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Part 3: What to Expect from the Title Company’s Investigation

real estate in letters

Claim Submitted—Now What?

Once you’ve submitted a title insurance claim, the waiting game begins—but don’t mistake silence for simplicity. Behind the scenes, your title company is launching a detailed investigation that will ultimately determine whether your claim is paid, denied, or delayed.

At Philip Meyer PLLC – Attorney at Law, we’ve helped Texas property owners navigate every phase of this process—from first filing to final decision. In this article, we walk you through what really happens during the title company’s investigation, what they’re looking for, and how to protect yourself along the way.

Step 1: Assignment to a Claims Examiner

After receiving your claim, the title insurance company assigns it to a claims examiner—their in-house investigator. This person is responsible for reviewing your policy, examining the issue, and deciding if your claim falls within the scope of coverage.

While some examiners are thorough and professional, others may look for reasons to limit liability. That’s why it’s important to keep all communication clear, factual, and documented.

Step 2: Evidence Review and Research

The claims examiner will collect and analyze a variety of materials, including:

  • Your title insurance policyTo confirm the issue is covered.
  • Recorded documents Deeds, liens, easements, or other filings in the property’s chain of title.
  • Closing recordsFrom the real estate transaction, including the settlement statement and title commitment.
  • Third-party claims Letters, lawsuits, or challenges brought by someone claiming a right to your property.
  • Surveys and mapsEspecially for boundary disputes or encroachments.

This part of the process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the issue.

Step 3: Requests for More Information

Don’t be surprised if the title company reaches out for additional documents, clarification, or sworn statements. Common requests include:

  • A more detailed explanation of how the problem was discovered
  • Copies of communications with third parties
  • Any evidence of financial loss you’ve already incurred

Pro tip: Respond quickly, but carefully. If you’re unsure how to answer something, talk to an attorney before replying. What you say now could influence how your claim is handled—or whether it’s denied.

Step 4: The Coverage Decision

Once the investigation is complete, the claims examiner will issue a decision.

There are generally three outcomes:

Approved:

If the issue is covered, the title company may:

  • Pay to clear the defect (e.g., resolve a lien)
  • Reimburse you for financial loss
  • Provide legal defense if someone is challenging your ownership

Denied:

If they determine your issue isn’t covered under the policy, they’ll send a denial letter with their reasoning. Don’t panic—many denials are disputable with proper legal support.

Delayed or Inconclusive:

In some cases, the insurer may claim they need more time or lack sufficient evidence. This can drag things out indefinitely without pressure from an attorney.

How to Protect Yourself During the Process

While the title company investigates, keep the upper hand with these tips:

  • Document every interactionSave emails, letters, and call notes.
  • Stay proactiveCheck in periodically if you haven’t heard back.
  • Avoid assumptionsDon’t make costly decisions based on verbal updates or vague status reports.
  • Get legal support earlyAn attorney can push the process forward and prevent costly mistakes, especially if things turn adversarial.

At Philip Meyer PLLC, we advocate on your behalf and hold title companies accountable to their contractual obligations. Our goal is to resolve your issue efficiently—but we’re also ready to litigate when necessary.

Final Thoughts

The title company’s investigation may feel slow and opaque, but it’s a critical phase in determining your rights—and your options. Knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared, informed, and one step ahead of potential roadblocks.

Coming Up in Part 4:

When to Lawyer Up: Signs You Need Legal Help with a Title Claim — Learn how to recognize red flags and when it’s time to bring in an attorney to protect your property.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Philip Meyer, PLLC. If you need legal advice specific to your situation, we encourage you to reach out to Philip Meyer PLLC – Attorney at Law—a Texas-based law firm.