Ohio: 2026 Marks the First Hike in Title Insurance Premiums Since 2002

This year Ohio is using an updated title insurance rate table. In January, the state raised the price of an owners’ title policy for the first time in 24 years.

This hike has taken effect throughout Ohio.

New Title Insurance Prices Apply Statewide in Ohio

The Ohio Title Insurance Rating Bureau approves changes, and the same prices apply statewide. In other words, the core rates for title insurance are the same for all title agencies in Ohio.

For a home buyer, this means any “shopping around” is done to get the best service—not the best price. But different companies could have different special credits and offers. And they could have different fees for transfers, closing, and so forth.

In any case, if you’re a home buyer, you’ll want to know who pays for various title services—buyer or seller? Ask your agent when you’re preparing to negotiate with your seller.

The Impact of Ohio’s 2026 Title Policy Premium Hike

With a minimum premium of $225 for a title policy, the American Land Title Association rates in Ohio now add up to $5.80 for every $1,000 in the property’s value, for the first $250K. Rates on the property’s value over and above $250K are calculated on a gradually easing scale.

So, how does the updated rate impact sellers and buyers from 2026 on? The higher premium makes a difference for buyers adding up all the “extra” closing fees and costs. Buyers may be wondering what these swelling costs do for a title. Should a buyer point out the hike and negotiate all the more for concessions from a seller? This is a question for you and your agent to discuss.

Whether or not you have an agent, you might find other paths to savings. Ask your mortgage pro: Do I get a discount from the title company for buying a lender’s policy and an owner’s policy at the same time? (Rates for lenders have gone up in price this year, just as owners’ policy rates have.)  

Also ask: Could there be a policy covering the title already? Could it be reissued when the home changes hands? The question is what possible savings can be discovered before the final loan papers get to the closing table!

Why the Hike, and Why Now?

According to Frank J. Rose, Ohio State Counsel for Old Republic Title Company, these changes—the first since 2002—were necessary because:

• Ohio title insurance rates are based on average property valuations, plus the amount of title work normally involved. 

• Ohio home values have just about doubled since the rate schedule was last changed.  

• Title agents deal with many more regulatory requirements today. More time and resources go into a deed transaction now. 

• Claims from deed holders are on the rise. The internet has enabled sophisticated methods of fakery and fraud that weren’t in play a quarter-century back.

All things considered, says Rose, the new rate table is giving customers good value for the money. At the same time, Ohio title companies are getting a “more appropriate return on the work and risk involved” in a deed transfer.

What Problems Can Title Insurance Solve?

Title insurance can cover legal costs if an issue arises with the ownership of a property.

Title defects are leftovers—loose ends from prior owners, prior links in the chain of title.

You might think what you don’t know can’t hurt you. Or you just might not want to pay for title insurance at all. Still, consider this. You’re paying for the lender’s version of this product in any case. The lender thinks about a title and says: Yep, I want to insure this loan collateral. It stands to reason that you, as the homeowner, have a deeper, longer interest in your property’s worth. So, why not make sure you, too, have coverage—in your own name?

Buying an owner’s policy is your option. It’s not mandatory. Your decision is about shouldering risk. The unknown factor? Whether anything’s amiss in the title’s history.

Problems occasionally overlooked in the title search include:

• Claims on the title for unresolved tax bills, debts for services, legal judgments, or unpaid loans.

• Improper transfers by an owner in the past.

• Errors in the deed records (mistakes in a property’s legal description, for example).

Without title insurance, worst-case scenarios get serious. The value of the title is at stake. You could get mired in a court action if someone else thinks they have a claim on your title once the deed is in your hands. With a title policy written in your name, at least you’ll have the title company’s agreement to address any legally meaningful problems.

Standard Title Policy? Enhanced Policy? What’s the Difference?

Now for the finer points. Title companies offer standard coverage, and enhanced coverage. A standard title insurance policy covers the usual problems. It’s designed to help if an issue surfaces that should have been resolved before closing.

Standard coverage typically protects against:

• Improper filings in the county records.

• Unpaid property taxes or other liens overlooked during the title search.

• Unpredictable claims (from heirs, for example).

So, buying a standard policy at closing protects a deed recipient from a range of possible problems that might have fallen through the cracks during title transfer.

An enhanced owner’s title policy has a number of extra features. A few examples are:

• Inflation protection. Your premiums won’t rise later—even though inflation will.

• Protection for local code or ordinance violations. If the title has a marketability problem due to zoning infractions or safety code lapses, the policy may cover the costs of getting work redone.

• Boundary or access disputes. This could apply retroactively or proactively. Ask the title agent.

• Homeowner association issues. Coverage for unresolved dues, fees, and penalties recorded against the title in the past.

Enhanced title coverage can address other unresolved property claims or assessments. Of course, getting the additional coverage means an extra charge. But closing day is the buyer’s chance to make a one-and-done payment for a policy that lasts throughout the time of homeownership.

A Few Final Thoughts

Protecting your investment in your deed is essential. This is important—just as the need for homeowner’s insurance to protect your physical dwelling is important.

Read the policy carefully and ask a title agent to clarify anything you find murky. Be clear about what protections you miss by passing up the extended coverage.

If you’d like to better understand your options, call around and compare title companies. Ask the companies’ representatives to explain their policies. It’s a good way to learn—and to discern which companies are approachable and informative.