Buying in Jupiter and wondering why everyone keeps mentioning title insurance? You are not alone. Between contracts, inspections, and closing costs, this piece of the process can feel mysterious. In a few minutes, you will understand what title insurance covers, who typically pays in Palm Beach County, how pricing works, and the simple steps to avoid surprises at closing. Let’s dive in.
Title insurance basics
Title insurance protects your ownership from past problems with the property’s title. According to ALTA’s consumer guide to title insurance, it helps with issues like forged signatures, undisclosed heirs, or prior liens. You pay a one-time premium at closing, and coverage lasts as long as you own the home.
Two policy types
- Owner’s policy: Protects you and your equity in the home for covered title defects that existed before closing.
- Lender’s policy: Protects your mortgage lender’s interest and is usually required if you finance the purchase.
Most buyers who get a loan have both. The lender’s policy safeguards the bank, while the owner’s policy protects you.
How it differs
Title insurance is not like homeowners or flood insurance. Those cover future damage, such as fire or storms. Title insurance covers certain past issues tied to the property’s ownership. You pay it once at closing, not monthly.
Coverage and exclusions
A standard policy can cover prior liens, recording errors, or legal claims against ownership. It can also pay legal defense costs for covered claims. Common exclusions include problems created after the policy date, zoning or land-use issues, survey matters without an endorsement, flood or physical damage, and any items listed as exceptions on your title commitment.
Add endorsements
You can add endorsements for extra protection, such as survey or plat coverage, access, restrictive covenants, condo coverage, homestead recognition, and minerals. Endorsements cost extra and depend on the insurer’s filings and availability in Florida. Ask the title company which endorsements fit your property and loan.
Florida and Palm Beach County
Regulated premiums
In Florida, title insurance is regulated at the state level. Rates are based on the amount insured and follow state filings. For background on regulation and filings, visit the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Your title company can provide a written quote specific to your contract and purchase price.
Who handles closings
Most residential closings in Palm Beach County are handled by title companies acting as the closing and escrow agent. They perform the title search, issue the commitment, coordinate payoffs, collect funds, and record documents.
Who pays in Jupiter
Local custom matters. In Palm Beach County, the seller commonly pays for the owner’s title policy, but this is negotiable and determined by the purchase contract and market conditions. Buyers typically pay for the lender’s policy when financing, plus mortgage-related taxes and fees. Recording fees for the deed are often paid by the buyer, but always confirm what your contract says.
Who picks the title company
The contract usually identifies who chooses the closing agent. In many Florida deals the buyer selects, but in South Florida it is common for both sides to agree on a trusted company. Confirm what is written in your offer and make sure you are comfortable with the company holding your funds and producing your policy.
What it costs
Title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing. The owner’s policy is typically based on the purchase price. The lender’s policy is based on the loan amount. Costs scale with price, and endorsements add to the total. Because premiums follow state filings and fee structures, ask the title company for an itemized estimate early.
For clarity on what you will pay at closing, review the CFPB’s Closing Disclosure overview. Your preliminary settlement statement or Closing Disclosure will show who pays for which policy plus other charges.
Common costs that are separate from title insurance include recording fees, documentary stamp taxes, intangible tax on mortgages, title search and commitment fees, courier and wire fees, and payoff fees for existing liens.
Local risks to watch in Jupiter
- HOA and condo items: Many Jupiter homes sit in communities with HOA or condo associations. Unpaid assessments or restrictive covenants may appear as title exceptions. Make sure HOA estoppel and payoff letters are obtained.
- Flood and coastal factors: Flood risk is not covered by title insurance. If the home sits near the Intracoastal or coastline, review flood zones and consider a separate flood insurance quote if a lender or risk profile calls for it.
- Probate and prior transfers: Older neighborhoods can include homes with historical conveyances or family transfers. Title curative work may be required before closing.
- Construction liens: Recent remodeling can lead to contractor claims. Ask about lien waivers, endorsements, or escrow arrangements if work was completed near closing.
To research recorded deeds, liens, easements, and other official records, use the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller official records.
Read your title commitment
Your title commitment is your roadmap. Focus on the legal description, the requirements to be cleared before closing, and the Schedule of Exceptions that lists what the policy will not cover. Ask the title company to explain any terms or exceptions you do not understand. If you need extra coverage, request endorsements and confirm their cost in writing.
Jupiter buyer checklist
Early steps
- Confirm who is named as the closing or escrow agent in your contract.
- Request the title commitment early and review all exceptions and requirements.
- Ask the title company for a written title premium and closing cost estimate.
- Obtain HOA or condo estoppel and payoff statements if applicable.
- Check flood zone status and get a flood insurance quote if needed.
Before closing
- Review your Closing Disclosure or settlement statement at least 48 to 72 hours before signing.
- Verify wiring instructions by phone using a number you independently confirm from the title company. Be wary of last-minute changes by email.
- Confirm which endorsements you want and their cost.
- Verify who is paying for the owner’s policy per the contract.
At closing
- Confirm issuance of your owner’s policy and the lender’s policy, if applicable, upon funding and recording.
- Keep copies of all closing documents, the policy jacket, and proof of payment.
- Confirm how and when the recorded deed will be delivered to you.
Close with confidence
When you understand how title insurance works and how local customs affect who pays, closing in Jupiter feels far less stressful. If you want a clear roadmap from contract to keys, plus a steady hand coordinating your title, lending, and HOA details, let’s talk. Connect with Micah Volmer for local guidance and a smooth, on-time closing.
FAQs
What is title insurance and why do I need it in Jupiter?
- Title insurance is a one-time purchase at closing that protects your ownership from many past title defects and can cover legal defense for covered claims, which is helpful in Florida’s active real estate market.
Who usually pays for the owner’s policy in Palm Beach County?
- By local custom, the seller often pays for the owner’s policy, but it is negotiable and always governed by the purchase contract.
Do I need both an owner’s and a lender’s policy?
- If you finance, your lender will require a lender’s policy. The owner’s policy is optional but strongly recommended to protect your equity.
What does title insurance not cover?
- It does not cover future physical damage, zoning or land-use issues, post-closing matters, or items listed as exceptions on the commitment unless you obtain a specific endorsement.
How are title insurance costs calculated in Florida?
- Premiums are based on the insured amount and follow state-regulated filings, with endorsements priced separately. Ask the title company for a written quote.
How can I avoid wire fraud at closing?
- Call the title company at a verified phone number to confirm wiring instructions, never rely on email alone, and be suspicious of last-minute changes to payment details.
