated rates (TX, FL, NM) where all title companies charge the same; the rest are file-and-use where shopping matters.
What Title Insurance Covers
Title insurance protects against title defects existing at the time of closing but discovered later: undisclosed heirs, forged deeds, unrecorded liens, prior owner divorce/bankruptcy issues, easements, and survey errors. Unlike most insurance, the premium is one-time and the policy lasts as long as you own.
Owner's vs Lender's Policy
Owner's policy: protects the buyer for the purchase price, in force until you sell. Lender's policy: protects the lender for the loan balance, in force until the loan is paid off. Lenders require lender's policy on every purchase loan. Owner's policy is optional — but extremely cheap relative to risk; nearly always worth buying.
Promulgated vs File-and-Use States
Texas, Florida, and New Mexico use state-promulgated rates — every title company charges the same premium. Shop on settlement fees, not premium. The other 47 states are file-and-use — title insurance premiums can vary 15–30% between competitors. Always shop.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: American Land Title Association, CFPB Closing Costs.