How Much Is Title Insurance in North Dakota? 2026 Rates & Costs

In North Dakota, title insurance usually costs about 0.5% to 0.9% of the home’s purchase price. On a $100,000 home, owner’s title insurance typically costs around $500 to $900. On a $1 million home, it can cost about $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the title insurer and policy type. North Dakota does not use one fixed statewide premium schedule, so rates vary between title companies and underwriters.

If you’re getting a mortgage, you’ll also pay for a lender’s policy at closing. Total title-related closing costs in North Dakota usually range from $2,000 to $6,500. That includes title searches, escrow fees, recording charges, endorsements, and settlement services.

This guide explains how title insurance pricing works in North Dakota, what each policy covers, who usually pays, and how to save money.

Key Takeaways

• North Dakota title insurance rates are not fixed statewide. Prices vary by insurer and transaction type.
• An owner’s policy on a $500,000 home usually costs about $2,000 to $3,500.Buyers getting a mortgage also pay for a lender’s policy, though simultaneous issue discounts may reduce the cost.
• In many North Dakota transactions, the seller usually pays for the owner’s policy while the buyer pays for the lender’s policy and loan-related title fees.
• Refinancing may qualify you for reissue or refinance discounts from the title company.
• You pay for title insurance once at closing. The coverage lasts as long as you own the home.

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost in North Dakota?

North Dakota title insurance prices depend on three main factors:

1. The home’s purchase price
2. The loan amount
3. The title company handling the transaction

North Dakota title insurers file rates with the North Dakota Insurance Department, but pricing can still vary between underwriters and agencies.The average rates below reflect common 2026 residential pricing in North Dakota.

North Dakota Title Insurance Rate Chart (Effective March 1, 2026)

Here’s what an owner’s title insurance policy typically costs at common home prices in North Dakota. Since North Dakota is a filed-rate state, premiums can vary slightly by title insurer, county, endorsement selections, and transaction structure. The figures below reflect common market estimates for residential real estate transactions in 2026.

Home Purchase Price	Estimated Owner’s Policy	Estimated Lender’s Policy (Same Closing)	Estimated Total Title Premium
$100,000	$350	$125	$475
$200,000	$650	$150	$800
$300,000	$925	$175	$1,100
$400,000	$1,175	$200	$1,375
$500,000	$1,425	$225	$1,650
$750,000	$2,050	$300	$2,350
$1,000,000	$2,675	$375	$3,050

Data methodology: These estimates are derived from publicly available 2025–2026 North Dakota title insurance rate manuals, premium calculators, and pricing guidance published by major underwriters and title agencies operating in North Dakota, including First American Title, Old Republic Title, Stewart Title, FNTI, and regional settlement providers.

How North Dakota Figures Out Title Insurance Prices

North Dakota title companies generally calculate title insurance premiums using the property value and mortgage amount. Benchmark North Dakota pricing commonly averages around $5 to $7 per thousand dollars of coverage depending on the insurer and transaction structure.

Example: A $450,000 home

• Owner’s policy estimated premium: about $1,800 to $3,100
• Lender’s title policy estimated premium: about $550 to $900
• Total title insurance premium: about $2,350 to $4,000

Because North Dakota allows competitive pricing, buyers and sellers can compare attorney fees, escrow charges, and settlement costs between providers.

Simultaneous Issue Discounts

When a title company issues both the owner’s policy and lender’s policy at the same closing, the lender’s policy is usually discounted through a simultaneous issue rate.

This lowers the lender’s policy cost because much of the title examination and underwriting work applies to both policies.

For example, on a $500,000 North Dakota home purchase, the lender’s policy may cost only several hundred dollars instead of a separate full premium.

The exact discount depends on the title insurer and transaction structure.

Refinance Savings in North Dakota

If you refinance a North Dakota home, you may qualify for refinance or reissue discounts on the new lender’s policy.

Common refinance savings include:

• Reissue discounts when a prior owner’s policy exists
• Reduced refinance lender’s policy premiums
• Savings often ranging from 10% to 40% depending on eligibility and insurer
• To qualify, provide your prior title insurance policy before closing.

What Is Title Insurance in North Dakota?

Title insurance protects you from problems with the property’s ownership history. It pays for legal defense and covered losses if someone later challenges your ownership rights.

In North Dakota, title insurance policies are regulated under state insurance law, while private insurers establish and file their own approved rates.

You’ll usually see two policies during a North Dakota home purchase:

● Owner’s Policy. Protects you, the buyer. Covers your ownership rights for as long as you or your heirs own the property.
● Lender’s Policy. Protects the mortgage lender. Covers the lender’s lien until the loan is paid off or refinanced.

Three groups influence North Dakota title insurance practices:

• North Dakota Insurance Department, the state agency overseeing title insurance regulation.
• North Dakota title companies and settlement agencies, which commonly manage closings.
• American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade organization that publishes many endorsement standards.

