Investors and lenders in the United States have been using title insurance for decades.  No one would even think of entering into a major real estate transaction without it.

Caribbean and Latin American investors and lenders have historically relied on an opinion letter from an attorney as their safeguard against unforeseen problems stemming from a property purchase or financing.  Many are discovering this is no longer sufficient and realize title insurance from First American Title Insurance Company is an essential tool for anyone doing business in the Caribbean or Latin America.

Title Insurance provides cost-effective, comprehensive protection, far exceeding a traditional opinion letter.

First American is committed to providing this invaluable product to investors and lenders dealing in the Caribbean and Latin America real estate.

When purchasing or providing financing for any property, there is always the risk of related title defects.  These defects could include survey errors, title flaws, fraud, forgery, undisclosed liens and encumbrances, or a host of other problems. 

Attorneys identify these risks in their opinion letters, but the client must decide whether or not to accept the risks.  If by chance the attorney misses something, clients could face substantial losses or damages.

Title insurance can insure over defects, thus eliminating the risk for the client.  And, if a defect is missed, First American protects the client against actual losses that may occur.

Many Caribbean and Latin American attorneys carry professional liability insurance.  However, the amount of coverage is typically $1 million, which is insufficient for all but the smallest claims.

Moreover, any claim against an attorney can only be successful if the client can prove attorney negligence.  Those claims are always vigorously defended, and it is important to remember that the insured under these plans if the attorney, not the owner or lender.  Therefore, the owner or lender must first obtain a judgment against the attorney before the liability insurance carrier is responsible.

In contrast, if you have a First American policy, you make your claim directly to First American.  First American has the duty to defend you as well as indemnify you against covered losses.

First American issues policies in the Caribbean and Latin America similar to those issued in the United States, but has tailored them to international needs.  Starting with the standard ALTA policy form, First American has developed specific international policies for the region.

First American’s Caribbean and Latin America headquarters are located in Sunrise, Florida.  The Company presently has agents in Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the US. Virgin Islands.  First American can issue policies on property in all countries of the region through the help of local attorneys.

Obtaining title insurance in any Caribbean or Latin American country is simple.  All you have to do is contact First American’s Caribbean/Latin America headquarters to begin the title insurance process.  To expedite the transaction and keep costs low, First American may rely on the title opinion of your local attorney to create our Policy.

First American has insured many large, complex transactions in Latin American and the Caribbean Basin as well as in England, Canada, the United States and Australia.  The Company’s expertise has facilitated smooth closings in those countries, utilizing the varying laws in each jurisdiction.  First American brings this expertise to your Caribbean and Latin American transactions.

First American is eager to help you obtain the protection you need as you expand into new and exciting territory.  If you are already located or doing business in the Caribbean or Latin American, you can now count on First American for all of your title needs.

Call First American today at (954) 839-2900 or toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (877) 641-6767 and find out why title insurance from First American makes so much sense when you do business in the Caribbean and Latin America.