Is a commitment the same as a policy

No. A commitment is a conditional offer to insure subject to listed requirements and exceptions. The final title insurance policy is issued only after all requirements are satisfied and any required documents are recorded.

Can the commitment be signed electronically

Yes, provided the e-signature method meets ESIGN/UETA standards and any state notarial requirements are observed. Use an audited signing solution and follow remote notarization rules where applicable.

Who must sign the commitment

The commitment is typically issued and attested by the title insurance company or its authorized agent; parties sign supporting affidavits, releases, and closing documents as needed.

What if Schedule B lists unexpected liens

Notify the title agent and lender immediately. Obtain payoff statements, release instruments, or subordinate agreements to clear lien items before closing.

How long until a policy is issued

Timing depends on the complexity of requirements and recording. Once all conditions are cleared and documents recorded, the insurer issues the final policy, often within days of confirmation.

Where should I file supporting documents

Recorded instruments must be delivered to the appropriate county recorder. Maintain copies of releases, payoffs, and affidavits with the closing file and the insurer for policy issuance.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Insurance
Title Insurance Commitment Form

Title Insurance Commitment Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Title Insurance Commitment Form

Commitment Number: File Number:

Effective Date of Commitment: Commitment Expires:

Applicant / Insured

Applicant / Proposed Insured Name Mailing Address

Date of Birth:

Phone:

Email:

Property / Title Information

Property Street Address Legal Description

Vesting / Title to Vest In:

Policy Details

Policy Type: Owner's Policy Loan Policy / Mortgagee Simultaneous Issue Other

Amount of Insurance

Premium:

Deductible (if applicable):

Policy Period Start:

Policy Period End:

Schedule A — Commitment Summary

The Company will issue the requested title policy(ies) subject to the matters set forth in Schedule B and upon satisfaction of all Requirements. Proposed Insured:

Estate to be Insured: Title to Vest In:

Schedule B — Requirements (Part I)

The following requirements must be satisfied to the Company’s satisfaction before the policy will be issued:

Standard Requirements (check when satisfied)

Payment of the required premium, fees and charges. Delivery of all instruments to be recorded and properly executed and delivered. Receipt of satisfactory proof of identity for all parties required to sign. Payment or escrow for all taxes and assessments shown as liens or due and payable at closing. Clearance or release of federal and state tax liens affecting title. Recording of deed, mortgage and related instruments as required.

Additional Requirements (specify)

Schedule B — Exceptions (Part II)

The policy will be issued subject to the following exceptions:

All outstanding mortgages, deeds of trust, liens or charges of record as of the effective date, unless released prior to policy issue. Taxes and assessments not yet due and payable as of the effective date. Easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions and restrictions shown on recorded instruments or plats. Unrecorded matters which a physical inspection or accurate survey would disclose.

Additional Exceptions (specify)

Exclusions and Limitations

This Commitment is limited to the issuance of the title policy in the form of the Company’s policy and endorsements. The Commitment does not insure loss or damage nor does it create liability to the Company until the policy is actually issued. The Company’s liability, if any, is limited to the terms and conditions set forth in this Commitment and the policy to be issued. The Company will not be required to issue a policy until all Requirements are met and all matters shown as Exceptions have been satisfied or cleared.

Endorsements and Optional Coverage

Available endorsements (check if requested): ALTA Survey/Boundary Zoning/Access Endorsement Homestead/Survivorship Environmental Protection

Requested Endorsements (specify)

Beneficiary / Mortgagee Information

Beneficiary / Mortgagee Name

Relationship to Transaction:

Interest Percentage (if applicable):

Certification / Declaration

The Company hereby commits, subject to the terms, conditions and requirements stated herein, to issue the title insurance policy described in Schedule A in favor of the Proposed Insured in the amount stated, subject to the exceptions in Schedule B. This Commitment is not a policy of title insurance and confers no rights or causes of action upon any person other than as provided herein. The Company’s obligation is limited to issuance of the policy, and any liability for failure to issue the policy is governed by the terms and conditions set forth in this Commitment.

Acknowledgment by Applicant

By signing below Applicant acknowledges receipt of this Commitment, agrees to comply with all Requirements set forth herein, and agrees to payment of premiums and fees necessary for issuance of the policy.

Applicant Signature

Applicant Name:

Signature:

Date:

What the Title Insurance Commitment Form Is

A Title Insurance Commitment Form is a preliminary document issued by a title insurer after a title search. It lists the proposed insured party, the legal description of the property, Schedule A (transaction details), and Schedule B (requirements and exceptions). The commitment explains conditions the insurer will require to issue a final title policy and identifies defects or encumbrances that must be resolved before closing.

Why the Commitment Matters for Closings

The commitment clarifies what must be cured before a policy can be issued, reduces last-minute title surprises, and protects lenders and buyers by documenting outstanding liens, easements, and encumbrances.

Who Typically Prepares and Reviews This Form

Each party has specific review responsibilities; coordination early in the transaction reduces delays.

Title insurers and underwriters review search results and draft the commitment for the proposed insured and lender.
Lenders and mortgage servicers use the document to confirm title insurability and to set requirements for loan approval.
Buyers, sellers, and real estate attorneys review exceptions and requirements to resolve defects before closing.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare and Share the Commitment

Follow these four steps to produce, review, and distribute the Title Insurance Commitment Form.

01

Order Search: Request a title search from the insurer or abstractor.
02

Draft Commitment: Title insurer compiles Schedule A and Schedule B based on search results.
03

Review Exceptions: Buyer, seller, lender and counsel review and note required cures.
04

Resolve Issues: Provide payoffs, releases, or affidavits so the insurer can clear requirements.

