IOWA TITLE GUARANTY
Protect your property investment with coverage that helps prevent surprises—and backs you up if a covered title issue appears after closing.
We proudly partner with Iowa Title Guaranty to provide coverage for Residential, Commercial and Agricultural properties in Iowa.
What is Iowa Title Guaranty?
Iowa Title Guaranty provides title coverge to help protect buyers and lenders from financial loss if a covered problem with the property’s ownership shows up—like an old lien, a recording mistake, or a dispute over who has legal rights to the property. It's a one-time fee paid at closing and focuses on past events that can affect ownership.
One-time premium. Long-term peace of mind.
Owner’s Certificate vs. Lender’s Certificate
Buying with a loan? You’ll typically see both in the transaction.
What Can it Protect Against?
These issues are not common, but if any of them should arise, Iowa Title Guaranty will become your legal defense and work with you to ensure a smooth and timely solution to the problem.
ITG vs. Title Insurance
Both Iowa Title Guaranty (ITG) and title insurance help protect against certain title defects—but they’re structured differently, and have key differences.
Not sure if you need Title Insurance or Iowa Title Guaranty?
Why Choose Clear Title For Iowa Title Guaranty?
MOST RESPECTED IN POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY | The oldest
and most comprehensive title plant in Pottawattamie County with records dating back to 1853
ITG ATTORNEY ON SITE | Licensed in Iowa
OFFICE IN COUNCIL BLUFFS | With safe and effective digital closing solutions.
How the Iowa Title Guaranty Process Works
01.
Abstract Update
A participating abstractor prepares an abstract by searching the title plant and public records. The abstractor identifies all recorded documents pertaining to the property, including but not limited to, deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and covenants, and compiles all pertinent information into a document, known as the abstract. In certain refinance transactions, the abstractor is permitted to prepare a short-form abstract search product, known as the “ITG Form 900.”
02.
Title Examination
A participating Iowa attorney examines the abstract and renders a written title opinion. The title opinion reflects the current titleholders and identifies any title exceptions and title defects that must be resolved prior to closing
03.
IOWA TITLE GUARANTY COMMITMENT
A participating field issuer prepares an Iowa Title Guaranty commitment based upon the examining attorney’s title opinion. A commitment is an offer to issue title coverage upon fulfillment of certain requirements and conditions, as stipulated in the attorney’s title opinion.
04.
TITLE CLEARING PRIOR TO CLOSING & Closing
All title defects shown as exceptions on the commitment must be resolved to the examining attorney’s satisfaction before the parties may proceed to closing
05.
FINAL ABSTRACT UPDATE & Final Title Examination
After closing, the abstractor updates the final abstract to reflect the status of title through the date of the guaranteed deed and/or mortgage. In certain refinance circumstances, the abstractor is permitted to prepare a short-form final abstract search product, known as the “ITG Form 901.” The examining attorney reviews the final abstract to confirm proper vesting, lien priority and clear title, and renders a final title opinion
05.
ISSUE IOWA TITLE GUARANTY CERTIFICATE
A participating field issuer prepares an Iowa Title Guaranty certificate based upon the examining attorney’s final title opinion. A lender certificate provides assurance to the lender that its lien is valid and in the desired lien position. An owner certificate provides assurance to the owner that the property is free from certain title defects, liens and encumbrances. Iowa Title Guaranty certificates protect the guaranteed from potential financial losses associated with the covered risks
FAQ
Does Owner coverage expire? No. An owner certificate remains valid so long as the owner’s interest remains unchanged. The protection afforded by the owner certificate terminates upon sale or other conveyance of the owner’s property interest.
Am I required to obtain a new owner certificate if I refinance? No. If you already have owner coverage, your existing owner certificate remains effective even if you refinance.
What’s the difference between title insurance and Iowa Title Guaranty? They both help protect against title defects, but they’re structured differently. If you’re unsure which applies to your transaction, we’ll guide you based on property location and file type.
What is the cost for Iowa Title Guaranty? Unlike private title insurance companies that determine fees based on a percentage of your purchase price, Iowa Title Guaranty provides residential owner coverage up to $750,000 for a flat rate of $175. Coverage over $750,000 is calculated at $1 per $1,000. Also unlike unlike private title insurance companies Iowa Title Guaranty requires an Abstract or Qualifying Search as well as an Attorney Opinion in order to obtain coverage. Those costs are in addition to the premium. Contact us with any questions or to receive a quote.
Do I pay a monthly premium for coverage? No—your Iowa Title Guaranty coverage is a one-time fee paid at closing.