You pay for title insurance once at closing. Coverage continues for as long as the policy remains active.

What Does Title Insurance Cover in North Dakota?

North Dakota title insurance covers ownership issues that existed before you bought the property but were not discovered during the property title search process.

If a covered issue appears later, the policy may pay legal defense costs and covered losses up to the policy amount.

Owner’s Policy, What It Covers for You

The owner’s policy protects your ownership rights. Common covered problems include:

Covered Problem	Example
Ownership disputes	A missing heir claims ownership rights
Errors in public records	Incorrect legal descriptions filed with the county
Fraud or forgery	A forged deed appears in the ownership chain
Unpaid liens	Old contractor, tax, or judgment liens surface after closing
Boundary disputes	Neighbor encroachments affect the property line
Hidden easements	Utility or access easements reduce property use
Identity fraud on title	Someone impersonated a prior owner

The owner’s policy remains active as long as you or your heirs own the property. There are no renewal premiums.

Lender’s Policy, What It Covers for the Lender

The lender’s policy protects the mortgage lender, not the homeowner. Most North Dakota lenders require this policy before funding a mortgage.Coverage ends when the mortgage is paid off or refinanced.Even if the buyer pays for the lender’s policy, the lender is the insured party. That’s why buyers are strongly encouraged to also purchase an owner’s policy.

Schedule B, What’s NOT Covered 

Every North Dakota title commitment lists exceptions excluded from coverage. Common exceptions include:

• Property taxes not yet due or payable
• HOA or subdivision restrictions
• Survey and boundary matters
• Easements recorded in public records
• Rights of tenants or occupants
• Mineral, oil, gas, or utility rights

Some exceptions may be modified or removed through endorsements.Review the title commitment carefully before closing because listed exceptions are generally excluded from future claims.

Other Things Title Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Title insurance also usually excludes:

• Problems you already knew about
• Title defects created after the policy date
• Zoning or building code violations
• Environmental hazards
• Government takings not recorded at the policy date

Who Pays for Title Insurance in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, who pays for title insurance depends on local custom and negotiation between the buyer and seller.

Typical Cost Split in North Dakota

Closing Cost	Who Usually Pays
Owner’s title insurance	Seller in many transactions
Lender’s title insurance	Buyer
Escrow / settlement fee	Split or negotiable
Recording fees	Buyer
Transfer taxes	No statewide transfer tax
Survey	Negotiable
Title endorsements	Negotiable
HOA transfer fees	Seller
Loan-related title fees	Buyer

North Dakota does not charge a statewide real estate transfer tax, which can reduce seller closing costs compared to many states.These customs vary by county, lender, and market conditions. None of them are required by North Dakota law. Everything is negotiable in the purchase contract.

Why Sellers Usually Pay for the Owner’s Policy in North Dakota

In most North Dakota home sales, the seller usually pays for the owner’s title insurance policy. The reason is straightforward: the seller is expected to transfer clear and marketable title to the buyer at closing. The owner’s policy supports that obligation.

If a title issue tied to the seller’s ownership later appears, the buyer’s owner’s policy can help cover legal defense costs and financial losses.North Dakota purchase agreements typically specify who pays for title insurance directly in the contract. While seller payment is common across much of the state, all title-related costs remain negotiable.Local customs can vary between Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, oil-producing regions, agricultural areas, and rural counties. The final allocation of costs is agreed upon before closing and written into the purchase agreement.

Why Buyers Pay Loan-Related Title Costs

The lender’s title insurance policy exists because the buyer is financing the purchase.North Dakota mortgage lenders require a lender’s title policy to protect the mortgage securing the loan. Since the buyer is obtaining financing, the buyer usually pays for the lender’s policy and most loan-related title charges.

These fees appear on the buyer’s Closing Disclosure, generally under:

• Section B (services the borrower did not shop for)
• Section C (services the borrower could shop for)

The lender’s policy protects only the lender’s mortgage interest. It does not protect the buyer’s ownership rights.

Title Insurance Costs Are Negotiable

North Dakota title insurance rates are not fixed by the state.

Title insurers and settlement providers file their own pricing schedules, meaning premiums and related fees can vary between companies.Who pays for title insurance and settlement-related costs is negotiable too.

Common arrangements include:

• A buyer offering to pay for the owner’s policy in a competitive housing market
• A seller covering additional closing costs to attract buyers
• Builders paying owner’s title insurance on newly constructed homes
• Buyers and sellers splitting settlement or escrow expenses
• Relocation companies allocating title costs based on corporate policy

These negotiations happen during the contract stage, not at the closing table.

Other North Dakota Title Insurance Costs and Endorsements

The base title premium is only part of the total title-related closing costs in North Dakota.

Most transactions also include endorsements, settlement fees, recording charges, and attorney-related services.

Endorsements provide additional protections or modify the standard title policy coverage.

