Colorado Title Insurance: ALTA Policies, Rates, and Requirements
Colorado title insurance is regulated by the Colorado Division of Insurance. Standard policies (ALTA Lender's and Owner's) are required by virtually all lenders. Rates are set by the policy type and transaction price.
What You'll Learn
- Colorado ALTA Owner's and Lender's title insurance
- How rates are calculated in Colorado
- What title commitments look like
- Schedule A vs. Schedule B
- Endorsements common in Colorado
- Title companies vs. attorneys
The Full Explanation
Colorado is an attorney-state for real estate transactions — a licensed attorney must handle the closing. Title companies provide the title insurance and often handle the closing with an attorney on staff. CTC works with title companies across all 64 Colorado counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colorado an attorney-closing state?
Yes — Colorado requires a licensed attorney to handle the closing and sign the HUD/CD. In practice, title companies employ closing attorneys who handle all closings. This is seamless for borrowers but important for lenders to understand.
What does a Colorado title commitment look like?
Schedule A shows: proposed insured amount, effective date, estate (fee simple or leasehold), and current owner. Schedule B-1 shows requirements to issue the policy. Schedule B-2 shows exceptions to coverage. CTC reviews B-2 exceptions on every file.
Are there endorsements commonly required in Colorado?
Yes — ALTA 9 (restriction, encroachment) is common; ALTA 8.1 (environmental protection) is common on rural files; ALTA 22 (location) is sometimes required. CTC identifies required endorsements and ensures the title commitment includes them.