Configuring an Online Workflow for the Commitment

Set up a consistent template and routing order to reduce processing time and ensure required signers receive the form in sequence.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link or SMS code for signer verification
Notary Option	Enable remote notarization where permitted
Conditional Fields	Show requirements only when exceptions apply
Routing Order	Title agent → lender → buyer → seller

Typical Commitment Processing Flow

A clear linear workflow helps stakeholders know when responsibilities must be completed before closing.

Prepare: Compile search results and draft commitment form.
Distribute: Send commitment to lender and parties for review.
Cure: Collect releases, payoffs, and affidavits to clear items.
Issue: Insurer issues final policy after requirements are satisfied.

Technical Requirements for eSubmission and Signing

Confirm the platform meets your security, audit-trail, and state notarial requirements before accepting electronic commitments.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX are commonly supported for commitments.
Integrations: Connectors for CRM and closing platforms reduce manual entry.
RON Support: Enable remote notarization where state law permits.

Core Sections of a Professional Commitment Form

A complete Title Insurance Commitment Form contains standard labeled sections so reviewers can find liabilities and required steps quickly.

Commitment Header

Identifies insurer, commitment number, and effective date so recipients can match records and verify the search cutoff.

Schedule A

Lists the proposed insured, policy amount, vesting, and a precise legal description of the property to be insured.

Schedule B I

Enumerates requirements the insurer will demand be satisfied before issuing a policy, such as payoff statements or affidavits.

Schedule B II

Lists exceptions and matters that will not be covered by the policy unless removed prior to issuance.

Legal Description

Provides the recorded property description used to determine parcel boundaries and to match encumbrances.

Signature Block

Contains insurer officer or agent attestation, signature, and date confirming the commitment terms and conditions.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Audit Trail: Comprehensive timestamps and action logs

HIPAA: BAA required for PHI-bearing workflows

ESIGN/UETA: Supports legally admissible e-signatures

21 CFR Part 11: Available for regulated records when required

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 compliance

Common Preparation Pitfalls

Using an incomplete legal description or street address only, which can cause the wrong parcel to be insured and delay closing.
Failing to list recorded liens or recent instruments in Schedule B, leaving uncovered risks that surface after closing.
Mismatched proposed insured names between lender instructions, loan documents, and the commitment can prevent policy issuance.
Omitting required supporting documents such as recorded releases, subordination agreements, or payoff statements increases cure time.

Risks if the Commitment Is Incorrect or Incomplete

Delayed Closing: Closings may be postponed if key requirements are unresolved.

Claim Exposure: Insurer may deny coverage for undisclosed defects.

Increased Costs: Extra fees for rush cures, notary, or reissuance.

Lender Denial: Loan funding can be withheld until insurability is confirmed.

Recording Rejection: Incorrect instruments can be rejected by the county recorder.

Legal Disputes: Buyer or seller claims arising from undisclosed encumbrances.

Key Timing Considerations and Typical Deadlines

Track milestone dates so the commitment supports the closing schedule and lender requirements.

Effective Date:

Commitment date sets the search cutoff for recorded documents.

Objection Window:

Parties should flag exceptions as soon as review completes to allow cures.

Cure Period:

Time to obtain releases or payoff statements varies by complexity and lender.

Closing Date:

Ensure the final policy can be issued and delivered by closing.

Policy Issuance:

Insurer issues the final policy after all requirements are satisfied.

Sequential Milestones from Search to Policy

A high-level sequence clarifies responsibilities and expected order of events before policy issuance.

01

Order Title Search

Initiate search to identify recorded matters affecting the property.

02

Issue Commitment

Insurer provides Schedule A and Schedule B items for resolution.

03

Resolve Requirements

Collect releases, payoffs, and supporting affidavits required by insurer.

04

Issue Final Policy

Policy is issued once all conditions are satisfied and documents are recorded where needed.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Completing Commitments

Basic vendor pricing and capability highlights relevant to electronic completion and signing of title commitments.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Practical Examples of Commitment Use in Transactions

Two brief examples illustrate common scenarios where a clear commitment avoided closing issues.

Retail Property Closing

A title insurer issued a commitment noting an unrecorded easement discovered during search.

The buyer objected to the easement.
The seller produced a recorded release; the requirement was cleared, allowing the lender to proceed with funding and the policy to be issued without delay.

Refinance with Lender Conditions

A lender required priority payoff documentation and a mechanic's lien search.

Title commitment listed a prior lien.
The borrower obtained a payoff and recorded release; the commitment was updated and the refinance closed with a final loan policy issued in the lender’s name.

Frequently Asked Questions About Title Insurance Commitments

Answers to common questions about commitment content, e-signature use, and next steps if issues arise.

Need help? Contact support

Is a commitment the same as a policy
No. A commitment is a conditional offer to insure subject to listed requirements and exceptions. The final title insurance policy is issued only after all requirements are satisfied and any required documents are recorded.
Can the commitment be signed electronically
Yes, provided the e-signature method meets ESIGN/UETA standards and any state notarial requirements are observed. Use an audited signing solution and follow remote notarization rules where applicable.
Who must sign the commitment
The commitment is typically issued and attested by the title insurance company or its authorized agent; parties sign supporting affidavits, releases, and closing documents as needed.
What if Schedule B lists unexpected liens
Notify the title agent and lender immediately. Obtain payoff statements, release instruments, or subordinate agreements to clear lien items before closing.
How long until a policy is issued
Timing depends on the complexity of requirements and recording. Once all conditions are cleared and documents recorded, the insurer issues the final policy, often within days of confirmation.
Where should I file supporting documents
Recorded instruments must be delivered to the appropriate county recorder. Maintain copies of releases, payoffs, and affidavits with the closing file and the insurer for policy issuance.

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