Title Insurance in Ontario: Questions for Ottawa Homebuyers

Published September 26, 2026 · Meysami Law Professional Corp. · Ottawa

Title insurance often appears among closing documents, but the words ‘insured title’ do not explain the limits of a particular policy. An Ottawa buyer should understand which interests are protected and what remains to be checked independently.

Owner and lender policies are different

A lender's title insurance policy protects the lender's interest. An owner's policy protects the homeowner within its terms. Ask which policies are being purchased, who pays each premium, and whether an owner policy is included in the quoted closing costs. Do not assume that a lender policy protects your equity.

Possible risks and exclusions

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario describes possible protection for certain title defects, fraud, survey-related issues, or registration gaps. Actual protection depends on the insurer, policy wording, exclusions, and facts. A known issue disclosed before purchase may need separate advice or a solution in the agreement. Title insurance is not a substitute for home insurance or an inspection of the property's physical condition.

Ask what legal work is still done

A lawyer reviews the agreement, available title and property information, lender instructions, and closing documentation. Ask which searches are being made, what concerns have been found, and how any issue is being addressed. A policy can shift specified financial risk but does not make an unsatisfactory agreement or missing document acceptable.

Before you sign

Request the policy summary or wording and ask about deductibles, exclusions, duration, and the claim process. If you intend to renovate, rent, use a parking space, or rely on a right of way, raise those plans in advance: an insurance policy does not necessarily confirm that your intended use is lawful.

A useful closing question

Ask your Ottawa real estate lawyer to explain the title findings, the owner's protection, any lender protection, and unresolved exceptions together. The answer should reflect your actual property and documents, rather than a generic promise of complete coverage.

This article is general information as of September 26, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.