ATG

Title Insurance in Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia

Owner's and lender's title insurance for residential and commercial real estate transactions across the DMV. The #1 ranked title company in Washington DC, serving DC, Maryland & Virginia since 2008.

First American · Stewart · Fidelity · WFG  ·  Major underwriter relationships  ·  INC 5000

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What Is Title Insurance?

Title insurance protects real estate buyers and lenders from financial losses caused by defects in a property's title — things like unknown liens, fraud, forgery, errors in public records, undisclosed heirs, and other title issues that may not surface during the standard title search.

Unlike most insurance policies, title insurance is paid as a one-time premium at closing and protects you for as long as you (or your heirs) own the property. There are no monthly or annual premiums.

In Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, buyers can choose their own title company. ATG Title is the #1 ranked title company in DC per the Washington Business Journal Book of Lists 2024, and we serve every closing across the DMV.

Owner's Policy vs. Lender's Policy

Owner's Policy

Protects you, the buyer

Pays for your legal defense if someone challenges your ownership, and covers losses if a title defect causes you to lose all or part of the property.

  • One-time premium at closing
  • Coverage lasts as long as you own the property (and continues for your heirs)
  • Optional but strongly recommended — most title issues that emerge later are not covered by anything else
Lender's Policy

Protects your mortgage lender

Required by virtually every mortgage lender. Protects the lender's financial interest in the property until the loan is paid off.

  • One-time premium at closing
  • Coverage equals the loan amount and decreases as the loan is paid down
  • Required, not optional — your lender will not close without it

Most homebuyers in the DMV purchase both policies at closing — your one combined premium covers both.

How ATG Title's Process Works

1

Title search

We pull the property's full ownership history from DC, MD, or VA records and examine for liens, judgments, easements, and title defects.

2

Title commitment

We issue the title commitment — your preview of the policy, listing exactly what's insured and what exceptions exist.

3

Clear exceptions

We resolve open liens, payoff demands, missing documents — so you reach closing with a clean title.

4

Closing & policy issuance

We coordinate signing (in-office or mobile notary anywhere in the DMV), disburse funds, record the deed, and issue your title insurance policy.

Title Insurance Cost in the DMV

In Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, title insurance premiums typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price, paid as a one-time cost at closing.

Your final premium depends on:

  • Purchase price of the property
  • Whether you're buying both owner's + lender's policies (typically combined for one premium)
  • Which underwriter is selected (we shop rates across First American, Stewart, Fidelity, and WFG when state law allows)
  • Any add-on endorsements requested

For a same-day estimate on your specific property, request a quote and our team will respond within the hour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is title insurance required by law in DC, Maryland, or Virginia?
No, title insurance is not required by law in any of the DMV jurisdictions. However, your mortgage lender will require a lender's policy. Owner's title insurance is optional but strongly recommended — once a title defect surfaces after closing, an owner's policy is typically the only thing that protects your equity.
Can I choose my own title company in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia?
Yes. In all three DMV jurisdictions, the buyer has the right to choose the title company. ATG Title is the #1 ranked title company in DC and serves every closing across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
How much does title insurance cost?
In the DMV market, title insurance premiums typically range from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price, paid as a one-time cost at closing. Final pricing depends on the property value, policies purchased, underwriter, and any endorsements. Request a same-day quote for an exact figure.
What does title insurance actually protect against?
Title insurance protects against defects in the property's title, including: unknown liens or judgments, fraud or forgery in the chain of ownership, errors in public records, undisclosed heirs, boundary disputes, and unrecorded easements. If a covered defect surfaces after closing, your policy pays your legal defense costs and any covered losses.
How long does the title search take?
For a standard residential transaction in the DMV, the title search itself takes 3–5 business days. The full title commitment, exception clearing, and closing typically completes within 30–45 days from contract.
Do I need title insurance if I'm paying cash?
If you're paying cash, you're not required to buy lender's title insurance (there's no lender). However, owner's title insurance is just as important — possibly more — because you're risking your full purchase price without lender oversight on the title.

Ready to Get a Title Insurance Quote?

One dedicated team. Real-time file visibility. Under-1-hour response. The #1 ranked title company in Washington DC.

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