Answers to Questions About Closing Protection Letters
If you’re closing on a house in Ohio, your title company should offer you a closing protection letter. Many sellers and buyers aren’t sure what this coverage provides or how it differs from title insurance. Before declining the offer, it’s important to understand what closing protection letters are and how they work. However, it can only be obtained when a title insurance policy, owner's or lender's, is purchased in conjunction with the transaction.
Answers to Common Questions About Closing Protection Letters
What is a closing protection letter?
Closing protection letters are guarantees issued by title companies to protect parties in a real estate transaction from losses caused by theft, fraud, or other unethical actions. Originally, these letters were intended to compensate the mortgage lender if a title agent stole the funds or facilitated a fraudulent transaction. However, Ohio and many other states require title insurance carriers to extend closing protection to sellers, buyers, and lenders in the transaction who might be harmed by fraud or theft.
How are closing protection letters different from title insurance?
Title insurance protects buyers and their lenders from title defects that arise after closing. For instance, there may be a lien on the property, or a prior owner’s heir could have a valid claim to the house. Closing protection letters, by contrast, are designed to provide compensation for losses that occur with respect to the disbursement of funds in connection with the closing
Are title companies required to provide closing protection letters?
Under Ohio law, title insurance companies are required to offer closing protection letters to buyers, sellers, and other parties involved in a transaction, in addition to the lender. When signing the paperwork, your agent should explain the coverage to you and give you the opportunity to opt-out.
Who pays for the closing protection letters?
The lender typically quotes the fee for closing protection letters to the mortgage loan, which is paid by the buyer. If the Buyer or Seller choose to purchase closing protection, the title company can quote the fees for them. The fee is regulated by the State of Ohio and will not vary from Title Company to Title Company. In addition, the one-time fee is quite minimal in order to protect your investment.
Since 1986, All Points Title & Closing, Inc. has provided reliable, trustworthy service to buyers and sellers throughout Ohio and northern Kentucky. This experienced title company is committed to making the closing process as easy and stress-free as possible, minimizing potential issues and protecting you from future risks. Visit their website or call (513) 863-7600 to make an appointment, and follow their Facebook for more tips and advice.





