Why Title Insurance Matters and How to Estimate Your Premium

Vermont Title Insurance
When you're buying or refinancing a home in Vermont, one of the standard closing costs you'll encounter is title insurance. While it might not be as well-known as other parts of the real estate transaction, title insurance plays a critical role in protecting your investment.  It’s important to understand what it covers and how its cost is determined.

What Is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is a type of protection that guards against potential legal or financial issues with the property’s title. These issues might include past liens, unpaid taxes, errors in public records, forged signatures, or even undisclosed heirs claiming ownership. While a title search is performed to uncover any problems before closing, some issues can remain hidden. Title insurance offers peace of mind by covering you against these unforeseen claims.

There are two types of policies you might encounter:

•    Owner’s Policy – This protects you, the homeowner, against covered title problems for as long as you or your heirs own the property. It is optional but strongly recommended for buyers.

•    Lender’s Policy – This is required by most mortgage lenders and protects the lender’s interest in the property until the mortgage is paid off. It does not protect the homeowner.

While the lender’s policy is usually required, the owner’s policy is what protects your personal investment in the property. Purchasing both policies at the same time often qualifies for a discounted rate.

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost?

The cost of title insurance in Vermont depends on several factors, including the purchase price of the property or the amount of the mortgage loan. Title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing and does not need to be renewed.

Rather than quoting general rates—which can vary depending on the details of your transaction—we recommend using the official rate calculator provided by Vermont Attorneys Title Corporation. This easy-to-use tool can give you an accurate estimate for your specific situation:


Whether you’re buying or refinancing your mortgage, this tool can help you plan for closing costs with greater confidence.

Refinance Discount

If you're refinancing an existing mortgage, you're typically eligible for a 40% discounted title insurance premium. This discount applies to the lender’s policy and can help reduce your closing costs. It's important to note that this discount typically only applies when refinancing a property you already own.

While title insurance might seem like a small piece of the larger real estate puzzle, it offers valuable protection for one of your most important investments - your home. If you’re buying or refinancing property in Vermont, be sure to consider both types of policies and consult your attorney or title insurance provider about coverage options.

At Peet Law Group, we help clients throughout Vermont navigate real estate transactions with clarity and confidence. If you have questions about title insurance or would like help understanding your closing costs, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.

Peet Law Group Named Best Vermont Law Firm
August 5, 2026
Peet Law Group was named Best Vermont Law Firm in the 2026 Seven Daysies Awards for the fourth consecutive year. Thank you to our clients and industry partners.
What Closing Costs Do Vermont Home Sellers Pay?
August 5, 2026
Learn what closing costs Vermont home sellers typically pay, including real estate commissions, attorney fees, mortgage payoffs, taxes, and non-resident withholding.
Vermont Condominium
July 29, 2026
Learn what to review before closing on a Vermont condo purchase, including resale certificates, special assessments, association finances, insurance, rules, and more.
Vermont Home Buyer Closing Costs
By Fred Peet July 23, 2026
Learn what closing costs Vermont home buyers pay, including transfer tax, title insurance, attorney fees, lender costs, escrow deposits, and more.
Married Couples Should  Own Vermont Home as Tenants by the Entirety
July 16, 2026
Why Every Married Vermont Homeowner Should Understand Tenancy by the Entirety
July 8, 2026
Buying or Selling a Home in Vermont? Here's What Happens After the Contract Is Signed
Delaware Statutory Trust DST
July 1, 2026
A Delaware Statutory Trust Can Help You Defer Capital Gains Taxes While Transitioning From Active Property Management to Passive Real Estate Ownership
A surveyed vacant land parcel in Vermont with a property survey, marked building site, gravel drivew
June 15, 2026
Buying vacant land in Vermont? Learn about zoning, septic permits, Current Use, Act 250, wetlands, flood zones, financing, and other essential due diligence tips before you buy.
Common Vermont Title Issues and How They Are Resolved
June 10, 2026
Learn how Vermont attorneys resolve title defects, clear liens, address deed issues, and help buyers and sellers reach a successful closing.
Making a Home Purchase Offer in Vermont: Key Terms, Contingencies, and Legal Considerations
June 4, 2026
Making a Home Purchase Offer in Vermont: Key Terms, Contingencies, and Legal Considerations