Common North Dakota Title Endorsements

• ALTA 9 Endorsement (Restrictions, Encroachments, Minerals): Frequently required by lenders.
• Access Endorsement: Confirms legal access to the property.Survey Endorsement: Adds protection related to survey and boundary issues.
• Mineral Rights Endorsement: Important in oil and gas producing areas.
• Planned Unit Development (PUD) Endorsement: Used in HOA-governed communities.
• Environmental Protection Lien Endorsement: More common in commercial transactions.

Endorsement pricing varies based on the insurer and transaction structure.

Other Title-Related Closing Costs

North Dakota buyers and sellers may also encounter these fees:

• Settlement or escrow fee: $300–$900
• Recording fees: $50–$250 depending on county and document count
• Transfer and filing charges
• Wire transfer fee: $25–$50 per wire
• Survey costs when required: $400–$1,500
• HOA disclosure or transfer fees
• Mobile notary or signing fees
• Courier and processing charges
• Attorney review fees when applicable

For a $350,000 financed North Dakota home purchase, total title and settlement-related charges commonly run $3,000–$5,500 across both sides of the transaction.

North Dakota Title Insurance vs. Other States

North Dakota uses a competitive-rate title insurance system.

Title insurers set their own rates instead of following a state-mandated pricing schedule.

State	How Rates Are Set	Owner’s Policy on $400K Home (Approx.)	Who Usually Pays Owner’s Policy
North Dakota	Companies set their own rates	$1,300–$2,400	Usually Seller
Texas	State sets rates (TDI)	$2,262	Seller
Florida	State sets rates	$2,075	Seller in most counties; Buyer in Miami-Dade and Broward
California	Companies set their own rates	$1,200–$2,500	Buyer in Southern CA / Seller in Northern CA
New York	State-regulated filed rates	$2,500+	Usually Buyer

Approximate figures for comparison. Actual premiums vary based on insurer, county, property value, endorsements, and transaction structure.

What this means for North Dakota buyers: shopping title companies and settlement providers can affect both premiums and settlement-related fees.

How to Read a North Dakota Title Commitment

Before closing, the title company issues a title commitment.

This document explains the conditions under which title insurance will be issued after closing.

A North Dakota title commitment generally includes:

• Ownership information. Current owner, vesting details, and legal description.
• Requirements before closing. Mortgage payoffs, lien releases, signatures, and other conditions.
• Exceptions from coverage. Easements, taxes, utility rights, mineral rights, and recorded encumbrances.
• Policy information. Coverage amounts, insured parties, and policy type.

The exceptions section is especially important to review carefully.

This matters even more in North Dakota because agricultural and energy-producing properties may involve mineral ownership disputes, pipeline easements, or access agreements.

If a buyer wants additional protection against certain risks or exceptions, additional endorsements may be required before closing.

Can You Shop for Title Insurance in North Dakota?

Yes — and shopping can significantly affect your total closing costs.

North Dakota buyers can compare title insurers and settlement providers before closing.

What can vary between providers:

• Owner’s and lender’s policy premiums
• Settlement and escrow fees
• Wire and processing charges
• Service speed and communication
• Experience with agricultural, oil and gas, estate, investment, and commercial property transactions
• Remote signing and electronic closing availability
• Overall closing coordination and customer service

A smart move: request fee estimates from multiple providers before opening escrow or finalizing the contract.

The total difference can easily amount to several hundred dollars.

Federal law RESPA, 12 USC §2608 prohibits sellers from requiring buyers to use a specific title company as a condition of the sale.

Is Owner’s Title Insurance Worth It in North Dakota?

Owner’s title insurance is not legally required in North Dakota.

But most attorneys, lenders, and real estate professionals strongly recommend it.

North Dakota properties can face title risks involving:

• Unknown liens
• Boundary disagreements
• Mineral rights disputes
• Pipeline easements
• Forged deeds
• Recording mistakes
• Unreleased mortgages

Here’s a practical example.

A previously undiscovered mineral rights claim surfaces after closing on a $450,000 North Dakota property located near an oil-producing region. A prior owner had partially transferred underground mineral rights decades earlier.

Without owner’s title insurance, the homeowner may need to pay substantial legal costs to defend ownership rights and clarify the title.

With an owner’s policy, the title insurance company handles the defense and resolution within the policy coverage limits.

The premium is paid once at closing, and the protection lasts as long as the owner or their heirs maintain an interest in the property.

Bottom Line

North Dakota title insurance operates under a competitive-rate system rather than state-fixed pricing.

On a typical financed North Dakota purchase:

• The seller often pays for the owner’s policy
• The buyer usually pays for the lender’s policy
• Settlement and escrow fees may be shared between both parties
• Premiums and closing costs vary by provider

Unlike Texas, shopping around in North Dakota can reduce both title insurance premiums and settlement-related charges.

The owner’s policies protect the buyer’s ownership rights, while lender’s policies protect the mortgage lender’s loan interest.

The premium is a one-time payment made at closing, but the protection can last for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions