California Dmv, Real Estate, and Property
What is title insurance and do I need it when I inherit property?
Short answer
Title insurance protects against defects in title — claims from prior owners, unpaid liens, recording errors. If you inherit property, you may want to purchase an owner's policy to protect against issues that arose before the transfer. Required by lenders if you…
What this usually means
Title insurance protects against defects in title — claims from prior owners, unpaid liens, recording errors. If you inherit property, you may want to purchase an owner's policy to protect against issues that arose before the transfer. Required by lenders if you refinance. A title company can advise on whether a new policy is needed.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.