What is an Eagle Policy®?
The highest level of title insurance coverage for homeowners.
When you buy a home, you’re not just purchasing a property, you’re securing a place to live, invest, and build your future.
That’s why many homebuyers choose to protect their investment with owner’s title insurance. But not all owner’s title insurance policies offer the same level of coverage. The Eagle Policy®1, offered by First American Title, provides the most comprehensive coverage available for owners of one-to-four family residences including condominiums. It includes the core coverage of a Standard Owner’s Policy2 while also providing certain additional post-policy coverage.
Understanding how it works can help you decide whether enhanced coverage is the right fit for your home purchase.
Note: As with any type of insurance, all policies contain exclusions, exceptions and conditions that apply to certain circumstances and may vary by state law. This information is a general overview of most coverage.
What makes the Eagle Policy® different?
Except in limited circumstances, a Standard Owner’s Policy helps insure against losses resulting from title risks that existed prior to the policy date such as undisclosed liens and ownership title defects.
But not every title risk appears in advance. That’s where “post-policy” risk comes in. In simple terms, “post-policy” means an issue that arises after your title insurance policy takes effect—typically after closing.
The Eagle Policy® provides broader coverage that helps address certain issues that a Standard Owner’s Policy may not include.
What an Eagle Policy® Typically Covers
The Eagle Policy® generally includes the core coverage of a Standard Owner’s Policy while also adding enhanced coverage related to:
Post-Policy Forgery
Certain types of title fraud, such as forgery and owner impersonation, have increased as more documents are filed digitally. An Eagle Policy® provides coverage for certain forged documents conveying an interest in your property recorded after the policy date.
Building Permit and Zoning Violations*
If a previous owner made improvements without obtaining the proper building permits, or if there are existing zoning violations that affect the property, it could create complications later. The Eagle Policy® includes certain coverage in these areas.
Post-Policy Encroachment by Neighbors
In some cases, neighboring structures or improvements may encroach onto the property after the policy date. An Eagle Policy® provides coverage for certain encroachments, other than boundary walls or fences, that occur after the policy date.
Vehicular and Pedestrian Access
Eagle Policy® includes coverage for certain access to and from the property by vehicle.
Why Many Homebuyers Choose an Eagle Policy®
For many homeowners, their property represents their largest financial investment. Enhanced coverage through an Eagle Policy® can help provide additional peace of mind by expanding coverage against a broader range of ownership-related risks.
Buyers often consider enhanced coverage when:
They plan to live in the home long-term.
Renovations or additions have occurred over time.
They want the most comprehensive coverage available through First American.
How Eagle Compares to Standard Coverage
Homebuyers may see several coverage options when reviewing title insurance during closing.
Here’s how a Standard Owner’s Policy and Eagle Policy® generally compare:
| Coverage Against | Standard Owner’s Policy | Eagle Policy® |
|---|---|---|
| Someone else owning an interest in your title | ||
| A document is not properly signed | ||
| Defective recording of any document | ||
| Existing defect, lien or encumbrance not shown in the policy | ||
| Title is unmarketable | ||
| Forced removal or remedy of an existing structure (other than boundary walls or fences) because it was built without a proper building permit* | ||
| Forced removal or remedy of an existing structure due to an existing violation of a zoning law or regulation* | ||
| Lack of vehicular access to and from the property | ||
| Forced removal or correction due to existing covenant violations** | ||
| Encroachment of improvements onto easements and setbacks*** | ||
| Unable to obtain a building permit due to an existing violation of a subdivision law* | ||
| Land cannot be used as a single-family residence because the use violates an existing zoning law or regulation |
Post-Policy Coverage With an Eagle Policy®:
An Eagle Policy® also applies coverage to certain events that first occur after the policy date, including:
| Coverage Against | Standard Owner’s Policy | Eagle Policy® |
|---|---|---|
| Post-policy forgery | ||
| Post policy damage from extraction of minerals or water | ||
| Post-policy adverse possession | ||
| Post-policy prescriptive easement | ||
| Post policy inflation coverage with automatic increase in value up to 150% over five years | ||
| Post-policy encroachments by neighbors* |
* Deductible and maximum limits apply.
Coverage may vary based on an individual policy.
**With limits for maintenance and environmental obligations.
***Excludes boundary walls and fences in some cases.
Coverage that lasts as long as you own your home.
Like other owner’s title insurance policies, an Eagle Policy® is a one-time purchase at closing.
- No monthly premiums
- No annual renewals
- No expiration date while you own the property
The coverage remains in place for as long as you maintain ownership.
For homeowners who want the most comprehensive coverage available through First American, the Eagle Policy® offers an added layer of confidence.If you’re considering your title insurance options, a quick assessment can help clarify which level of coverage fits your situation.
Learn more about title protection and the Eagle Policy®:
1 All references to the Standard Owner’s Policy are to the 2021 ALTA Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance.
2 All references to the Eagle Policy® are to the 2021 ALTA Homeowner’s Policy of Title Insurance.
Disclaimer:
As with any insurance contract, the insuring provisions
express the coverage afforded by the title insurance policy and there are exceptions, exclusions and
conditions to coverage that limit or narrow the coverage afforded by the policy. Also, some coverage may
not be available in a particular area or transaction due to legal, regulatory, or underwriting
considerations. Please contact a First American representative for further information. The services
described above are typical basic services. The services provided to you may be different due to the
specifics of your transaction or the location of the real property involved.