Every so often, a headline pops up about someone “stealing” a home by forging the title. It sounds like something out of a movie — but it’s very real. Known as home title theft or deed fraud, this crime happens when someone forges documents to transfer ownership of a property they don’t own. In some cases, they even take out loans against the home, leaving the rightful owner in a tangle of legal battles.

Understandably, homeowners want to know: does my homeowners policy cover this kind of fraud? The short answer is no. A standard homeowners insurance policy is designed to protect your house and belongings from perils like fire, theft, or liability claims. It does not cover disputes over ownership or fraudulent changes to your title. Likewise, adding a rider or endorsement to your homeowners policy typically won’t extend coverage to title theft.

So where does the right protection come from? That’s where title insurance enters the picture. Many homeowners purchased a basic owner’s title policy at the time of closing. This type of policy protects against problems that already existed with the title before you bought the home — such as undisclosed liens or forged documents from years past. But here’s the important distinction: a standard policy won’t cover fraud that happens after you become the owner.

To address that risk, title companies offer what’s known as an enhanced homeowner’s title policy. This broader protection often includes coverage if someone forges your signature or fraudulently transfers your deed after you’ve taken ownership. In these cases, the policy can help cover legal costs, attorney’s fees, and the process of restoring your rightful ownership.

Now, you might be wondering — is this a problem common enough to worry about? While home title theft is not as widespread as identity theft or credit card fraud, it is on the rise. And when it does happen, the financial and emotional stress can be significant. It’s not unusual for homeowners to spend tens of thousands of dollars untangling fraudulent mortgages or ownership disputes. More counties are beginning to offer free property monitoring services that alert you when a new document is filed against your property — an easy, proactive step to add peace of mind.

At Rathbun Insurance, our role is to help you understand where your coverage begins and ends, and to guide you toward the right protection when there are gaps. Home title theft isn’t something most of us will ever face, but the consequences are serious enough to make it worth exploring enhanced title coverage.

Being informed is the first step. If you’d like to review your policies or learn more about how title insurance works, our team is always here to help. Because at the end of the day, being there matters most.