If you discover a title defect after buying a property in Kansas, filing a title insurance claim is the right move.

You’ve closed on a Kansas home, settled into the new place, and then—surprise—you find a defect in the title. A lien you didn’t know about, a mistaken entry in public records, or a dispute over who actually owns part of the property. It’s the kind of wrinkle that can shake your confidence faster than a bolt of summer storm. So what should you do? If you’re thinking about your options, here’s the practical, buyer-friendly path, rooted in how title protection works here in Kansas.

Let me set the stage with the basics

Title insurance isn’t about the structure of the house or its mechanical systems. It’s about ownership history—the chain of title. When you buy a home, you’re not just purchasing land and walls; you’re buying a clear, defendable title. In Kansas, as in many states, an owner’s title insurance policy is a one-time premium that protects you from losses arising from defects in the title that were not known at the time of purchase. These defects can show up after closing, sometimes years later, and they can be expensive to fix if you’re paying out of pocket.

Here’s the thing: the moment you discover a title defect, your first move should be to reach out to the title insurer who issued your policy. Why? Because that policy is designed to stand between you and financial loss—covering costs to defend your ownership and, if needed, compensate you for losses caused by the defect.

Which option is the right move after a title hiccup? Filing a claim with your title insurance policy

If you’re taking this quiz with Kansas in mind, the answer is the fairly straightforward one: you file a claim with your title insurer. The logic is simple and practical. The buyer’s title policy is meant to protect you after the purchase, not to chase down the previous owner, sue the real estate agent, or rush to sell the house to dodge the issue. Filing a claim starts a process where the insurer investigates the defect, helps you understand what remedies are available, and, if the defect is covered, works toward a resolution—often without you bearing the full brunt of the cost.

Why that route makes sense

• Title defects can be hidden. Even a careful seller and a diligent closing can miss something in the public record. The title policy is the safety net that covers those surprises.

• The policy is designed to respond to losses, not to create new fights. If there’s a covered defect, the insurer can arrange for defense against a claim of ownership and, in many cases, reimburse you for losses or costs related to the defect.

• You don’t want to chase a remedy through a cascade of private negotiations. The insurer handles the investigation and, if needed, can provide legal representation or settlement pathways.

What a title policy typically covers (and what it doesn’t)

Understanding coverage helps you know what to expect when you file a claim. The exact terms depend on your policy, but here’s the general idea you’ll see in Kansas:

What’s usually covered

• Undisclosed liens or encumbrances that attached to the property before you bought it.

• Improperly recorded or forged documents that affect ownership.

• Ownership disputes—where someone else claims an interest in the title.

• Errors in public records that misstate who actually owns the property.

What’s not covered (the typical exclusions)

• Issues that you, as the buyer, caused after purchase (for instance, you created a new encumbrance yourself).

• Economic disputes or market changes that don’t affect title ownership.

• Known defects or issues that were disclosed before purchase or that you agreed to accept.

• Matters arising from conditions or use of the property that aren’t tied to the title itself.

The investigator’s journey: what happens after you file

Once you file, the title insurer isn’t just taking your word for it. They typically kick off a formal investigation that may include:

• Reviewing the chain of title and public records.

• Checking for prior liens, judgments, or claims that could undermine your ownership.

• Coordinating with professionals who can help fix or quiet the title, such as surveyors or attorneys.

• Communicating with you about documents they’ll need and steps you should take.

Expect a process that’s thorough but not endless. The insurer’s goal is to determine if the defect is covered and, if so, to put you back in the position you should have been in at closing. In some cases, that means a settlement that compensates you for losses or costs. In others, it means legal defense to quiet title or remove the defect from the record.

Practical steps you can take the moment you suspect a title problem

• Gather everything at hand. Find your title policy, the closing statement, the preliminary title report, and any correspondence about the transaction. The more you can show, the faster the review.

• Don’t rush to fix the record yourself. Let the title insurer handle the corrections and the remedies. They have the authority and the process to correct errors or defend your ownership.

• Document every expense. If you’re paying for temporary housing, repairs, or legal counsel, keep receipts. Your insurer may reimburse some of these costs if the claim is covered.

• Stay in close touch with your assigned claim representative. Clear, timely communication helps everything move smoother.

A few Kansas-specific notes to keep in mind

• Kansas uses owner’s and lender’s title policies to protect different kinds of interests. The owner’s policy is your shield as the buyer; the lender’s policy protects the mortgage lender, but it also indirectly supports your clear title by ensuring the loan is tied to a solid, marketable title.

• Title claims are typically handled by the insurer rather than by selling agents or the previous owner. That separation is deliberate: it helps prevent a messy, personal negotiation from dragging on or conflating responsibility with service.

• Endorsements matter. Depending on your policy, you might have endorsements that add coverage for things like zoning issues or specific types of liens. It’s worth reviewing these with your title professional when reviewing your policy, so you know what extra protection you’ve got.

Common-sense digressions that still matter

• Some people wonder if they should sue the seller after discovering a defect. In many cases, pursuing a title claim through the insurer is the most straightforward route, because it’s designed to address title problems that weren’t apparent at closing. Legal actions against a seller can be lengthy and uncertain, especially once ownership has changed hands and the seller may have moved on.

• You might worry about the timing. Title issues can pop up months or years after closing. That’s why the policy is designed to provide ongoing protection for as long as you own the property. It’s not a race to fix things; it’s a safety net that activates when needed.

Real-world analogies to keep this grounded

Think of your title as a chain, each link representing a link in the ownership history. If a link is weak or broken—a hidden lien, a forged document, a disputed boundary—that can undermine the whole chain. Title insurance is the repair crew and the warranty on the chain, stepping in to correct the problem or compensate you for the weakness you didn’t sign up for at the closing table.

Balancing the emotional with the practical

Buying a home is both an emotional and financial commitment. When a title defect appears, it’s natural to feel unsettled. The smart move—facing the problem head-on with your title insurer—lets you restore confidence and keep your new home as the secure place you intended it to be. You didn’t buy the house just to find out you’re not the rightful owner of the title. You bought it to build memories, plant roots, and enjoy the space. The insurance policy is there to make that possible, even when a stubborn title issue shows up.

A quick recap, so you can walk away with clarity

• If you discover a title defect after purchase, filing a claim with your title policy is the prudent path.

• The policy is designed to protect you from losses caused by title defects that weren’t known at closing.

• The insurer will investigate and determine the appropriate remedy, which can include financial compensation or legal support to defend your ownership.

• Gather your documents, communicate with your claim representative, and let the process guide you toward resolution.

• In Kansas, owner’s title policies and lender’s title policies work together to protect both you and the lender, with endorsements available for additional protections.

If you’re moving through Kansas real estate, having a clear understanding of how title protection works gives you one less thing to worry about. It’s not just about a policy—it’s about the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got a safeguard in place. When a title hiccup happens, your best first move is to reach out to your title insurer and start the process. After all, the goal isn’t to pretend the issue doesn’t exist; it’s to fix it in a way that keeps you, your family, and your new home secure for years to come.